In The News: 'Dan Ritchie joins Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority board'

Link to the Denver Post

Link to the Denver Business Journal

Link to 9News (from the DBJ)

Inside Real Estate News

Link to InsideRealEstateNews.com

ColoradoBiz: 'Anschutz Medical Campus takes shape as a veritable city of health sciences'

Quoting from the September issue:

"Seven years after the former Fitzsimons Army post was redeveloped as a hub for health care, education and research, the campus is doing exactly what it was created to do: breeding companies based on research developed at the hospitals and school on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus...

...'Last year we added nine companies,' said Steve VanNurden, president and chief executive of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA), which oversees the Science + Technology Park. 'A lot of the companies come from the university. It’s great to see new intellectual property is coming right across the street.'

In 2012, the FRA recruited VanNurden from Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm for the Minnesota-based medical group, a testament to increased attention the medical research community is paying to the Anschutz campus..."

...The FRA is re-evaluating the decade-old master plan that envisioned recruiting major bioscience companies that would build their own facilities. Now it’s focused on aligning itself with research institutions such as the University of Colorado.

'The need for the Pfizers of the world to build facilities has diminished as they’ve put more focus on research institutions,' said John Shaw, an independent consultant the FRA hired to oversee its real estate projects in the district. 'There are 150 acres of property to be developed. That allows us to look at a number of other uses to support the hospitals and research centers. We’re looking at what we can place in the property that will enhance what is currently there.'

Those uses could include student housing and a hotel, in addition to laboratory and office space for emerging companies."

 Link to ColoradoBiz for full article

Aurora Sentinel: 'Man with a plan: Fitzsimons redevelopment guru bringing DTC drive to Aurora’s Anschutz'

Quoting from today's posting by Brandon Johannson:

"FRA last week announced the hiring of longtime Denver real estate developer John Shaw to oversee its real estate projects in the district. 

Shaw, who oversaw the Denver Tech Center in the 1980s and worked on the redevelopment that saw the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center morph into Anschutz, said he looks forward to what the future holds for the area.

'It is absolutely staggering the amount of activity that has occurred at Fitzsimons,' he said. 'But the wonderful part is that we have 150 acres now to complete that park. And we have the opportunity to really think through how it should be developed.'

The FRA’s land includes much of the land north of East Montview Boulevard, including the old Fitzsimons golf course. The group’s development plans have called for turning that land into a thriving business park where bioscience and other high-tech companies mingle with researchers and other academics from the medical campus across Montview."

Link to the full article at AuroraSentinel.com

(Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel) - Link to the posting

DBJ: 'Developer Shaw to advise Fitzsimons authority on real estate'

Quoting today's posting by Mark Harden:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority said Wednesday it is bringing in developer John M. Shaw, its chairman, as a real estate consultant.

Shaw will oversee FRA's real estate projects in the Colorado Life Science District at Fitzsimons, the authority said. The authority hopes to develop a bio-sciences center on 180 acres north of the Fitzsimons/Anschutz medical campus in Aurora."

Link to the Denver Business Journal

Denver Post: 'Denver developer John Shaw hired as consultant for Fitzsimons complex'

Quoting from today's posting by Steve Raabe:

"Veteran Denver real estate developer John Shaw has been hired as a consultant for the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority.

Shaw will advise the Colorado Life Science District in developing biotech facilities on the mostly vacant Fitzsimons property north of the major hospital and academic complex that includes the University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado and the CU medical schools."

Link to DenverPost.com

Well-Known Denver Real Estate Developer John M. Shaw to Oversee Properties in the Colorado Life Science District at Fitzsimons

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has selected John M. Shaw as a consultant to oversee its real estate projects in the Colorado Life Science District at Fitzsimons. The announcement is made by Steve VanNurden, FRA President & CEO, who says, "John brings more than three decades of leadership and experience in successful real estate development, operational management and civic engagement to FRA’s projects.”

Over his career, Shaw has managed the development of more than 20 million square feet of commercial properties throughout the western United States. He recently left his position as Executive Vice President of McWhinney, a Colorado-based development company with significant assets in Loveland, Broomfield and Denver.

Further, VanNurden says, “John’s extensive track record of successful real estate development projects makes him the ideal partner to continue the FRA’s vision to build a world class life science district at Fitzsimons.”

