Tempe Development Thread

[muertecaza]

http://www.federaldesigngroup.com/projects_viewer.php?pro=Hayden-Harbor-Mixed-Use-Development,-Tempe,-Arizona&di=master_planning

Looks like it was proposed in 2011, for the lot on the North Shore of the lake on the West side of Rural.

DRC: http://ww2.tempe.gov/publicbodies/Docs/DevelopmentReviewCommission/20110125Minutes.pdf

City Council: http://documents.tempe.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=350&doctype=SUMMARY

Per City Council document, developer had until February of last year to apply for a building permit, so I'm assuming this is dead, unless they got an extension. Also looks like they got a zoning amendment over the protest of the Audio Express that is right there, so not sure if that factored in at all.

There are more detailed renderings here: http://www.wrtdesign.com/projects/detail/hayden-harbor-mixed-use-development/166. And what appears to be an older rendering here: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_0880af62-4c37-11e0-a131-001cc4c03286.html.

[Jjs5056]

Regardless of Over Easy's viability, it sucks to lose what was a unique set of small local businesses that together formed a destination. The Yard already contains an abundance of private dining space and the project itself doesn't face the street at all; I love it and its initial roster, but wish a better fit would have been secured for the space.

[exit2lef]

Regardless of Over Easy's viability, it sucks to lose what was a unique set of small local businesses that together formed a destination. The Yard already contains an abundance of private dining space and the project itself doesn't face the street at all; I love it and its initial roster, but wish a better fit would have been secured for the space.

The circumstances are not terribly different at the Yard on 7th Street in Phoenix. The Fox restaurants that dominate the complex have endured, but non-Fox tenants have come and gone. Neither Yard does a great job of addressing the street, but neither is located in a area with high walk appeal. In Tempe, it's an awkward, out-of-the-way walk from Mill Avenue and the light rail station over to Farmer, despite the short distance involved. In Phoenix, the high speeds and reverse lanes make 7th Street unattractive. Given those circumstances, I can understand why both Yards were built as they were, even if I'm not thrilled with the results.

[azsunsurfer]

None of the links posted above seem to work for me

[muertecaza]

Re: Hayden Harbor, apparently they did get an extension on their entitlements last year until May 21, 2016, so I guess it could still conceivably happen, but seems doubtful. Apparently the litigation with Audio Express lasted until 2014, which would explain at least most of the delay. Interesting discussion from the city council minutes approving the extension. Apparently if they let the zoning revert, it would revert to industrial with an option for a strip club, so allowing the zoning to be extended was in part done to avoid that possibility, haha.

http://documents.tempe.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1058&doctype=MINUTES

[Jjs5056]

This proposal has been around for years and will never come to fruition. Just as all of the planned "cities within the city" planned along TTL eventually failed and development turned to individual parcels one-by-one. HFL got the closest but that was during the boom, and yes - Marina Heights executed its vision, but the likelihood of another company choosing TTL for regional operations is close to 0.

Look at this lot's neighbors... a 5-story residential project, and Playa del Norte, with projects no greater than 6 stories. I think a condo project here would be great, though, if residents come to embrace the lake in their lifestyle. With a Boathouse planned for the Marina, and Vela with its retail and office space fronting the Marina and intended for lake-related business, there's a unique little sub-culture of sorts evolving over there.

[TempeSilverFox]

The Lodge is great. The food is solid and it's a cool atmosphere.

Over Easy's closure was not due to location; the food was consistently underwhelming.

Sweet! Thanks! I've been meaning to check it out!

[Obadno]

This proposal has been around for years and will never come to fruition. Just as all of the planned "cities within the city" planned along TTL eventually failed and development turned to individual parcels one-by-one. HFL got the closest but that was during the boom, and yes - Marina Heights executed its vision, but the likelihood of another company choosing TTL for regional operations is close to 0.

Look at this lot's neighbors... a 5-story residential project, and Playa del Norte, with projects no greater than 6 stories. I think a condo project here would be great, though, if residents come to embrace the lake in their lifestyle. With a Boathouse planned for the Marina, and Vela with its retail and office space fronting the Marina and intended for lake-related business, there's a unique little sub-culture of sorts evolving over there.

Yeah the only way to get megaprojects moving successfully like Marina Heights is to have a guaranteed majority tenant (or total tenant).

want to see more like that? Get Tempe, Phoenix, and the Governors office to court more companies looking to relocate out of the tax-happy east coast and California.

[PHXFlyer11]

Yeah the only way to get megaprojects moving successfully like Marina Heights is to have a guaranteed majority tenant (or total tenant).

want to see more like that? Get Tempe, Phoenix, and the Governors office to court more companies looking to relocate out of the tax-happy east coast and California.

I agree with this, but disagree with JSS statement:

"... but the likelihood of another company choosing TTL for regional operations is close to 0."

I think that Tempe is in a good place and will likely continue to see interest from major corporations. In particular, i think the last remaining piece of land next to Marina Heights is a prime location for another large corporate presence by a single tenant.

In addition, it seems ASU is about to sign a large tenant for the Stadium District's first office buildings. These types of moves tend to generate more momentum, not less.

[azsunsurfer]

Plus has he had his head stuck in the sand? I've read in the past week about 3-4 companies (one British and another Fortune 1000 company) all announce to relocate within the region or open offices. I think a lot of companies will look at what State Farm has done as a model of economies of scale and potentially follow suit.

[Obadno]

Plus has he had his head stuck in the sand? I've read in the past week about 3-4 companies (one British and another Fortune 1000 company) all announce to relocate within the region or open offices. I think a lot of companies will look at what State Farm has done as a model of economies of scale and potentially follow suit.

Yes we got a decent sized company to move headquarters from North Carolina to here, also Farmers announced an expansion here.

There has been plenty of news of companies expanding or opening offices here because it is a growing region and it will continue.

The HQ's and other major operational centers is what we need more of.

It would be really great if we could become a "place" like Silicon Valley is for tech, and the Midwest was for heavy manufacturing, to foster start-ups and bring entrepreneurs looking to start those types of businesses' to the city.

What do we have? Semi-Conductors? Logistics'? I guess healthcare to a degree, insurance seems to be growing a large industry here across the board. We need a patron industry to call Arizona home.

[PHXFlyer11]

Plus has he had his head stuck in the sand? I've read in the past week about 3-4 companies (one British and another Fortune 1000 company) all announce to relocate within the region or open offices. I think a lot of companies will look at what State Farm has done as a model of economies of scale and potentially follow suit.

Oh, you are thinking of ARM opening a chandler office. Yes, that is very exciting! I don't think it's a huge presence, but definitely a processor leader that felt it necessary to be here with Intel.

[Dancin' Don]

Oh, you are thinking of ARM opening a chandler office. Yes, that is very exciting! I don't think it's a huge presence, but definitely a processor leader that felt it necessary to be here with Intel.

You are correct that it isn't a huge presence, but it's not exactly correct that they felt it necessary to be here with Intel. In October, Marvell Semiconductor divested an approximately 25-person ARM core design team (many of whom moved to Marvell from Intel as part of Intel's divestiture of its Cellular & Handheld Group in 2006). ARM Ltd. subsequently hired the entire team. So ARM's presence in Chandler is really a factor of being able to acquire an entire ARM core design team intact as opposed to any geographic strategy. However, it's still awesome that they now have a presence here and hopefully they will choose to grow their presence in the future.

