The city of Phoenix and the Arizona Board of Regents today signed an intergovernmental agreement for the advancement of the Phoenix Bioscience Center at Copper Square. The city's agreement with the governing body of Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University creates the future Phoenix Bioscience Center. The city-owned land is located between Fifth and Seventh streets from Van Buren to Fillmore streets in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona Bioscience Collaborative, comprised of the three universities, will establish an urban bioscience and academic research park along Van Buren Street.

The IGA also provides for the opportunity to renovate the three historic former Phoenix Union High School buildings in compliance with the city's historic preservation ordinance and provides three building sites for new biomedical research and academic uses.

"This agreement represents the accumulation of an unprecedented coalition between education, science and government and exemplifies the city and state's commitment to research and academic excellence," said Mayor Phil Gordon.

"Today's IGA signing demonstrates the close relationship between the city of Phoenix and our state universities. Our success as a city and region is dependent on their success and the addition of student life will only bring vibrancy to our downtown," said Councilman Greg Stanton, chair of the City Council Education, Culture and Genomics Subcommittee.