Link to the PitchEngine posting

Recent Groundbreaking: Bioscience 2 Building 

In April, FRA in conjunction with the University of Colorado broke ground on the new Bioscience 2 building. Quoting VanNurden from the March 26th release: “The new Bioscience 2 building will not only be home to the University’s innovative bioengineering program, it will provide a unique opportunity for commercial bioscience companies to interact on a daily basis with highly talented students from the university.” For more information, visit: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/newsroom/newsreleases/Pages/Bioscience-2-opening-new-idea-new-building.aspx.

New Video: Fitzsimons Life Science District Overview

Today's Innovations: Tomorrow's Industries - BioScience R&D to Commercialization at the Fitzsimons Life Science District in Adams County, Colorado:

 
 http://youtu.be/Db2zLbgZhUU 

Video by Adams County Economic Development (ACED)

Accelerator Gazette: 'Bioscience Park Center opens new accelerator building'

Quoting from the Accelerator Gazette:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) in Aurora Colorado will officially open its new Accelerator Building later today according to a press release. This $8 million, 37,000 square-foot facility is adjacent to FRA's original Incubator Building at the Bioscience Park Center in the Fitzsimons Life Science District."

Link to the posting

Denver Post: 'Four growing biotech firms move into Fitzsimons Accelerator Building'

Quoting from the August 23rd article by John Mossman:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority is celebrating the move of four startup companies from the Bioscience Park Center 'incubator' to its new wing known as the 'accelerator.'

The four biotech companies — Mitomics USA, Greffex Inc., Touch of Life Technologies and Light Labs — are among 39 firms that have been housed in Bioscience Park Center. They have run out of room and are graduating to the $8 million, three-story, 37,000-square-foot expansion, taking up most of that space. The new facility already is 78 percent leased.

'It's a nice problem to have when you haven't even opened your new building yet and you could potentially now be limited in space again,' said the authority's new president and chief executive, Steve VanNurden."

Link to denverpost.com

Aurora Sentinel: 'FRA celebrates grand opening of new wing'

Quoting from the August 22nd Aurora Sentinel:

"The FRA on Wednesday unveiled the new wing at their headquarters, a state-of-the-art addition that dramatically expanded the building at 12635 E. Montview Boulevard by about 50 percent. Steve VanNurdern, the FRA’s executive director, the new space is already about 80 percent full.

The FRA’s grand opening was scheduled for July 25, but they pushed it back to Aug. 22 because of the Aurora theater shootings. The first new tenant, Greffex Inc., moved into its new space this month. Next month, the other three new tenants — Mitomics, Touch of Life Technologies and LightLabs — are scheduled to move in.

The new wing will add about 40,000 square feet to the 60,000-square-foot home to the FRA and hub of the burgeoning Life Science District. The project is an important step for the district, officials say, because it will provide space for more advanced companies that are ready to take the next step beyond the facilities the building currently offers."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

'Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Opens New Accelerator Facility' (four online postings)

Quoting from the Property Mentor website:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority celebrates the shift of four new companies from the Bioscience Park Center “incubator” to its new division called the “accelerator.” The four biotech companies including Touch of Life Technologies Mitomics USA, Greffex Inc. and Light Labs along with 35 other firms have been housed in the Bioscience Park Center. The new building already is 78 percent leased."

Link to the Property Mentor site

Quoting from the online posting:

"'The Bioscience Park Center is designed to foster a collaborative environment—by having established companies in close proximity to incubator startups—further promoting an essential atmosphere that makes the Fitzsimons Life Science District an important hub in the overall growth of Colorado’s bioscience industry,' [Steve]VanNurden [Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Pres/CEO] explains. 'Companies relocating to the Accelerator include: Mitomics, Touch of Life Technologies, LightLabs and Greffex.'

Concurrent with the Accelerator's completion, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has been retained by the FRA to market its new facility adjacent to the Business Incubator. Speaking on behalf of the national firm, JLL Broker Lindsay Gilbert says, 'Colorado's Bioscience Industry is poised for growth, particularly at the research and patient-centric life sciences district at Fitzsimons. Our firm is thrilled to be partnering with Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority at this time of explosive growth for the district.'"