[muertecaza]

A few pictures from a walk along the lake for a slow news day.

AC Marriott slowly but surely coming along. It's supposed to be done this Spring.

http://i.imgur.com/9s9sTUmh.jpg

SALT exteriors coming along. I like the colors.

http://i.imgur.com/dxIp3Fgh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wHGEnj6h.jpg

VELA (love those snappy one-word building names) from across the lake.

http://i.imgur.com/uB7YoBjh.jpg

Not the best pictures of Marina Heights but it looks like their working on the retail buildings.

http://i.imgur.com/Vep3EFWh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/o9vmjTah.jpg

[Jjs5056]

Plus has he had his head stuck in the sand? I've read in the past week about 3-4 companies (one British and another Fortune 1000 company) all announce to relocate within the region or open offices. I think a lot of companies will look at what State Farm has done as a model of economies of scale and potentially follow suit.

None of those companies chose Tempe Town Lake for their expansions. I didn't say the chances of the metro area getting relocations was low; I specifically mentioned the lakefront in response to someone's question about the validity of those boom-day renderings of highrises.

PHXFlyer11 - ASU Stadium District isn't the lake, either, but anyway- the first phase with the anchor tenant mentioned is 3 offices around 6 stories each. That is exactly in line with the majority of the TTL buildings I referenced, which are NOT in line with what is being proposed in that rendering, which is several highrise office buildings (and perhaps even condos). 3 6-story buildings going up on that lakefront property on Rural and the 202 is exactly what I am saying is most likely.

I am not questioning the possibility of more economic development in the Phoenix metro. I am saying that the chances of a move from a company that is large enough to warrant a project the size and scale of State Farm's ON THE LAKE is 0. There is a very specific reason State Farm chose the lake and not a downtown Phoenix parcel: several phased midrise buildings are much cheaper than a supertall tower. If State Farm had to choose from the parcels left along the lake right now, I think they'd pass. Nothing comes close in terms of square footage, which would require more height and make the move illogical.

Right now, Phoenix metro's biggest attraction is cost in comparison to a state like California. If the lot next to Marina Heights ends up being a single-tenant office tower, I would be absolutely floored. It just doesn't make sense financially; many of these relocations are too small to warrant such an expensive site with a dedicated tower, and if another one the size of State Farm comes, they are going to choose somewhere like the ASU Research Park or Papago Grand where they can sprawl out. That lot is slated for hospitality and I think that makes the most sense.

I really wasn't meaning to be critical of anything but the project proposed years ago in the renderings. I'm aware of all the recent business activity and while much of it is cost-based IMO, you're right that the momentum is there and eventually moves will be for the talent and/or synergies from developing markets. And, when that happens, I hope that companies choose downtown Tempe or downtown Phoenix vs. where the majority of these recent moves have chosen.

[PHX31]

Thanks for the pics muertecaza. I liked the look of SALT as it fit in with HFL.

[muertecaza]

Article is behind a paywall, but preview shows a rendering of the new retail that is planned for the old College Bookstore on Rural.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/print-edition/2016/02/19/adaptive-reuse-davis-enterprises-gets-go-ahead-in.html

[dtnphx]

Adaptive Reuse: Davis Enterprises gets go ahead in Tempe


http://pdf.leeazmail.com/pdfs/Lemon%20St.%20Retail.jpg

The retail center near Arizona State University has been approved by the city of Tempe and is starting construction. It previously was home to a bookstore catering to ASU students

Davis Lunt said the space, which is being marketed as the Wedge, is being geared for four to five restaurants or retail shops. Several adaptive reuse projects around the Valley have sought to attract retail and restaurant users. She points out the address as Rural Road frontage and there are more than 114,000 daytime employees and residents in a three-mile radius.

The firm has done adaptive reuse and infill projects in central Phoenix. The Tempe redevelopment is slated to deliver in the third quarter.

Mike Sunnucks writes about residential and commercial real estate, government, law, sports business and workplace issues.

[muertecaza]

From 2/25 City Council Agenda: http://documents.tempe.gov/sirepub/meetresults.aspx?meettype=Regular%20City%20Council

-City Council will vote to authorize exclusive negotiations with DMB Associates for sale and development of 1.4 acres of City land on Apache. EDIT: The parcel is by the Smith/Martin light rail stop, here:

http://i.imgur.com/uIHqAzfh.jpg

That area is almost all fenced off and vacant, the development is much needed

-Crescent Rio is back for City Council approval, this time with 315 proposed units, down from 356. The delays and density reduction is frustrating, but I I won't be mad if it actually gets built with 315 units.

[muertecaza]

DRC packet on Farmer Arts Parcel 2 (the office/garage north of 5th):

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39278

And for Farmer Arts Parcel 1 (apartments at Farmer/Uni):

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39282

[PHXFlyer11]

DRC packet on Farmer Arts Parcel 2 (the office/garage north of 5th):

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39278

And for Farmer Arts Parcel 1 (apartments at Farmer/Uni):

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39282

Looks like both were approved. Hopefully we see these and some of the towers that were approved in the last year finally start to break ground. One Hundred Mill is realllyyy dragging ass. So is 7th St Mixed at this point.

[Jjs5056]

Looks like both were approved. Hopefully we see these and some of the towers that were approved in the last year finally start to break ground. One Hundred Mill is realllyyy dragging ass. So is 7th St Mixed at this point.

Yea, I am about ready to say 100 Mill is a no-go, unfortunately. The developer has little-to-no experience and with Kimpton signed on for months now, what could possibly be the hold up? With the Omni dead and Hayden Flour Mill essentially not happening, Kimpton was the last upscale boutique/lifestyle brand hotel planned for Mill. The designs were pretty great and heights appropriate for that gateway... disappointing.

I'd give 7S more time. Something in their proposal seemed to indicate a rather long timeline from what I remember and they haven't even been floating a brand for their hotel component. I think the City has an interest in this project going through because the garage was to include public parking (even though there is a surplus, there might be demand 20 yrs from now!). Another great project - the design, the target audience, the location... but I don't think it's doomed.

OTOH, Alliance has yet to break ground on Broadstone Lakeside, correct? And, Crescent seems to be wishy-washy on the agendas... I never understood the push for randomly making 1st Street an urban corridor, but since it has already begun taking shape, I would much rather they finish the transformation from industrial to mixed use.

[Jjs5056]

Now that I realize the original Farmer Arts Developer is still in the mix, I have to say, I think the neighborhoods did get a bit screwed with these new proposals. I had assumed the original plan died because the developers went bankrupt, but that's clearly not the case and the original plan called for heights of no greater than 8 stories, mixed-income housing, and amenities like a public library.

I'm glad downtown is getting a 13-story market rate apartment tower, but it's pretty disingenuous to RAISE the previous height cap when none of the high rises anticipated were built and to use Mosaic - dead since 2008 - as rationale in 2016. That lot is currently slated for a 6-story apartment, not ~30+. And, the crap about downtown north of 5th shaping up to be more residential is BS, and all the more reason why mixed use should have been pushed. There shouldn't be defined "residential" areas in a downtown; that's how you get suburbs - separating business from residential from shopping.

