Irvine Co Office Properties president Doug Holte tells us the company's new plans to develop six office buildings totaling 528k SF in Irvine Spectrum began with assessing workforce needs. The development at its Discovery Business Center and Sand Canyon Business Center projects will seek to seamlessly blend work and life to deliver a coastal California lifestyle, he says.

Demand is strong for more low- and mid-rise office space, with the company's portfolio of such properties now at less than 5% vacant. The new properties will be example of Irvine's Next Gen Campus Office, Doug adds, which includes sleek building design, informal and connected outdoor spaces, and lifestyle amenities. The buildings will also include a feature called The Commons, a large open-air space at the heart of each campus with WiFi-enabled outdoor living rooms, sundecks and barbecues. The company is very active in its local market, having recently signed a new HQ deal at its Market Place Center.