Link to the Healthcare Global site

From eWallstreeter August 22:

"Copyright © thinkBiotech Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) opens its new $8 million Accelerator facility today, expanding its Bioscience Park Center (BPC) by roughly 50%"

Link to eWallstreeter

Quoting from the August 22 posting:

"Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) opens its new $8 million Accelerator facility today, expanding its Bioscience Park Center (BPC) by roughly 50%"

Link to BiotechBlog

InnovatioNews: 'Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority opens new accelerator, expands capabilities in Bioscience Park Center'

Quoting from today's posting by Steve Porter:

"AURORA – Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority is today officially opening its new $8 million, 37,000-square-foot Accelerator Building, the FRA announced.

The new building is adjacent to its original Incubator Building at the Bioscience Park Center in the Fitzsimons Life Science District.

FRA’s original Incubator Building opened in 2000 and now houses 35 companies in different stages of development. The expansion will enable the companies to move into larger, long-term space."

Link to InnovatioNews

Colorado: Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Opens New Accelerator in its Life Science District

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) officially opens its new $8 million, 37,000 square-foot Accelerator Building today, adjacent to its original Incubator Building at the Bioscience Park Center (BCP) in the Fitzsimons Life Science District.

The announcement is made by Steve VanNurden, FRA President and CEO, who says, "The addition of this Accelerator will offer companies growing in the Incubator an opportunity to expand and continue their expansion nearby."

The FRA's original Incubator Building opened in 2000 and now houses 35 companies in different stages of development. The expansion will enable companies to move into larger, long-term space. The new space includes:

* Built-to-suit spaces with access to incubator services and amenities

* World class resources at your finger tips - university research facilities and major medical centers

* Collaborative environment with complimentary business and networking opportunities

"The Bioscience Park Center is designed to foster a collaborative environment—by having established companies in close proximity to incubator startups—further promoting an essential atmosphere that makes the Fitzsimons Life Science District an important hub in the overall growth of Colorado’s bioscience industry," VanNurden explains. "Companies relocating to the Accelerator include: Mitomics, Touch of Life Technologies, LightLabs and Greffex."

Concurrent with the Accelerator's completion, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has been retained by the FRA to market its new facility adjacent to the Business Incubator. Speaking on behalf of the national firm, JLL Broker Lindsay Gilbert says, "Colorado's Bioscience Industry is poised for growth, particularly at the research and patient-centric life sciences district at Fitzsimons. Our firm is thrilled to be partnering with Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority at this time of explosive growth for the district."

Link to the PR Web Newswire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Aurora Sentinel: 'New Fitzsimons redevelopment president says growing site looks a lot like Mayo'

Quoting from the August 7th article by Sara Castellanos:

"The fledgling health-care industry growing on the former Fitzsimons Army Base is similar to the way the world-renowned Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic looked about two decades ago, the new president of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority said Aug 6.

Steve VanNurden, formerly the chairman of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm of the hospital, told Aurora City Council members at a regularly scheduled meeting that when he first started his job in 1990, there were still construction cranes on the site, much like the ones at Anschutz Medical Campus now.

Back then, Mayo Clinic had about 31,000 employees. VanNurden said he saw the campus grow to 58,000 employees when he left to take the Fitzsimons post.

About 19,000 people are currently employed on the former Fitzsimons Army Base, he said."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

DBJ: 'Fitzsimons changes focus to better nurture startups'

Quoting from the article by Greg Avery on Steve VanNurden, recently appointed Pres/CEO of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority:

"VanNurden’s hiring completes a shift making the FRA less of a real estate organization and one more focused on helping to attract and find resources for medical and technology businesses that want to be in the park.

'Rather than make this a real estate play, we’re going to make this a biosciences community,' he said. 'We have all the ingredients to be able to do that; we just need to put them in the right places.'. .

. . . . Near VanNurden’s office door, construction workers are finishing the interior of an $8 million expansion of the building that houses the FRA headquarters and 3½ floors of labs and offices for 38 bioscience startups, most of which come from the university labs across the street.

The new wing was considered speculative development when it was announced two years ago, but demand for it proved strong.

The expansion opens July 25, and it will be 90 percent occupied. Four companies — Isogenis, Inc., LightLabs, Mitomics and Touch of Life Technologies — are moving in. They outgrew their space in the bioscience incubator building, said Vicki Jenings, the FRA’s director of business relations.

VanNurden hopes the growth of companies incubated on the campus will drive demand for more buildings, and that some large companies result from the homegrown tenants.

He plans to look beyond the FRA’s immediate surroundings for tenant companies. He envisions the park one day attracting computer technology companies and clinical-trials management companies, not just strictly drug and medical-device research companies. . .

