Airport lands biotech park
Lee OKs lease for research complex projected to bring 800 jobs
Lee County commissioners recently approved a ground lease for the creation of a bioscience and technology research park at Southwest Florida International Airport.
When completed, the complex is projected to bring as many as 800 jobs, of which about 500 would be new to the region. These jobs include positions paying $65,000 a year or more.
That's welcome news, especially for Lee County, which in January endured its highest jobless rate in 15 years. With home foreclosures high and building permit applications low, construction work on the bioscience park also is a big plus.
"As we all know, our economy has weakened substantially. Having a development opportunity like this couldn't have come at a better time," said Bob Ball, executive director of the Lee County Port Authority.
"This is a tremendous economic boost. ... I can't wait to get started," said Commission Chairman Ray Judah. The plan next goes to the Federal Aviation Administration for review.
The developer is Gulf Coast Technology Center Inc., a Florida corporation recently formed and owned by John W. Madden Jr., a Captiva Island resident. His other firm, Denver-based John Madden Co., has more than 40 years' experience with development of big office buildings and office parks in Colorado, California, Arizona, Michigan and other states.
"Our vision is to create the hub for a new generation of scientific, technology and business leaders and researchers, clustered together in scientific collaboration," said Steve Brown, vice president/director of project development and grandson of the Madden Co. founder.
The park, dubbed the Madden Research Loop, will "bring in national companies big and small, that are doing medical research, clinical research, robotics," said Mary Briggs, local public relations consultant for the developer.
It promises to be aesthetically pleasing, with green-certified buildings clustered around a lake and naturally landscaped spaces with walking trails that will be open to public use.
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