The Refinery Achieves LEED Silver Certification

Tech Parks Arizona proudly announces that The Refinery, the flagship building at the UA Tech Park at The Bridges, has earned LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking a significant milestone in sustainable design and development. In partnership with The Boyer Company, a leading Western U.S. real estate developer, the $30 million project reflects a shared commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The certification recognizes the building’s energy-efficient systems, responsible material selection and sustainable construction practices that minimize environmental impact while enhancing occupant well-being. Built next to the richest mine, the University of Arizona’s deep resources of talent and research expertise, The Refinery was designed as a place where ideas are refined into technologies and real-world solutions. “From the beginning, our shared vision with Tech Parks Arizona was to create a space that not only supports innovation but also embodies sustainability and design excellence,” said Matt Jensen, Partner at The Boyer Company.

Designed as a dynamic hub for collaboration, The Refinery brings together University of Arizona programs and industry partners to advance research, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The four-story, 120,000-square-foot Class A office building symbolizes how university-based innovation can thrive in harmony with environmental responsibility. As Carol Stewart, Vice President of Tech Parks Arizona, shared, “Achieving LEED Silver certification reflects our commitment to building sustainably and operating with excellence in everything we do.” Strategically located in the heart of Tucson, The Refinery anchors the growing UA Tech Park at The Bridges, an innovation district driving development momentum and strengthening regional community connections.

Homecoming at the UA Tech Park 

Wildcat pride filled the air at the UA Tech Park as the community came together for a spirited homecoming celebration featuring burgers, games and plenty of red and blue. The event united tenants, staff and partners in cheering on the University of Arizona ahead of the big game, a reminder of our shared connection to the Wildcat community that fuels innovation and collaboration across the region. Bear Down! 

New CEO at Darling Geomatics

Congratulations to Darling Geomatics as they embark on an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Amanda J. Allred-Manos, PLS, their newly appointed CEO. Amanda succeeds company founders Richard and Mary Darling, whose vision, dedication, and industry leadership built Darling Geomatics into a trusted leader in surveying, mapping and geospatial innovation. A longtime Tech Parks Arizona tenant, Darling Geomatics continues to set the standard for precision, technology advancement and excellence in the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth and impact under Amanda’s leadership.

 Leadership in Action  

We’re proud to share that Casey Carrillo, Executive Director of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Casey continues to champion innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Southern Arizona, guiding early-stage startups and strengthening regional collaboration that fuels economic growth. 

Celebrating Leadership at AURP

Tech Parks Arizona CEO Carol Stewart represented the organization at the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Annual Conference, sharing her expertise on the panel “Reimagining and Reinventing in Real Time” alongside leaders from Georgia Tech, MaRS Discovery District, and Stiletto. The event also celebrated retired Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Ken Marcus, who received a prestigious Career Achievement Award honoring his decades of visionary leadership in advancing university-based innovation and economic growth. 

Thankful for Our Community

As we head into the season of gratitude, Tech Parks Arizona is thankful for the incredible community that makes our ecosystem thrive. From visionary entrepreneurs and groundbreaking researchers to dedicated tenants, partners and university collaborators, each plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating opportunity, and shaping Southern Arizona’s future. This season, we celebrate the connections that strengthen our community and the shared purpose that inspires us to keep building at Technology’s Best Address!

Giving Back This Holiday Season

This season, the Jacobs team at the UA Tech Park is embracing the spirit of giving by launching a holiday food drive in support of the Community Food Bank. Jacobs serves as the contract operator for facilities management at the Park. Thanks to the generosity of participants, the team exceeded their original goal of 100 pounds, raising more than 110 pounds with days still remaining. This initiative reflects the kindness, generosity and shared purpose that make our campus community so special.

PEOPLE OF THE PARK

Omar Jacobo

Director of Facilities at Tech Parks Arizona

Omar Jacobo serves as the Director of Facilities for Tech Parks Arizona, overseeing the contract team responsible for daily operations at the UA Tech Park. With more than 25 years of facilities management experience across high-tech, retail and government sectors, he brings deep expertise rooted in eight years of service in the United States Navy. Omar is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), actively involved in International Facility Management Association IFMA.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, you’ll find him smoking food and barbecuing meals for his family. He also enjoys the college and professional football season and collects sports memorabilia.   

FEATURED SPACE

Building 9030

Building 9030 provides 4,552 square feet of prime office space with individual offices as well as a large multiuse space. It has one loading dock and is fully demisable. This location offers seamless access to a host of onsite amenities, including Café Zona and Starbucks, a corporate fitness center, event center and meeting spaces. To learn more about the specific details of this space, please see the brochure linked below.

LOCATE AT

TECHNOLOGY'S BEST ADDRESS

CONNECT WITH US



Stay connected and learn about our future-focused

initiatives as well as people of the park!

FOLLOW US