Posted October 03, 2007 17:24

A California-based biotech developer announced this week plans to build space for the region's burgeoning life science cluster at Tradition. The tenants could include a research foundation that would complement Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies. Mann Research Center LLC has entered into a contract with Core Communities to purchase 22 acres at the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition.

The property is alongside the Torrey Pines headquarters under construction in western Port St. Lucie. Billionaire Alfred E. Mann founded Mann Research Center and the biotechnology research foundation that bears his name. The two organizations are not directly related. Local economic development leaders are recruiting Alfred E. Mann Foundation. If they succeed, the foundation would likely expand at Tradition, possibly within the research center. Mann Research and Core could close their deal later this year. While final site plans are being developed, the developer is expected to build a five- to six-building complex with a mixture of medical, research and development, office and retail space.

The site would be marketed to life science organizations and associated companies. Many biotech firms, particularly spin-off and ancillary companies, often do not need, nor can they afford, to own a building or campus.