Development News

Lycera, Esperion plan to move into old Pfizer space in Plymouth

Thursday, December 11, 2008

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Entrepreneurship, Life Sciences, Wayne County

Plymouth

Ann Arbor SPARK has just nailed down the second of two anchor tenants for its Life Science and Innovation Center, aka the old Pfizer facility in Plymouth.

Lycera joins Esperion Therapeutics as the second major tenant in the space. Both companies will take up about 11,000 square feet of the center. They will also serve as magnets for other smaller life sciences-based firms SPARK hopes to attract to the facility after they move in.

"They will both begin moving in over the next 30-60 days or so," says Michael Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.

Michigan's 21st Century Jobs Fund provided $1.5 million to buy the complex earlier this year. The idea is to help connect entrepreneurs, business accelerator organizations and local start-ups.

The center is backed with $3.5 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ann Arbor SPARK, Greater Wayne Economic Development and a private foundation. It will feature state-of-the-art lab facilities, along with business building services such as peer-to-peer mentoring and funding support.

There is still about 35,000 square feet left for lease in the center. Finney sees small start-ups rooted in the life sciences industry occupying it.

Source: Michael Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK
Writer: Jon Zemke

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