2/8/2018 - Gafcon's master plan selected for massive Shanghai project
By Mark Armao
San Diego-based Gafcon Inc. has been selected to lead the master planning and development process for the second phase of an expansive, mixed-use neighborhood that is rising on an 800-acre waterfront site in Shanghai.
The estimated $6.5 billion second phase of the Zizhu Purple Bay project will include the buildout of the "InnoTown" business, technology and university hub, which will feature an active marina and a walkable downtown area, according to a news release.
"This is a legacy project at a tremendous scale," said Yehudi Gaffen, CEO of Gafcon. "We are essentially building a new city from the ground up. It already has attention from high-profile companies, universities and individuals."
Situated along the Huangpu River, the entire development will include condos, yacht homes, senior housing, multiple schools, a youth center, health clinic, rowing club and a nature education center with a 125,000-square foot aquarium and botanical garden.
Committed tenants include the University of Southern California, General Electric and Coca-Cola, according to the release.
Construction is underway on portions of the project, with the Gafcon-led phase expected to commence next month. As program manager, Gafcon will lead a team including San Diego-based architecture firm AVRP Skyport, San Diego-based McCullough Landscape Architecture, marine-engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol, and OdySea, an Arizona-based aquarium builder and operator.
Gafcon's development company, Protea Waterfront Development, is also leading the redevelopment of Seaport Village. The conceptual design for the 70-acre Seaport San Diego plan includes a 178,000-square-foot aquarium and a 500-foot-tall observation tower.
Protea includes members of the Purple Bay team, including AVRP Skyport, the project architect.
"Zizhu Purple Bay will be one of AVRP Skyport's signature urban, waterfront properties," said AVRP Skyport principal Frank Wolden. "New community assets will connect with the region's greatest resource - the waterfront - into one incredible experience. The cohesive design will create a livable, desirable and thriving community."