Decent design and more empty land filled... but, I think the original plan was much better for making a real livable downtown.

[exit2lef]

Crescent Rio dropped due to neighborhood opposition:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2016/03/02/big-tempe-apartment-plan-dropped-after-neighbors-complain/81118872/

[Obadno]

Crescent Rio dropped due to neighborhood opposition:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2016/03/02/big-tempe-apartment-plan-dropped-after-neighbors-complain/81118872/

What the hell was the opposition?

They would rather have industrial useses than a nice apartment building?:sly:

[muertecaza]

Crescent Rio dropped due to neighborhood opposition:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/...lain/81118872/

Unbelievable. They've hounded this one on its density from the start. Best looking, highest quality project proposed for that area and they choose this one to take a stand on.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Unbelievable. They've hounded this one on its density from the start. Best looking, highest quality project proposed for that area and they choose this one to take a stand on.

It's times like this when I wish cities/developers would just say "We're building it. If you don't like it, you can move. Someone else will buy your house that wants this kind of development."

Damn NIMBY's.

[azsunsurfer]

Looks like The Grand's first office building will be presented to the DRC later this month. It's going to be interesting to see them chase the same prospective tenants that Fountainhead/ Mill+Rio/ Farmer Ave/ ASU Stadium District and Playa Del Norte are all going after! Although Tempe is one of the best Class A office markets in the state, I don't see the demand strong enough to warrant all these spec office developments. Plus remember US Airways is giving up space to lease as part of their merger.

[PHXFlyer11]

Looks like The Grand's first office building will be presented to the DRC later this month. It's going to be interesting to see them chase the same prospective tenants that Fountainhead/ Mill+Rio/ Farmer Ave/ ASU Stadium District and Playa Del Norte are all going after! Although Tempe is one of the best Class A office markets in the state, I don't see the demand strong enough to warrant all these spec office developments. Plus remember US Airways is giving up space to lease as part of their merger.

That's some pretty nice square footage (~200K). About the size of HFL III, if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if this if for one of the lower-rise buildings that front Washington, or one of the taller ones that front the lake.

[azsunsurfer]

That's some pretty nice square footage (~200K). About the size of HFL III, if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if this if for one of the lower-rise buildings that front Washington, or one of the taller ones that front the lake.

I thought the same thing! The site plan is not really clear but there are 2 smaller office buildings behind the 6 10 story cul-de-sac around the glorified canal. If I am not mistaken I think SRP is taking some space in the development so maybe they are using that as leverage to go vertical. There is also suppose to be a hotel/ retail and residential eventually too.

[Obadno]

ALso the 2100 RIO SALADO business park is moving along quickly, the Hotel 2 in the zoning documents is already topped out.


http://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=29221

anyone got renderings for tis project?

[muertecaza]

March Construction Update: http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=38886

Broadstone Lakeside applied for a construction permit, as did a couple smaller projects west of Mill. Tesla showroom is a go, as are Marina Heights retail buildings. 6 units on 1/3 acre in planning for Farmer/11th St. The first office building for the area east of TMP in planning.

[Jjs5056]

Meanwhile, a "Downtown Master Plan" seems to be getting pushed back further and further as great projects like Crescent are canceled or linger (7S, Rio+Mill). Papago Grand is at least on the light rail, even though its design is completely suburban, but really -- do we need rendering of anything east of McClintock? Low-rise, brick or stone veneer, and stucco. It isn't going to vary much from that.

So, 1/2 of the block on 1st Street between Farmer and Hardy will be luxury residential, while the rest will be blighted industrial leftovers? Lakefront real estate is all but gone, and with ASU encroaching upon downtown more and more - like turning College Ave into a student housing corridor - these lots are probably the last ones with any draw for non-student housing. Letting a well-known developer with a great product slip over a handful of units is really effing stupid, but not surprising.

Just looking at the project list shows that Tempe will always be ASU + Mill Ave + the Lake. The lakefront properties and ASU talent will allow it to be the hottest suburban submarket, but there just isn't the proper planning in place (or the land) for creating a true downtown vs. a typical suburban main street with some surrounding urban-ish buildings. With downtown Phoenix finally diversifying and being home to a mix of restaurants, bars, boutiques, etc. with tons of room for growth, it's really the only choice for a business or developer wanting a true live/work/play lifestyle rather than just a faux urban environment from 9-5, after which they can get in their SUV and head back to Buckeye.

[Obadno]

Meanwhile, a "Downtown Master Plan" seems to be getting pushed back further and further as great projects like Crescent are canceled or linger (7S, Rio+Mill). Papago Grand is at least on the light rail, even though its design is completely suburban, but really -- do we need rendering of anything east of McClintock? Low-rise, brick or stone veneer, and stucco. It isn't going to vary much from that.

So, 1/2 of the block on 1st Street between Farmer and Hardy will be luxury residential, while the rest will be blighted industrial leftovers? Lakefront real estate is all but gone, and with ASU encroaching upon downtown more and more - like turning College Ave into a student housing corridor - these lots are probably the last ones with any draw for non-student housing. Letting a well-known developer with a great product slip over a handful of units is really effing stupid, but not surprising.

Just looking at the project list shows that Tempe will always be ASU + Mill Ave + the Lake. The lakefront properties and ASU talent will allow it to be the hottest suburban submarket, but there just isn't the proper planning in place (or the land) for creating a true downtown vs. a typical suburban main street with some surrounding urban-ish buildings. With downtown Phoenix finally diversifying and being home to a mix of restaurants, bars, boutiques, etc. with tons of room for growth, it's really the only choice for a business or developer wanting a true live/work/play lifestyle rather than just a faux urban environment from 9-5, after which they can get in their SUV and head back to Buckeye.


Somebody is grumpy!:P

[exit2lef]

Somebody is grumpy!:P

You just noticed?

[Jjs5056]

Lol. :) Just disappointed because it seemed like it was making good, progressive choices but now it just looks like its boundaries are kind of caving in. Downtown Phoenix is doing great but won't ever have an anchor like Mill could have been to Downtown Tempe. I blame Hanover 100% - I fucking hate that project.

[Obadno]

Lol. :) Just disappointed because it seemed like it was making good, progressive choices but now it just looks like its boundaries are kind of caving in. Downtown Phoenix is doing great but won't ever have an anchor like Mill could have been to Downtown Tempe. I blame Hanover 100% - I fucking hate that project.

IDK man mill avenue is one of the best urban neighborhoods (however small it is) in the country,. we are lucky to have it. And we have Old Town, Roosevelt Row, Downtown Chandler and Downtown Gilbert all promising to be amazing urban (ish) areas in their own right.

[phoenixwillrise]

IDK man mill avenue is one of the best urban neighborhoods (however small it is) in the country,. we are lucky to have it. And we have Old Town, Roosevelt Row, Downtown Chandler and Downtown Gilbert all promising to be amazing urban (ish) areas in their own right.


