A portion of the much-anticipated Brickyard on Mill is expected to open Friday, although a large portion of space is still available to rent.
Bank of America, The Bamboo Club and Borders Books & Music, located in the Bank of America building on Mill Avenue, will open, while portions of the development are slated to be completed next year.
Other businesses to open in the Bank of America building are Urban Angels, Joe E. Woods Construction and Integrated Information Systems.
The Orchid House, a seven-story project located behind the Bank of America building, will include five floors of lofts and two floors occupied by the city of Tempe. The first floor, designed to house retail stores, has not yet been leased.
The Artisan Courts, the two-story building on Seventh Street, has also not yet been leased.
Businesses around the Brickyard project, many of which are dealing with closed roads and decreased parking because of the construction, are anticipating foot traffic because of the new stores.
Adam Wolfenburg, assistant manager of Slices, said he thinks the Brickyard is going to help business.
"Business was tough during construction," he said. "We gave a little then, and we are hoping to get a lot back."
Kirk Farley, general manager of Crocodile Café, said he is hopeful the Brickyard will generate more interest in downtown Tempe.
"I think people will come down as long there is enough parking for all the businesses," he said. "Everything new generates a new interest in the area."
Dave Fackler, development services manager for the city of Tempe, said the city plans to use its two floors in the Orchid House for four new offices.
The city attorney's office, housing services office, community design and development office and the city auditor's office will all be moving from City Hall.
Fackler said tenant improvements on the five floors in the Orchid House would be done on an individual basis. Those who have purchased lots are expected to move in between January and May next year.
City Councilman Dennis Cahill said, although he is disappointed the Brickyard project fell behind schedule, he thinks the project consists of "the most beautiful buildings ever built in Tempe."
"I hope everyone involved is successful so that there will be other projects of the same standard built here in the future," he said.
Reach Dana Brody at dana5286@aol.com.
