Washington County is home to exceptional tech professionals, and the talent pool is growing. Some of these individuals have been working in the tech sector in southern Utah for some time; some are relocating from northern Utah or coming from out of state. Others are Utah Technology University and Dixie Technical College students who have been trained to fill the area’s tech talent pool. With the ongoing development of Tech Ridge as an evolving economic sector, the demand for tech specialists is surging.
Overview of Tech Ridge
At the center of southern Utah’s burgeoning technology expansion is the new Tech Ridge state-of-the-art venture located on the former St. George Airport site. Perched on a basalt-crested plateau overlooking downtown St. George, the 180-acre Tech Ridge Master Plan redefines the modern urban center. This active, mixed-use development blueprint attracts innovative tech companies and boosts their ability to attract and retain top talent. The mix of workspaces, shops and dining facilities promotes a dynamic lifestyle, including acres of accessible trails, parks and open space, surrounded by the spectacular red cliffs of southern Utah.
Envisioned by visionaries for visionaries, Tech Ridge promises to provide modern, flexible workspaces, and integrate businesses by creating a thriving workplace community. A bonus for southern Utah’s tech companies is the presence of Dixie Technical College, located on Tech Ridge, and nearby Utah Tech University, making it viable for the tech sector to source skilled individuals and cultivate fresh talent locally.
The Story Behind Tech Ridge
In 2016, the City of St. George approached Isaac Barlow, CEO of busybusy, and Ryan Wedig of Printer Logic, now Vasion, and other leading members of the tech community about establishing a technology-focused economy. This would include creating a vision for a technology park, named Tech Ridge, on the old airport property. The city’s Request for Qualifications for the development included:
- Expand and promote a technology-focused economy
- Create higher-paying technology jobs from major tenants
- Facilitate world-class healthcare and research
- Promote the city and area as an outdoor recreation destination
- Support higher learning
- Increase the quality of life
In answer to the City of St. George’s RFQ, the Tech Ridge master plan allows for more than one million square feet of office space. Building sites are available for large tech companies requiring campus-style environments and leasable office space for fast growing startups. Tech Ridge offers employees the prospect of living and working within proximity to cafés, shops, entertainment and recreation—with three main retail zones, each with its own character and focus. A mix of apartments, condos and townhomes offers employees and residents flexibilty. More than one-third of the Tech Ridge plan calls for trails, parks and open spaces totaling 60 acres—including a five-mile multi-use trail overlooking spectacular scenic vistas—all within steps of each residential community. Upmarket retail space will also be a plus. Additionally, Tech Ridge will see the availability of 600 hotel rooms, a downhill bike park, 2,400 residential units, a zipline and an inviting entertainment pavilion.
The Economic Impact
The economic impact Tech Ridge will have on the local economy surpasses any other development in the history of Washington County, and the innovation taking place is helping create new and higher-paying jobs. The development is making a major contribution to the economic stability of the St. George area, as workers, visitors and locals engage with retail, restaurant, business and adventure opportunities.
In an economic and fiscal impact analysis by RCLCO, real estate consultants, the Tech Ridge project details the one-time economic impact from construction of buildings and infrastructure. During construction alone, estimates show Tech Ridge will provide nearly 25,000 jobs with labor income at $102 billion and a one-time economic output at $2.34 billion. At full build-out and stabilization, Tech Ridge is estimated to provide 15,047 jobs, with annual labor income at $926.1 million and $3.24 billion in annual economic output. Tech Ridge’s initial partners—Zonos, Vasion, Intergalactic and busybusy—are now employing hundreds of local residents with impressive starting salaries. Other companies signing on to the location include Digivoice, Weave, Planstin and Zion HealthShare. Dixie Technical College, Inn on the Cliff and the Cliffside Restaurant have an established presence at Tech Ridge, as well.
Ease of Access to Tech Ridge
Tech Ridge is prioritizing traffic concerns and the needs of its neighbors. The new access point on the south end of the development, when completed, will be used at a much higher rate than the intersection with St. George Boulevard. This new access road will provide an efficient connection to I-15 and the south end of Bluff Street, and the new Cloud Drive also provides another access way to move on and off Tech Ridge.
Additionally, the higher density housing in this walkable community at Tech Ridge will result in fewer cars per person, thus reducing the strain on existing infrastructure in the St. George area. Ultimately, this will create a more walkable community that residents of Tech Ridge can enjoy, as well as those coming to enjoy the amenities.
A Vision for the Future
Isaac Barlow, managing partner of Tech Ridge states: “As we continue to move forward with Tech Ridge, we continue to work with the general community. This development benefits all residents in the area. Having a robust tech community yields generational benefits to our entire community.”
Truly, Tech Ridge is a crucial brand for long-term, sustainable growth in southern Utah--a breathtaking investment, indeed.
Portions of this feature were previously published in the Greater St. George Area Guide by the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact Tech Ridge at 475 S. Donlee Dr., St. George, 84770; tel. 435.850.7820; visit techridge.com.
"Having a robust tech community yields generational benefits to our entire community." ‒ Isaac Barlow