There will only be a very few lots that don't have either office buildings or Condo's or Apts on them from 52nd st. along Washington and from 52nd along Van Buren available all the way from 52nd to the Tempe Bridge. Anybody pick up on that? The only lots that are left that are seedy is that stupid Castle on Washington that pushes Porn and some crappy development at 55th and Van Buren and the old Motel 6 and the adjacent used car lot near 52nd. Nuke all of those and do some infill and those two streets, Washington and Van Buren are looking great from from 52nd St. to the Tempe Bridge. I guarantee you the Condo prices and Rents will rise on those streets when the Grand and that infill is done as the 202 Freeway is a natural barrier to the west and the Tempe Bridge and Papago Park are to the East.

[muertecaza]

New zoning signs up for "The Standard" on some of the blighted land on 7th St., just east of Mill, here:

http://i.imgur.com/l1n3RRDh.jpg

The current owner of the land is "Tempe 7th St. LLC," the principle member of which appears to be a hedge fund. Unclear who the developer is.

Here is the zoning sign:

http://i.imgur.com/A7l2L4lh.jpg

Details include:

335 dwelling units on .85 acres (density of 394 du/ac !!)
560 parking spots
362 bicycle spaces
295' tall
3,460 sq. ft. of retail


This is reading the tea leaves a little bit, but my hope is that the parking, while a lot, would indicate that it's not student housing.

Sign also says that the proposal already fits within the 2040 plan for use and density and conforms with the zoning code, so hopefully the regulatory process for this one should be quick. Neighborhood meeting is March 23, 2016 at 5:30 at Shady Park.

All in all...:cheers::D:cheers::notacrook::cheers:

[PHX31]

/\Thanks for the info!

I only wish they could scoot over to the west and take up the jack in the box and the empty lot where Long Wong's used to be.

[PHXFlyer11]

New zoning signs up for "The Standard" on some of the blighted land on 7th St., just east of Mill, here:

http://i.imgur.com/l1n3RRDh.jpg

The current owner of the land is "Tempe 7th St. LLC," the principle member of which appears to be a hedge fund. Unclear who the developer is.

Here is the zoning sign:

http://i.imgur.com/A7l2L4lh.jpg

Details include:

335 dwelling units on .85 acres (density of 394 du/ac !!)
560 parking spots
362 bicycle spaces
295' tall
3,460 sq. ft. of retail


This is reading the tea leaves a little bit, but my hope is that the parking, while a lot, would indicate that it's not student housing.

Sign also says that the proposal already fits within the 2040 plan for use and density and conforms with the zoning code, so hopefully the regulatory process for this one should be quick. Neighborhood meeting is March 23, 2016 at 5:30 at Shady Park.

All in all...:cheers::D:cheers::notacrook::cheers:

AWESOME! I think this is that Canadian developer that said they were "investigating potential high-rise" on that land. I just really hope we see some of these start to break ground. I feel a little better about this and some of the housing since State Farm is moving in (than I do about some of the offices proposed).

[Jjs5056]

Obadno - I am from New Jersey, and can count at least 10 "downtowns" that have more variety than Mill. None of them have the lake, but that's turned out to be so secluded even though it's great. Mill Ave with the Mosaic on Ash, Lumina by SDS, etc. would've been amazing. And, actually, I think Downtown Mesa is already more diversified and interesting with room to expand north and south... with ASU coming, it could turn out pretty nice. But, Gilbert? No way. And, Chandler should've made a push or at least some of their major players to locate downtown. It doesn't matter, really, I hope they all turn out to be awesome urban places. I just wanted Tempe to be more in line with an Austin or Portland at some point.

PHX31 - Unfortunately, the lot fronting Mill and north of Jack in the Box is owned separately and is listed along with the remaining land east of this proposed project. At one point, these were assembled for M7, which was a stunning project - 2 condo and 1 hotel tower with tons of retail and all underground parking. It went into foreclosure and that's how the parcels became split. The owner of the other parcels was trying to pursue a joint venture with this middle owner, but it obviously didn't work out, which I think really sucks. :( I don't see this developer wouldn't have bought at least the parcel along Mill to 1) eliminate the chance of a tower blocking views one day, 2) have Mill ave frontage, and 3) be able to offer more than ~3,500 square feet of retail in such a prime location. It seems short-sighted, and even the original project had a small midrise-ish portion along that area before transitioning into the towers:
http://s36.photobucket.com/user/joelcontreras/media/Pics19/7m5.jpg.html

The Jack in the Box owner was unwilling to sell during the boom because drive-thrus are now prohibited, so I doubt he is any more likely now with more reasonable pricing. And, the lots on their own are too small for anything substantial. It'd be cool if they acquired the remaining block and created a U-shaped project around this proposed tower. Or, at least an L - maybe partnering with the Salvation army for some of its land and creating a midrise mixed use affordable housing project? Regardless, the empty parcel, Jack in the Box, Pita Jungle, and Tempe Center "tower" are all a rather crappy gateway.

Happy to see 295' and 335 of likely market rate apartments on Mill. Hoping the density (esp. if 7S is built) could maybe lead to a turnaround at that intersection? Nothing wrong with an ASU Museum or Zipp's, but I would much rather see a Trader Joe's or H&M. 335 units and 295' seems to indicate above-ground parking, right? That's unfortunate. So many boom day projects were going underground, and now it seems nonexistent. I just like the aesthetic so much better without hulking podiums.

[Jjs5056]

AWESOME! I think this is that Canadian developer that said they were "investigating potential high-rise" on that land. I just really hope we see some of these start to break ground. I feel a little better about this and some of the housing since State Farm is moving in (than I do about some of the offices proposed).

Yep - that's them. They seem to have a good portfolio, and design 425 Mill, which is a great building. Looks like a winner. No details on 7th Street yet, though: http://wexforddevelopments.com/location/tempe-7th-street/

I agree about housing and am actually surprised at how little has been proposed compared to Downtown Phoenix or even compared to the student housing projects. But, if this, 7S, and Farmer Arts get built, those are three 13+ story towers of market rate units which would make me happy. Of course, I'd like to also see Mill + Rio get built since a boutique hotel and more employers can only mean good things. But, with the Zenefits scandal, smaller suburban projects in the works, and the whoring out of the Warehouse District, it may be a tough sell. :( With all of the proposals over the years, there is still not one upscale/boutique hotel ON Mill. AC Marriott is close, but there was supposed to be a Kimpton and an Omni damn it.

I'm happy it's been silent on the Ash+Uni front... if that ends up being developed as shown on the developer's site (6-stories), that will really suck as the garage next door gets extended higher. I hope whatever goes there is 13+ and has more than just a grocer on the bottom.

[azsunsurfer]

Gilbert is definitely an urban center...there are more people downtown on a given Tuesday night than most of Downtown Phoenix's core streets after 7pm. I know I live and work in both but I digress...

I thought the developers of The Standard for some reason owned the whole block? I thought it was remnants of that major redevelopment that was proposed during the boom that at least took the entire north block. Then it will be interesting to see what potentially could be developed on that loan block on the corner. Jack in the Box has no desire to sell even for a redevelopment as we've seen in Downtown Chandler.

[Obadno]

Gilbert is definitely an urban center...there are more people downtown on a given Tuesday night than most of Downtown Phoenix's core streets after 7pm. I know I live and work in both but I digress...