. . . On July 3, VanNurden realized a longtime industry contact had a layover at DIA. VanNurden — who declined to identify that person’s company, saying only that it’s well-known — picked up the person and his colleagues, and gave them an impromptu tour of Fitzsimons and information about the work being done on the campus before returning them to DIA.

'They didn’t know what this was, and they were very interested to discover what’s going on here,' he said."

Link to the Denver Business Journal

LifeScience: 'Aurora Bioscience district gets new boss with big experience'

Quoting from the July 3 Aurora Sentinel article by Brandon Johansson:

"Steve VanNurden is excited for the new expansion wing at the Bioscience Park Center, Thursday afternoon, June 28, at the Fitzsimons Life Science District. VanNurden took over as President and CEO in late May...

...That growth and the momentum he sees being built was what drew VanNurden from Mayo Clinic Ventures in Rochester, Minn. to the FRA.

VanNurden started at Mayo 22 years ago after a career with agriculture-industry giant Cargill.

A few years prior, Mayo had launched Mayo Clinic Ventures, which aimed to take the world-class research happening at Mayo, and turn it into bioscience and biotechnology companies.

Since then, he helped start about 50 individual companies.

That ability to take the ideas that sprout from medical research and turn them into profitable companies has local officials excited about VanNurden’s arrival at the FRA.

Mark Spiecker, CEO of Sharklet Technologies, one of the 39 companies at the FRA’s Bioscience Park Center, said VanNurden is the perfect fit for the organization.

Across the health-care industry, Mayo is seen as a model for technology development and funding, Spiecker said, and Mayo Clinic Ventures is well-known as a place where breakthrough technologies become startup companies.

'Having a guy that used to run that program is a great opportunity for us,' he said.

Holli Riebel, CEO of the Colorado Bioscience Association, said landing VanNurden was a sign that Colorado’s burgeoning bioscience industry is gaining credibility around the country. 'I think it’s a real coup for us to be able to attract Steve,' she said.

His background with starting bioscience companies will be ideal at the FRA, where officials have announced an enhanced focus on building relationships with the rest of the state’s bioscience industry, she said.

'That’s really what we’re trying to do,' she said."

Link to the full article

Denver Post: 'Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority appoints Steve VanNurden as CEO'

Quoting from denverpost.com - posted April 17, 2012:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority today said it has named Steve VanNurden as its new president and chief executive officer.

VanNurden will start in the position in late May.

VanNurden is currently chairman of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm for Mayo Clinic. The division is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo's discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property."

Link to denverpost.com

'The mother of inventions...Denise Brown stepping down from unique Colorado projects and an industry she helped create'

Quoting from the April 10th article on Denise Brown's career growing Colorado's Bioscience Industry by Brandon Johannson:

"When she retires next month, Brown will cap a career during which she has been as involved in Colorado and Aurora’s booming bioscience industry as just about anyone.

After working in the state legislature and the governor’s office, Brown spent 17 years at CU before launching the Colorado BioScience Association a decade ago."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

MedCity News: 'Mayo Clinic Ventures’ chair leaving to bolster bioscience efforts in Colorado'

Quoting from the website dedicated to covering news from the country's elite medical cities:

"A Colorado redevelopment authority charged with developing a bioscience district near the University of Colorado campus in Aurora has appointed the head of Mayo Clinic Ventures as its new leader.

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority announced that Steve VanNurden will become the group’s new president and CEO starting in late May. FRA was created in 1996 as a partnership between the University of Colorado and the city of Aurora. Now, FRA in partnership with the University, the city of Aurora and the Children’s hospital and other public entities have acquired land that is part of an ambitious effort to transform the area from an old army medical center into a thriving bioscience hub."

Link to the news posting

Rochester Post-Bulletin: 'Van Nurden departs Mayo'

Quoting from coverage today by Jeff Kiger:

"The head of a Mayo Clinic branch that commercializes its patents and inventions is moving on to a new position with the city of Aurora, Colo.

Steve Van Nurden, the chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, has been hired as the president and chief executive officer of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority in Aurora. That means he will be in charge of developing the 180-acre Colorado Science + Technology Park.

He will start his new job in May."

Link to the news item

Kiger also blogged about the news yesterday in the posting 'Mayo Clinic Ventures leader leaving for Colorado gig' - link to read