At the end of July, W.E. O’Neill Construction’s Arizona team broke ground on 55 Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale. The project is being developed by Edison Equity Management Corp. and general partner Velocis and was designed by Synectic Design. The 102-unit age-restricted (55+) multifamily property features high-end wellness amenities, including a pool, fitness center and a bistro/bar area. The project also features casual and private dining supported by a commercial kitchen and a dog wash. Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, who is also a registered Arizona architect and who has designed many landmark buildings in Old Town, attended the groundbreaking.

Photo courtesy of Meta

DPR Construction and Meta announced Aug. 16 the launch of Hardhat in Hand, a program at Meta’s Mesa Data Center that will leverage the project as a hands-on training site to create a pipeline of qualified entry-level workers ready for immediate hire.

This paid, eight-week program focuses on recruiting people to the construction trades and providing them with fundamental knowledge. Hardhat in Hand is run in partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District and the Phoenix-based nonprofit Chicanos Por La Causa.

Meta has been part of the Arizona community since breaking ground on its Mesa Data Center in 2021. According to DPR Construction, there will be 2,000 construction workers on site per day at peak.

Applications for the inaugural cohort of Hardhat in Hand were accepted through Aug. 24, with the program starting Sept. 12. To receive further information, interested individuals can reach out to MesaHardhatInHand@dpr.com.