I thought the developers of The Standard for some reason owned the whole block? I thought it was remnants of that major redevelopment that was proposed during the boom that at least took the entire north block. Then it will be interesting to see what potentially could be developed on that loan block on the corner. Jack in the Box has no desire to sell even for a redevelopment as we've seen in Downtown Chandler.

They will some day, someone will offer a price they just cant pass up, but that will probably be many more years from now.

[Jjs5056]

Gilbert is definitely an urban center...there are more people downtown on a given Tuesday night than most of Downtown Phoenix's core streets after 7pm. I know I live and work in both but I digress...

I thought the developers of The Standard for some reason owned the whole block? I thought it was remnants of that major redevelopment that was proposed during the boom that at least took the entire north block. Then it will be interesting to see what potentially could be developed on that loan block on the corner. Jack in the Box has no desire to sell even for a redevelopment as we've seen in Downtown Chandler.

An urban center to me is more than just a busy nightlife. If you can't live there, can't find a professional job there, can't buy necessities like food, clothing, home goods, etc., it's not an urban center, it's a destination that people drive to and then leave. No different than a mall. It may have urban design elements, i.e. no setbacks and so on. And, that's great that what's there is so busy, because that means maybe one day there will be demand for the rest. I'm not arguing with you or trying to degrade Gilbert in any way. I might have a crazy definition, and I'm not saying it is right by any means.

7th Street
The M7 project took up the land north of the Jack in the Box from Mill - 7th. When it went under, the parcels were sold, and one developer got the middle chunk (Wexford) and another got the exterior lots. In requesting a time extension, the owner of the exterior lots mentioned he was trying hard to work out a joint venture, so it's disappointing that Wexford was unwilling. I can't see how having Mill Ave frontage wouldn't make a pretty big impact on the project, and it means those lots will stay empty for quite some time, don't you think?

According to someone working on the Farmer Arts project,
1) The 13-story residential building is likely to be denied at the upcoming meeting as a vocal minority opposes its height and lack of parking. This is a project on the streetcar line in a city that paid for a study that showed a parking surplus... this should not be an issue. If anyone is able to go support it, they should. It's the only high quality tower geared toward professionals and at some point, the city needs to go up.
2) The City has been telling them to expect a proposal any week now for the Mosaic lot; this person was under the impression that the 6-story building we've seen renderings of was denied and that the new project is supposed to be more along the lines of Mosaic. Take that with a grain of salt... I believe that a project with Whole Foods is going to be proposed, but I think everyone has assumed it will be a tower and it won't be, which would be ridiculous when the garage next door is up to, what, 8 stories?
3) SRP is fighting hard against the railway path, which is why The Yard has yet to do their part. I think that path is a great feature and the kind of touch that shows a developer/architect is taking their site into consideration. If it gets killed, that sucks.
4) Developers wanted to replace the library (which the city pulled due to budget) with an incubator type of space but the city didn't want that either. So, now, they are thinking of turning one of the offices' floors into a makerspace, which would be a good addition to the area IMO.
5) The City wanted the projects flipped - residential on 5th and office on University. What do you guys think? I think that anything over 8-10 stories on 5th would've been out of scale, and if the Mosaic lot is developed, that'll be a dense cluster with W6 in there, too, which would help support the grocer. The office building is also fairly small and surrounded by live/work and office anyway, so I think it's fine as is.

[muertecaza]

Another large mixed-use development being planned for the former Club Rio/Hayden Harbor lot on the north shore of lake.

http://brewaz.com/hot-news/l-a-based-investor-planning-mixed-use-project-along-north-shore-of-tempe-town-lake/

The 14.828-acre tract, being planned for office, residential, retail and hotel uses, is located along the west side of Scottsdale Road and is just south of the 202 Freeway. Sources say Manjula Vaz of the Phoenix lawfirm Gammage & Burnham is assisting with the zoning and is expected to file plans in Tempe by the end of March.

Nelsen Partnership in Scottsdale is working on the site plan, which is expected to call for 600,000 sq. ft. of office space in two buildings, each of 10 to 12 stories; 300 to 325 multi-family units, a boutique hotel with 150 to 200 rooms and an unknown amount of commercial space that likely will bei ncorporated into a planned parking garage. In all, there will be roughly 1.2 million sq. ft. of buildings. The two-phased project could also include more offices, multi-family, commercial and a second hotel in phase two.

No word coming from Norouzi or marketing representatives for the planned development, which is being called North Lake. Sources say Norouzi has a deal in the works to sell the multi-family site to P.B. Bell Cos. in Scottsdale. No further details on that sale...

A spec office building of around 300,000 sq. ft. could be underway by year-end.

[Jjs5056]

Wow, this is the site where old renderings were just posted and I ranted about something like that never being built.

So, why can't Rio+Mill fill its ~8 floors of office space when something like this beast is feeling confident?

[Obadno]

Another large mixed-use development being planned for the form Club Rio/Hayden Harbor lot on the north shore of lake.

http://brewaz.com/hot-news/l-a-based-investor-planning-mixed-use-project-along-north-shore-of-tempe-town-lake/

I cant believe that the self-storage facility and audio express aren't selling, (even the hotel too)

Clearly that land is better used than self-storage and car audio center.

[MegaBass]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CdH-AyVW4AEsEUf.jpg

March 9 aerials of Engineering Residence Hall (Suntec Concrete (https://twitter.com/SuntecConcrete/status/707625906542669824))

[Jjs5056]

Well, looks like residents won't get to keep their precious views of industrial blight on 1st Street for much longer after they killed Crescent. It's been scooped up aready by a new developer. I still don't "get" why 1st Street is a commercial block on one side, but that momentum already started and so I hope Alliance, this project, and the brewery all pull through and transform the entire space between Hardy and Farmer.

Won't start until 2017 - hope it makes it before the pop.

http://azbigmedia.com/azre-magazine/brokerage-news/edu3-ventures-buys-land-near-tempe-town-lake

[MegaBass]

Cornish Pasty Co., Mill location takes over a 1,000-square-foot space that previously housed Boston vs. New York Pizza, Paisan’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, and Famous Potato, among others. It has a full bar, but only a limited menu that will change weekly.

Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. (Mouth by Southwest (http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2016/03/15/now-open-cornish-pasty-co-in-downtown-tempe/))

[PHXFlyer11]

Cornish Pasty Co., Mill location takes over a 1,000-square-foot space that previously housed Boston vs. New York Pizza, Paisan’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, and Famous Potato, among others. It has a full bar, but only a limited menu that will change weekly.

Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. (Mouth by Southwest (http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2016/03/15/now-open-cornish-pasty-co-in-downtown-tempe/))

I'm guessing this is the NEC of Mill and 5th? Where Dunkin Donuts used to be? Those other places were around for such a short time I barley noticed them :shrug:

[muertecaza]

Cornish Pasty Co., Mill location takes over a 1,000-square-foot space that previously housed Boston vs. New York Pizza, Paisan’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, and Famous Potato, among others. It has a full bar, but only a limited menu that will change weekly.

Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. (Mouth by Southwest (http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2016/03/15/now-open-cornish-pasty-co-in-downtown-tempe/))

I was curious whether this location would be co-existing with the original Hardy/University location and this article (http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2016/03/14/cornish-pasty-co-opens-mill-avenue-tempe/81770184/) indicates that it will. Apparently this location will be a sort of satellite with a more limited menu but some exclusive specials.

[PHXFlyer11]

I was curious whether this location would be co-existing with the original Hardy/University location and this article (http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2016/03/14/cornish-pasty-co-opens-mill-avenue-tempe/81770184/) indicates that it will. Apparently this location will be a sort of satellite with a more limited menu but some exclusive specials.

If you're familiar with the space they moved into on Mill, it is VERY small. It's almost like a counter/stand, so I could see them co-existing.

[Obadno]

If you're familiar with the space they moved into on Mill, it is VERY small. It's almost like a counter/stand, so I could see them co-existing.

It wasn't so long ago that the original Cornish was basically a counter. So I think the new location will work great!

[muertecaza]

The Grand at Papago's DRC packet:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39685

No renders unfortunately, but it's not one of the big ones. It's a 4-story, 200,000 sq/ft office building fronting Washington, with a 6-story parking garage. :shrug:

[ASUSunDevil]

Via azcentral.com:

Another hearing is scheduled on plans for a 13-story apartment building at the northeast corner of Farmer Avenue and University Drive and another proposal to build a five-story office building farther to the north along Farmer at Fifth Street.

Both vacant parcels are owned by the city and part of the Farmer Arts District designated by the city in 2007 for ongoing redevelopment in partnership with private enterprises. Tempe-based Urban Development Partners is proposing both projects. Parkway Properties also is a partner in the office project.

At an initial hearing on the proposal in late February, Mayor Mark Mitchell and Council members Lauren Kuby and Robin Arredondo-Savage raised concerns about the apartment project's density. Plans include 281 apartments, which exceeds what is allowed under the city's current General Plan. The proposal seeks an exception to that plan.


Several other council members suggested the density was appropriate. Vice Mayor Corey Woods, along with Council members Joel Navarro and David Shapira said the project was in keeping with Tempe's vision for a "transition'' area between Tempe's urban core and residential areas to the west of downtown.

Thursday's meeting will be held at Tempe City Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St.

[muertecaza]

The Grand at Papago's DRC packet:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39685

No renders unfortunately, but it's not one of the big ones. It's a 4-story, 200,000 sq/ft office building fronting Washington, with a 6-story parking garage. :shrug:

Updated packet with the renderings:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39695

[MegaBass]

If you're familiar with the space they moved into on Mill, it is VERY small. It's almost like a counter/stand, so I could see them co-existing.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cdn44ZTUIAInloO.jpg

(Urban Realty (https://twitter.com/UrbanRealty/status/709872064191008769))

[Obadno]

Updated packet with the renderings:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=39695

Looks like a decent office building. Nothing to write home about

[dtnphx]

Here's a link for whole project.

http://www.thegrandatpapagoparkcenter.com/

[combusean]

It baffles me that something which advocates its frontage on two light rail stations purposely designs a building that faces completely inward while giving the garage direct access to Washington St.

I don't know why tempe approved a plan inspired by a 1980s design standards manual in what should have been a solidly TOD zoning district.

[dtnphx]

There are garages on three sides of the property. There are actually 7 buildings with two smaller garages on Washington. Some of the buildings are facing Washington and some face the very prominent water feature. The two largest garages are on the freeway side.

[muertecaza]

2) The City has been telling them to expect a proposal any week now for the Mosaic lot; this person was under the impression that the 6-story building we've seen renderings of was denied and that the new project is supposed to be more along the lines of Mosaic. Take that with a grain of salt... I believe that a project with Whole Foods is going to be proposed, but I think everyone has assumed it will be a tower and it won't be, which would be ridiculous when the garage next door is up to, what, 8 stories?

Consistent with Jjs's info, zoning signs are up on the Mosaic lot. New snappy one word name is "The Foundry."

http://i.imgur.com/NO36CeTh.jpg

No info on the sign re: height or density.

[muertecaza]

Alliance closed on the land planned for Broadstone Lakeside.

http://azbex.com/commercial-real-estate-news-3-22-16/

Between that and having applied for a building permit, it looks like this one is ready to move forward.

[Jjs5056]

Muertecaza - I wonder why some signs are so descriptive in terms of units, etc. while others are so generic. Aside from the name (3rd 'Foundry' to come to Phoenix - the music venue, boutique hotel, and this..), it's hard to know whether this is different than the lame 6/7-story building shown a year ago. I'll trust the word of the person who told me it was redesigned to become a much taller building for now.

I think the grocery store is all but a done deal, not that this is news. At the meeting for Farmer Arts, the dimwitted councilmen kept asking those in opposition whether they'd change their minds if it guaranteed a grocery store next door to open. Idiot residents said literally "I would rather a dirt lot." :shrug: I couldn't stay - had already been there 4 hours - but the project better have passed. Each speaker for the project had logical, data-backed rationale for why it would be a benefit; each speaker against it used fear "you'll drive all of us out!" and fluff "I mean, maybe 10 stories would be okay.." (based on what exactly?)

I hope the Ash/Uni lot is 20+ stories and that the ground level is designed to accommodate more than just a grocer. Shallow retail bays along Ash and the streetcar route would make a big difference than just a big box grocery store. I hope it also becomes economically viable again for Centerpoint to look into a redesign that at least buries the garage attached to AMC and maybe consolidates the office space into one large tower on University. It's unnecessarily closed off along Ash and with more projects online for Ash, Farmer, etc. it'd be good to have that connectivity.

Papago Grande
Papago Grande is the type of development this city clearly prefers. They're totally tone-deaf when it comes to urban planning, TOD, etc. With a shrinking downtown and built-up lakefront, an area like Washington/Priest makes perfect sense for creating dense mixed use neighborhoods adjacent to downtown that might be a little more affordable or attractive given the closer proximity to downtown Phoenix, the airport, etc. If done right, it could help eventually connect Papago Park/SkySong to Fountainhead. But, there's nothing right about these plans. Once fans of shiny glass look beyond the aesthetics (from the perspective of someone inside the development), it's a project that takes NO advantage of its great location or adjacent light rail stop. Garages fronting a major intersection? This is supposed to be a mixed-use project at completion; there should be a clear pedestrian entryway at the intersection with entrances into the office lobbies and future retail to support commuters, employees, and residents that eventually led the canalscape project. Instead, it's no different than any suburban office park with their fountains or other internal focal points.

ORB, designers of crap projects like all of Alliance's work, will be designing the first residential phase on the east side and it is, well, crap. Carriage units will front Washington as with a narrow parking lot and 4-story apartment complex. What a giant waste. Check out the renderings for "SRP"
http://orbarch.com/index.php/mies_portfolio/on-the-boards/

[Obadno]

Muertecaza - I wonder why some signs are so descriptive in terms of units, etc. while others are so generic. Aside from the name (3rd 'Foundry' to come to Phoenix - the music venue, boutique hotel, and this..), it's hard to know whether this is different than the lame 6/7-story building shown a year ago. I'll trust the word of the person who told me it was redesigned to become a much taller building for now.

