Cal Poly Pomona, American Red Cross Negotiations Seek To Bring Regional Blood Facility To University's Innovation Village

Negotiations currently in the final stages between Cal Poly Pomona and the American Red Cross are proposing construction of the nation's largest blood processing center as the anchor tenant for the university's Innovation Village technology park.

While final terms for the agreement are still being discussed, it is anticipated that the California State University Board of Trustees will be provided an agreement for its approval on the 15-acre facility in January 2003. According to preliminary time schedules, groundbreaking for the project could take place in May 2003 with occupancy projected for December 2004.

Once completed, the complex will give the Southern California Region of the Red Cross a strategically located, state-of-the-art facility. It will provide prime educational and research opportunities for Cal Poly Pomona's students and faculty. And it will create new jobs and economic prospects within neighboring business communities.

For Cal Poly Pomona, along with delivering an internationally recognized organization as the initial tenant to Innovation Village, a partnership with the Red Cross offers tremendous dividends. In addition to exploring joint research, education and training programs that will benefit both sides, there is potential for the university to create additional curriculum and degree programs.

"We have aimed at attracting quality tenants to Innovation Village, groups that were interested in us for the benefit of students and the university," says Ed Barnes, associate vice president of executive affairs at Cal Poly Pomona. "We couldn't have asked for anything better. We're told this will be the most technologically advanced blood processing center in the world. This is an incredible opportunity for our campus and the entire region."

For the American Red Cross, the proposed project will provide a new regional blood headquarters, including a facility with the capacity to process approximately 800,000 red blood cell units annually — about 12 percent of the total units collected and processes by the American Red Cross. The initial phase could include constructing a facility covering up to 230,000 square feet, with an option for an additional 60,000 square foot research building. Current negotiations call for a 55-year lease term with two 20-year options requested.

"The Cal Poly Pomona Innovation Village site offers the American Red Cross an accessible location, an employee-friendly quality environment, a flexible corporate campus location, and proximity to area hospitals. By working with Cal Poly Pomona, we will establish a mutually beneficial partnership that will enhance both the university and the American Red Cross," says American Red Cross California Blood Region Chief Executive Officer Jay Olmstead.

Innovation Village is a 65-acre mixed-use technology park located on the Cal Poly Pomona campus. Approved by the CSU Board of Trustees in 1999, it is intended to be a master planned community of technology-based enterprises created through public/private and public/public partnerships. Designed to accommodate up to 960,000 square feet of building space, Innovation Village will provide a setting for interface between the university's human and technological resources and those of the private sector.

Situated on the southeastern corner of the university campus, Innovation Village is strategically situated. Located in Los Angeles County, it is positioned within reach of four other Southern California counties (San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and San Diego). Three major freeways run within a mile of Innovation Village, leaving it less than an hour's drive from several regional airports including Ontario International and Los Angeles International.

Contact: Charles Bentley, Cal Poly Pomona, (909) 869-6898

Contact: Marc Jackson, American Red Cross, (213) 739-5543