After Quake, Firms Rush To Telecommuting Center

In the wake of the recent earthquake, Pacific Bell, Great Western Bank of Chatsworth and Cigna have signed long-term leases for space at the Valencia Corporate Telecommuting Center, a 30,000-square-foot telecommuting building that has been wired with fiber-optics and other voice and data networking systems.

The center’s owner, Valencia-based Newhall Land & Farming Co., said several other major companies are considering signing leases to use the center, which is expected to be fully occupied soon. The center opened last December with one occupant, CareAmerica, the Chatsworth-based health maintenance organization.

The telecommuting center on Rye Canyon Road is part of the Valencia Industrial Center. It was designed for use by businesses during emergencies or as backup offices. The center accommodates various telecommunication needs, including video-conferencing and voice mail. Newhall Land is a real estate and agricultural concern that is developing the community of Valencia.