I think the grocery store is all but a done deal, not that this is news. At the meeting for Farmer Arts, the dimwitted councilmen kept asking those in opposition whether they'd change their minds if it guaranteed a grocery store next door to open. Idiot residents said literally "I would rather a dirt lot." :shrug: I couldn't stay - had already been there 4 hours - but the project better have passed. Each speaker for the project had logical, data-backed rationale for why it would be a benefit; each speaker against it used fear "you'll drive all of us out!" and fluff "I mean, maybe 10 stories would be okay.." (based on what exactly?)

I hope the Ash/Uni lot is 20+ stories and that the ground level is designed to accommodate more than just a grocer. Shallow retail bays along Ash and the streetcar route would make a big difference than just a big box grocery store. I hope it also becomes economically viable again for Centerpoint to look into a redesign that at least buries the garage attached to AMC and maybe consolidates the office space into one large tower on University. It's unnecessarily closed off along Ash and with more projects online for Ash, Farmer, etc. it'd be good to have that connectivity.

Papago Grande
Papago Grande is the type of development this city clearly prefers. They're totally tone-deaf when it comes to urban planning, TOD, etc. With a shrinking downtown and built-up lakefront, an area like Washington/Priest makes perfect sense for creating dense mixed use neighborhoods adjacent to downtown that might be a little more affordable or attractive given the closer proximity to downtown Phoenix, the airport, etc. If done right, it could help eventually connect Papago Park/SkySong to Fountainhead. But, there's nothing right about these plans. Once fans of shiny glass look beyond the aesthetics (from the perspective of someone inside the development), it's a project that takes NO advantage of its great location or adjacent light rail stop. Garages fronting a major intersection? This is supposed to be a mixed-use project at completion; there should be a clear pedestrian entryway at the intersection with entrances into the office lobbies and future retail to support commuters, employees, and residents that eventually led the canalscape project. Instead, it's no different than any suburban office park with their fountains or other internal focal points.

ORB, designers of crap projects like all of Alliance's work, will be designing the first residential phase on the east side and it is, well, crap. Carriage units will front Washington as with a narrow parking lot and 4-story apartment complex. What a giant waste. Check out the renderings for "SRP"
http://orbarch.com/index.php/mies_portfolio/on-the-boards/

Old old rendering doubt that's final, Plsu the Papago site plan has that culd-a-sac connecting to an interior road back to the middle of the project.

[muertecaza]

Pictures from 1000 E. Apache from today

http://i.imgur.com/YlzgEvzh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/v2D7dO0h.jpg

[muertecaza]

Picture of one of the boards from the Standard Neighborhood Meeting.

http://i.imgur.com/1ELgOrYh.jpg

They are supposed to email better quality renderings and I can pass them along when they do. As others noted, apparently they were trying to get a deal done on the adjacent lots, so the rendering shows buildings on the adjacent lots. But the only building planned currently is the center building.

Parking is above ground, but seems well integrated. Retail looked good in some of the other renderings. It's a small thing but my only complaint is I'm not sure about the palm trees. But overall looks quality.

[PHXFlyer11]

Picture of one of the boards from the Standard Neighborhood Meeting.

http://i.imgur.com/1ELgOrYh.jpg

They are supposed to email better quality renderings and I can pass them along when they do. As others noted, apparently they were trying to get a deal done on the adjacent lots, so the rendering shows buildings on the adjacent lots. But the only building planned currently is the center building.

Parking is above ground, but seems well integrated. Retail looked good in some of the other renderings. It's a small thing but my only complaint is I'm not sure about the palm trees. But overall looks quality.

Sweet! How many stories? I counted 25 from the rendering.

With so many towers on the boards for Tempe, something better break ground soon (I'm not counting Apache).

Help me out with the running list...

- The Pier (2)
- 100 Mill (2)
- The Standard
- The Foundry
- University and Farmer
- 7th Street Mixed Use (2/3)
- Newman Prject

[muertecaza]

Sweet! How many stories? I counted 25 from the rendering.

With so many towers on the boards for Tempe, something better break ground soon (I'm not counting Apache).

Help me out with the running list...

- The Pier (2)
- 100 Mill (2)
- The Standard
- The Foundry
- University and Farmer
- 7th Street Mixed Use (2/3)
- Newman Prject

Your story counting skills are good, it's 26 stories, 295'.

The only other real tower I can think to add to your list is the South Bank senior housing, Villas at Southbank.

[nickw252]

Your story counting skills are good, it's 26 stories, 295'.

The only other real tower I can think to add to your list is the South Bank senior housing, Villas at Southbank.

Is that a rendering of the Foundry?

[muertecaza]

Is that a rendering of the Foundry?


No, this one is "The Standard," the building proposed on 7th St and Mill.

[Jjs5056]

Honestly, don't hold your breathe on any towers; maybe The Standard has a chance, but the NIMBYs killed that great-looking Crescent Rio project on 1st Street and they're on their way toward killing the 13-story Farmer Arts residential tower, which has been moved to an April Council Meeting -- same series of events that led to Crescent's withdrawal.

Tempe voters approved a dense urban core when they passed transit measures, funding for the TCA, and even okay'd TTL. It's a land-locked city with an extremely small downtown that is being constantly restricted further, and economics are simple - there isn't enough land left that 5-story residential projects will ever produce the density needed to support things like a streetcar, house workers for more employers to join StateFarm, or support year-round retail and services. There is no logical argument against a 13-story building on Farmer/University; it's a tall, dense project finally aimed at professionals in a downtown of student frat houses, and the ranting of a new neighborhood idiots is going to cause it to be pulled and DTT without the market rate housing it seriously needs. Fucking lame.

The Standard looks great, but not grabbing the lot fronting Mill really does suck. I don't see the numbers penciling for anyone to build anything worthwhile on that small site; just as pictured here, it's perfect as a lowrise transition to a central tower that allows for more contiguous retail space. 3,000 square feet cannot hold a majority of retailers and is bound to be just another restaurant instead of a clothing outlet, home goods store.. I'm fine with the east lot not being included -- perhaps it can be rehabbed into affordable housing in partnership with the Salvation Army or something. But, the wasted Mill frontage is a shame.

[Jjs5056]

Old old rendering doubt that's final, Plsu the Papago site plan has that culd-a-sac connecting to an interior road back to the middle of the project.

What are you talking about? The renderings I posted match the site plan shown on their site almost 100%. Yes, the cul-de-sac continues just as shown in the renderings... the shapes of the building is identical, just missing the phase 2. Not sure what would make you think these aren't final when the office and garage plans presented match perfectly. :shrug:

http://www.thegrandatpapagoparkcenter.com/aboutPPC.html

[combusean]

^ No they don't, at all.

The ORB site plans show oodles of surface parking with the apartments and carriage units.

The apartments posted on the Grand's website are entirely structured without carriage units--look at the links you posted.

[Jjs5056]

^ No they don't, at all.

The ORB site plans show oodles of surface parking with the apartments and carriage units.

The apartments posted on the Grand's website are entirely structured without carriage units--look at the links you posted.

Yes, the carriage units aren't shown, but extending the main portion of the apartments all the way to Washington seems to be the only change? I assumed the parking on ORB was intended to be structured during Phase 2 as they show "ramp up" and "ramp down" on what I imagined to be a temporary surface lot.

