Integration Rises in Phoenix
Developer Values Security
Development of the 223-acre Westgate City Center began early this decade with the construction of the two pro sports venues, which were completed in 2003. Construction of the remainder of Westgate did not begin until October 2005.
Phase I, the initial 510,000-square-foot development, opened to the public in November 2006 with a smattering of eateries, shops and a multiplex. Phase II, projected for completion by the end of this year, will add an estimated 436,000-square-foot retail center and 105,000 square feet of neighborhood stores to be integrated into a 440-unit residential district.
An additional eight phases are planned, with the entire project expected to total 6.5 million square feet of retail space, employ 10,000 people and be home to 8,000 more when completed by 2015.
Benson Systems came into the picture in May 2007 after Nick Micatrotto, director of sales, and Panasonic’s sales team won over The Ellman Companies, developer of the Westgate project. “Benson Systems was brought in to evaluate Westgate’s security program just after the grand opening of Phase I,” says Mark Bell, director of security for The Ellman Companies. “Due to the development’s size, the amount of people expected to visit the center, and potential for growth, security is a high priority.”
Sold on IP Technology
Having discussed The Ellman Companies’ long-range plans and desire to create a comprehensive, expandable solution that would accommodate the development’s multiphase design and construction, Benson Systems specified an IP-based solution utilizing
Cisco physical security products and network infrastructure.
“They knew they wanted a camera and access control system, but their initial thoughts were on an analog system,” says Peter Hudson, marketing manager for Benson Systems. “We suggested and explained the newer IP technology, and the client went with it.”
According to Bell, the end user wanted the security system to match the cutting-edge standard Westgate City Center is setting for mixed-use developments. “We were also concerned with expandability,” he says. “We needed a system that would have the capability to grow with us and serve us well for a number of years down the road.”
With everyone sold on the merits of an IP-based platform, Benson Systems dove into the $600,000 installation in June 2007 and wrapped up the integrated system for Phase I — also known as the “Entertainment District” — in September of last year.
Video Made Accessible
Initially, Benson Systems installed 16 IP Panasonic pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) cameras, which were connected to the security network backbone. These cameras were intended to be used for crowd control, traffic flow and security measures, primarily for sporting events and the retail center.
Expansion of the video surveillance system quickly called for another 40 cameras and will eventually include as many as 200 more IP p/t/z cameras, as well as some fixed models — all connected back to a security command center.
The cameras record data utilizing a Cisco integrated services platform network video recorder (NVR), and are managed from two workstations where security personnel can maneuver the cameras via joysticks. The security console is designed in a U-shape and is capable of accommodating five wor
kstations. The video wall features two 32-inch LCD displays and eight 20-inch monitors. 
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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