GCU Plans 100+-Acre Campus in the Heart of the Gateway Area

(Phoenix, Arizona) – July 30, 2013 – Grand Canyon University has selected DMB’s newest community, Eastmark in Mesa for its new East Valley location.  GCU will have the right to purchase 100 acres at Eastmark to develop its second university campus, with an option to add up to 60 adjacent acres in the coming years for expansion.

Nearly a year ago, Grand Canyon University (GCU) began a search for a site for their second campus to meet the growing demands for their unique model of higher education in the East Valley.  Their immersive process to understand the population and development growth pattern, as well as the transportation opportunities and the vision for regional development, brought them to Eastmark.

“In selecting the Eastmark site, we were especially impressed with the integrated community concept DMB is creating,” said Brian Mueller, President and CEO of Grand Canyon University.  “This environment will give our students, faculty and staff an exciting place to learn, work and play while being an integral part of the East Valley community.    We believe our presence will benefit the entire region by providing the option of a low-cost, high-quality Christian education to all its residents.”

Eastmark’s team is currently planning the community’s first mixed-use neighborhood center at the northeast corner of Ellsworth and Ray Roads to complement the residential development and the planned university campus.

“We are thrilled to be the future home of GCU, its faculty, students and staff.  Having residential and commuter students at Eastmark every day will add vibrancy to our community.  DMB communities feature a focus on lifelong learning and GCU’s unique model for post-secondary education will bring a wealth of learning opportunities to Eastmark and to all of the East Valley,” said Charley Freericks, President of DMB.

“The East Valley, and specifically Mesa’s Gateway area, is emerging as a destination for high-quality higher education. We are honored to welcome Grand Canyon University to Mesa, Arizona’s newest college town.  We are looking forward to showcasing their university to potential students from around the region and the globe,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.   The City of Mesa recently launched the “Mesa Educates U” marketing campaign to promote Mesa as a premier destination for higher education.

GCU plans to purchase up to 160 acres located east of Ellsworth and Point 22 Boulevard within Eastmark.  The campus will have prime visibility from Ellsworth Road and will have immediate access to a future phase of the Eastmark Great Park.

GCU is currently planning on a seven-year build-out of the campus that will include: offices and administration space, classrooms, labs, library, student union, student dorms, recreational fields and parking.  Construction of the campus is anticipated to commence in 2014 with a potential opening date as early as 2015, subject to appropriate legal and regulatory approvals.

GCU’s team will have space in Eastmark’s Visitors and Community Center (The ‘Mark), in the coming year so prospective students and parents can learn more about the school and the new campus.  GCU is also looking into leasing space in the area in order to begin offering classes in the fall of 2014.  Those students would then transfer to the new campus when it opens.

About Grand Canyon University:

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in seven colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Theology, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.  The University’s curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu.

About Eastmark:

At five square miles (3,200 acres), Eastmark is a vibrant, integrated and evolving regional community poised as “The Heart and Hub of the East Valley.” Eastmark sits at the center of a major transportation hub anchored by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, three major freeways, numerous businesses and acclaimed educational institutions.  The expansive 106-acre Eastmark Great Park connects residential areas, resort components, employment cores, recreational spaces and commerce. Eastmark is the largest privately held, contiguous property in the Southeast Valley.  www.Eastmark.com.

About DMB Associates:

DMB Associates, Inc. (“DMB”) is an Arizona-based, diversified real estate investment and development firm with real estate holdings through affiliated companies. DMB’s portfolio includes signature commercial properties, resort/recreational and primary home communities, country clubs, health clubs and spas. DMB is known for developments that complement and enhance the greater communities of which they are a part. Every DMB community is distinguishable due to the Company’s core dedication to community life, partnership, legacy and stewardship. www.DMBInc.com.

More about Grand Canyon University:

• Grand Canyon University estimates that it will have roughly 8,500 students attending classes at their Phoenix campus and approximately 49,000 students attending online classes in the fall of 2013.
• Average class size for GCU is 20:1, which facilitates an environment conducive to learning and greater interaction.
• Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949. The student population is growing steadily, and the Phoenix campus has expanded to include seven residence halls, state of the art classrooms and laboratories, a 55,000 square foot student recreation center, and a 5,000-seat Arena.

 More about Eastmark:

• Eastmark is 3,200 acres in Mesa, Arizona in the heart of the Gateway Area.
• The first phase of residential development opened June 1st with more than 700 homesites available from seven fine builders.
• BASIS Mesa at Eastmark is opening its doors on August 6th welcoming grades 5-10.
• Eastmark is also home to First Solar’s Global Operations Center.

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: the selection of the Eastmark location for GCU’s second campus; and expectations relating to the timing of the development and opening of the campus. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The University assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the University does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the University will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.