Exploration Park Receives IEDC Honorable Mention
COLUMBUS, OH (October 1, 2010) – This week, Pizzuti Solutions was honored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with an “Honorable Mention” for Exploration Park(R) in the “Public/Private Partnerships” category of IEDC’s “Excellence in Economic Development Awards” in communities with a 500,000+ population.
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. This year, awards were presented in 28 categories, honoring organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities. Winners were recognized at IEDC’s annual conference, which took place September 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio.
IEDC’s Public-Private Partnership Award recognizes outstanding and innovative development projects that have significantly enhanced the economic revitalization of distressed communities, states, or regions. Among other guidelines, nominees should demonstrate creativity or innovation in packaging the project (i.e. land acquisition, joint venture aspects and financing).
“We are proud to serve as the Master Developer for Exploration Park(R),” said Tom Harmer, senior vice president of Pizzuti Solutions. “Our partnership with Space Florida is an important component in the region’s drive for economic growth and the creation and retention of jobs.”
“IEDC received a record number of entries this year and we are pleased to see Exploration Park(R) recognized for its unique offerings,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We strongly believe that this partnership with Pizzuti will result in a very unique park that will lead the way for innovation in Florida.”
About Exploration Park(R): Phase 1 of Exploration Park(R) will include eight new buildings totaling 315,000 sq. ft. Space Florida has signed a 60-year lease with NASA to develop 60 acres of usable space on KSC property for the park. To date, six letters of Intent have been signed by potential tenants of Phase 1 facilities, and it is anticipated that more than 1,700 jobs are possible within the first phase. Space Florida and Pizzuti continue to aggressively seek tenants for the park.
Exploration Park(R) is expected to open its first new facility in 2012, and will host diverse aerospace-related activities for interested commercial, civil and military tenants, as well as other high-tech users in areas such as clean energy. The park will be located in close proximity to existing launch and payload processing facilities, providing a direct benefit to tenants with business models that include gaining access to space. In the 2010 State Legislative Session, Space Florida received $7.5 million from the Economic Development Transportation Trust Fund to be used for horizontal infrastructure development in Phase 1.
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About Pizzuti: The Pizzuti Companies is a recognized leader in the development, marketing and management of real estate. With operations in Columbus, Chicago and Orlando, Pizzuti has developed more than 40 million square feet of Class A office, medical and healthcare, retail, residential and institutional-quality industrial facilities throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States. Pizzuti also has considerable experience working with local governments in the development of creative public-private partnerships. A leader in sustainable design practices, Pizzuti has completed build-to-suit and speculative construction projects in each of their major markets. Pizzuti Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, boasts a staff with more than a century of combined public-sector work experiences, and focuses extensively in the areas of public facilities, sports and recreation, cultural facilities, education and strategic planning.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
