Two companies are currently designing buildings for possible location in New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Research Park, which lies in the heart of the Interstate 10 and Interstate 25 interchange,said Garrey Carruthers, dean of the NMSU College of Business.
Carruthers relayed an update of the research park’s development to attendees of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Business on the Border Forum Oct. 2.
“We’re excited that this thing is really happening,” he said. “We’re delighted to be the go-to place (for economic development opportunities).”
One of the prospects, a hitech company interested in hiring interns and part-time student employees,is seeking a 45,000- to 50,000-squarefoot building. The other is a Fortune 50 company with two divisions – software engineering and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.If they do move to the research park, the companies will set up in the first 11 acres being developed by Arrowhead Development Co.
But moving businesses in to the park isn’t the only plan, Carruthers said. There also are plans to redo the drainage system of the park as well as improve the roads. Carruthers said the College of Business and the Arrowhead Center is working with the State of New Mexico to fund an off-ramp from Interstate 10 directly into the research park. By exiting on Cholla Road, Carruthers said it will be the southern entrance to the campus.
After having conversations with Las Cruces Public Schools Supertintendent Stan Rounds, there also are plans for a magnet school to be placed directly in the middle of the park. As a magnet school, LCPS will run the operations and fund the building and the school’s facilities.
Carruthers said the school will be at a high school level with about 300 to 400 students interested in business and entrepreneurship.
“The College of Business has already agreed to provide that education opportunity for students interested in leadership, business and entrepreneurship,” Carruthers said.Over the next 10 years, Carruthers said the research park has the potential to provide 2.125 million square feet for office and laboratory space in addition to adequate parking.
The greenhouses found in the eastern part of the park will be removed over time and a seven- to eight-story “icon” building will be erected along Interstate 25 so that northbound drivers will know they are approaching New Mexico State University.
As the research park evolves, Carruthers said each business or laboratory will be in certain clusters, including biosciences, digital media, homeland security, secure border initiative and aerospace.
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Copyright (c) 2007 FIG Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. 10/05/2007
Natasha Hales
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