Sierra Vista, a city in Arizona, has been investing in the revitalization of its west end by attracting new businesses and cleaning up the area. One notable addition to this revitalization effort is the University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), which recently purchased a building on the west side of town in order to be a part of the transformation.
Gary Packard, the Dean of UArizona CAST, explained that the university&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPVZUOHpuZlM3WDJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYm1oRlZuUlZkMU5FT1ZsUWEwTkZTRkV4ZVd0alVUMDk-8217;s decision to invest in property on the west side is motivated by a desire to be more visible and accessible to the public. Packard noted that the university has often felt somewhat hidden within the community and sees this building as an opportunity to make a direct impact in Sierra Vista.
The purchased building, known as the Sofia building, is located in the Piazza San Lorenzo and was acquired for $3 million. The building&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPVZUOHpuZlM3WDJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYm1oRlZuUlZkMU5FT1ZsUWEwTkZTRkV4ZVd0alVUMDk-8217;s proximity to Fort Huachuca was a major factor in the investment decision, as a majority of the students enrolled at CAST are in cybersecurity programs, and being near the installation is advantageous for them.
Currently used as an office building with a few occupants, the new location will undergo a transformation to become an interactive lab for online students from all over the county. Packard stressed that as a public university, they would operate like a public building, with open hours and displays for people to learn about securing their electronic devices. The plan also involves adding a high-tech event space and meeting room for public use.
While the design phase of the project is currently underway, construction is expected to commence in the fall or winter. Due to supply chain issues, completion of the project may take anywhere between 12 to 18 months.
Sierra Vista&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPVZUOHpuZlM3WDJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYm1oRlZuUlZkMU5FT1ZsUWEwTkZTRkV4ZVd0alVUMDk-8217;s revitalization efforts are benefiting from the involvement of the University of Arizona CAST. By investing in property on the west side of town, the university aims to increase its visibility and make a direct impact on the community. The transformation of the Sofia building into an interactive lab will provide education opportunities for online students while also serving as a resource for the public to learn about securing their electronic devices. With its strategic location near Fort Huachuca, the university is well-positioned to support the cybersecurity programs offered at CAST. This collaboration between the city and the university is a promising step towards the continued growth and development of Sierra Vista&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPVZUOHpuZlM3WDJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYm1oRlZuUlZkMU5FT1ZsUWEwTkZTRkV4ZVd0alVUMDk-8217;s west end.
