Plaza Cos. broke ground recently on Estrella Medical Plaza II at 9201 West Thomas Road in the Banner Estrella Medical Campus in west Phoenix, having inked over 23K SF in leases at the property. The building was nearly 40% leased as work began.

Tenants who have committed to the project include a blood-draw lab, an orthopedics group and a urology physician practice. The four-story, 64K SF building will open in December.

The building will include a direct pedestrian connection to Banner Estrella Medical Center, a 317-bed community hospital. With the hospital's expansion in 2015, Plaza Cos. decided it was time to build another medical office building nearby.

Peoria-based Plaza Cos. developed Estrella Medical Plaza I in the mid-2000s. It has been near full occupancy since.

“We know the campus is emerging as one of the most significant medical facilities in the Valley," Plaza Cos. President and CEO Sharon Harper said.

Taking a sizable chunk of the new development, nearly 20K SF on the second and third floors, is the Center for Orthopedic Research and Education, called The CORE Institute. It is the largest orthopedic group in Arizona, employing more than 150 doctors in 23 locations.

Sonora Quest has signed for 3,400 SF on the first floor. The office will provide blood-draw services and specimen collection.