Sky Song arises from Los Arcos Ashes

Photos by Lisa E White

Scottsdale Planning Historic Photo

The "modern" and innovative Los Arcos Mall opened in 1969, ushering in a new phase of shopping malls.  Anchored by Broadway and Sears, this cruciform mall was all the rage until 1979 when Fiesta Mall opened.  I spent many hours at Los Arcos, and was sad to see it close in 2000.  However, like a phoenix, Sky Song, the ASU-Scottsdale Innovative Research Center, rose out of the ashes in 2008.  This 45-acre facility on McDowell and Scottsdale Road offers new and expanding firms a partnership with ASU for research, professional and business support.  This "global knowledge portal" connects firms, many foreign, to advanced technologies, capital networks, and skilled workforce.  The iconic sails define the skyline, with 120-foot tensile shade structures designed by Harry Cobb.  The center will eventually be a nearly self-contained community with not only businesses, but restaurants, bookstores, and housing on-site, bringing life to South Scottsdale.