Edward Gately, The Republic | azcentral.com

SkySong, the Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center, will be bringing more retail and restaurant space to the McDowell Road corridor.

Leasing has started on a planned 10,500-square-foot restaurant and retail building to be built at Scottsdale Road and SkySong Boulevard, just south of McDowell and east of Scottsdale Road.

“We plan on breaking ground in the fall,” said SkySong spokesman Tom Evans. “We have to go through the (city’s) Design Review board but do not have to go to City Council. The total cost of the building is approximately $5 million.”

It’s part of the overall mixed-use vision for SkySong, which will include 1.2 million square feet of development upon completion. A third office building, SkySong III, and parking garage are nearing completion, with a fourth office building expected to be under construction before the end of the year.

Also, the 325-unit SkySong Apartments complex was completed in April.

Plaza Cos. is the master developer of SkySong, in partnership with the ASU Foundation and Scottsdale. Tucson-based Holualoa Cos. also has partnered with Plaza Cos. for the project.

SRS Real Estate Partners is handling the leasing for the retail building, which will include adjacent surface parking for visitors to the restaurants and stores.

“We kept hearing from people that they wanted more restaurant and retail options to be a part of the future of SkySong, and this will help us accomplish that goal,” said Sharon Harper, Plaza Cos.’ president and CEO. “We have a wonderful café on site and have had smaller retail presences in the past, but this will truly bring back strong, established retail to this property and provide some great services for the area.”

More than 1,000 employees and 50 companies are housed at SkySong. The mission of the mixed-use, 42-acre development is to be a job creator and entrepreneurial hub.