In 1982, Sharon Harper and Harold Gries, M.D. formed a partnership with the shared vision to establish a health care community neighboring in Sun City, Arizona. Working closely with the Lydic family who had farmed cotton for many years on the land that would become the campus, Mrs. Harper and Dr. Gries master planned Plaza del Rio, the 185-acre master planned community focusing on health and wellness. Prior to that, Dr. Gries developed the first medical office building on the campus and implemented an innovative physician tenant investment program that built a great sense of pride and loyalty with the original physician partners. This spirit established a constructive business philosophy and set the foundation for future medical office buildings.

The 1980's were marked by the development of additional medical office buildings and senior living communities. The Partnership pioneered many of the senior living venues that are now standard in the industry, i.e. congregate rental, the first for-profit CCRC in the State of Arizona, assisted living and memory support facilities to name a few.

The 1990's were another chapter for the growth of the Plaza Companies as additional medical office buildings were built on the Campus. In addition, the firm's first senior living project outside of the Plaza del Rio Campus, Classic Residence by Hyatt and The Plaza Companies was developed in North Scottsdale.

The turn of the century launched a period of extraordinary growth for the Firm. A significant number of medical office buildings and senior living communities were developed. In addition, the Company expanded by developing projects in cities throughout the State of Arizona and a third product type focused on research and biotechnology properties was created.

The Plaza Companies has always grown strategically through both discipline and vision. The Firm has not strayed from its focus on healthcare and innovation while continually adapting to meet the ever changing demands of the dynamic and growing industries it serves. This foundation of controlled growth motivates the Plaza Companies ongoing research into shifting industry trends - shaped by new technologies, emerging public policy, and rapid social change.

The Company's consistency through periods of dynamic change in a business environment and economic climate that are often characterized by periods of volatility, close to $1 billion dollars of real estate projects have been thoughtfully conceived, carefully planned, creatively implemented, and expertly managed.

Since its inception, the Plaza Companies has been an industry pioneer focused on building relationships, keeping promises and maintaining a pledge to conduct all business dealings in an attentive atmosphere of mutual respect. This pledge permeates the organization at every level and is the heart of the Plaza Companies, where knowledge, ingenuity, and fairness contribute to success.