It isn't exact, you are right. I just don't expect a drastically different redesign based on the removal of carriage units. There's still no active Washington frontage, as I doubt they're going to do 2-3 walk-ups on those small pieces that jet out.

[Jjs5056]

The Maxwell is back on the DRC agenda. Complete project info, including the images posted already, can be found in this packet:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=38574


250 units, and all of them will be cleared out each May. I had hoped that maybe they would at least function as apartments and offer students the ability to stay year-round, but no - they will have "load-in" and "load-out" days just as every ASU dorm does.
Gensler is designing it; I think CAC is crap, but this actually looks well-designed except for the stupid overhangs.
In case it wasn't clear earlier, the Student Book Store is not included. I hope the landlord at least renovates or the clash between its facade and these modern buildings will be pretty gross.


The entire narrative essentially concludes that College Avenue functions as an extension of Cady Mall and will/should one day be closed off to vehicular traffic. With that sprawling campus between Uni and Apache filled with developable land, it is so frustrating for ASU to have just annexed the only other urban street other than Mill Ave in an already small downtown footprint. With the TCC at the other end, this should have been a really great mix of housing in heights not appropriate along Mill, supporting a different retail mix than the bar scene, with the addition of townhomes and midrises in the areas between the two streets.

With the Towers on 5th Street dorms and 707 Forest planned for even more student housing, "downtown" is essentially terminated at Forest. The Council refuses to approve height west of Mill, so that's that. WTF was the push for "Downtown Tempe" for when they have literally trimmed its footprint back down to just Mill? My friend who works at Snooze said they really struggled last summer and I don't see how the addition of even more retail/restaurant space can support the year-round function of anything other than the fast casual places that make this pretty much a linear mall food court.

[phoenixwillrise]

Looks like a decent office building. Nothing to write home about

The City should have approved the overall project with the caveat that a park and ride separate or part of a parking garage be required for light rail. Priest Dr. carries a lot of traffic from both north and south which would be a great place for a light rail park and ride.

[PHXFlyer11]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/03/31/anyone-for-tennis-collegiate-group-moving.html

Intercollegiate tennis association is moving to Tempe. I assume it's in the Stadium District.

[muertecaza]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/03/31/anyone-for-tennis-collegiate-group-moving.html

Intercollegiate tennis association is moving to Tempe. I assume it's in the Stadium District.

Seems like a good get. Here is more info re: location from AZ Central.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2016/03/31/intercollegiate-tennis-association-moving-tempe/82453558/

By early summer, the ITA is expected to be operating in Arizona, initially in office space at University Center, on University Drive east of Rural Road. ASU plans to relocate and expand the Whiteman Tennis Center east of Rural close to Sun Devil Soccer Stadium, and that facility also could house the ITA.

[azsunsurfer]

http://azbex.com/tempe-lake-to-get-1-6msf-nessy-project/

What?!? Where did this come from? Also how will the valley support 3 aquariums?!? I hope this doesn't turn out cheesy!!

[azsunsurfer]

http://azbex.com/tempe-lake-to-get-1-6msf-nessy-project/

What?!? Where did this come from? Also how will the valley support 3 aquariums?!? I hope this doesn't turn out cheesy!!

lol April fools everyone ;)

[RichTempe]

http://azbex.com/tempe-lake-to-get-1-6msf-nessy-project/

What?!? Where did this come from? Also how will the valley support 3 aquariums?!? I hope this doesn't turn out cheesy!!

I think the names in the article should have given it away pretty quickly, but some people don't always pay attention. Happy April Fool's Day! :haha:

[PHXFlyer11]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2016/04/ziprecruiter-plans-to-hire-upwards-of-300-at-new.html

This is great news! I wonder if they have more space available in HFL, or if they would be a candidate to make the jump to 100 Mill.

[muertecaza]

Reporting in from The Foundry neighborhood meeting.

http://i.imgur.com/gwoq1m4h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EcpC9yWh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8EqxSXQh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ST7d6wIh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wsk2LWNh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xta2ZKvh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nu2FpwAh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9SZfkwth.jpg

Not an overly exciting proposal, but I think it is taller than the original rendering, and taller than the Chase garage. And maybe something like this has a better chance of getting by the neighborhood riff raff, who were there in full force asking about whether this development would be funded by offshore investors "exposed" by the Panama papers. :koko:

[phoenixwillrise]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2016/04/ziprecruiter-plans-to-hire-upwards-of-300-at-new.html

This is great news! I wonder if they have more space available in HFL, or if they would be a candidate to make the jump to 100 Mill.

As far as more space at HFL that might be doable as Zenefits just got busted for writing insurance or something illegally and has radically cut back their work force and they have several floors at HFL so maybe that will all work out.

on 100 Mill not sure it is going to happen as it is now as one of the players is getting cold feet. That from a developer friend of mine who knows the players.

[Obadno]

Reporting in from The Foundry neighborhood meeting.

http://i.imgur.com/gwoq1m4h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EcpC9yWh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8EqxSXQh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ST7d6wIh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wsk2LWNh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xta2ZKvh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nu2FpwAh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9SZfkwth.jpg

Not an overly exciting proposal, but I think it is taller than the original rendering, and taller than the Chase garage. And maybe something like this has a better chance of getting by the neighborhood riff raff, who were there in full force asking about whether this development would be funded by offshore investors "exposed" by the Panama papers. :koko:

I think this is a good size for that corner It would be a bit dumb having a 20 story building there when it is has low rise neighborhoods across from it on two sides

[ASUSunDevil]

http://mylocalnews.us/dt/2016/04/07/in-downtown-tempe-residents-city-split-on-development/

[muertecaza]

on 100 Mill not sure it is going to happen as it is now as one of the players is getting cold feet. That from a developer friend of mine who knows the players.

Thanks for the info but what a bummer. This is still the project I'm pulling for the most. Any chance you got an impression from your friend how cold the player's feet are? Or if there is any hope?

[Raymie]

People here will eat this news up:

The Student Book Center is closing and getting demolished so the land can be added to The Maxwell.

They are already holding a going out of business sale (they just announced their closure yesterday - the owners of the property opted to sell) and the most recent version of the The Maxwell proposal includes the SBC property:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=40112

The delay in discussion by the review commission is largely due to this property being incorporated into the plan:

"2/22/16: At the applicant’s request, the cases were pulled from the February 9, 2016 DRC agenda, and a fourth submittal was made that included the property on the immediate southwest corner of College and 7th Street."

The Student Book Center says they may open in the new building, but that would be years away (and honestly may not be consistent with the sort of uses that will be in The Maxwell).

The building plans themselves haven't changed much, but the land will be used to have more green space/buffer as the north tower of The Maxwell is further west than the south tower.

[ASUSunDevil]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/04/09/coyotes-arena-special-tax-district-sidelined-asu.html

[PHXFlyer11]

I don't subscribe, so no idea what it says... http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/techflash/2016/04/exclusive-global-tech-company-moving-to-new-tempe.html

I was hoping to read that 100 Mill might be their destination...:shrug:

[muertecaza]

I don't subscribe, so no idea what it says... http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/techflash/2016/04/exclusive-global-tech-company-moving-to-new-tempe.html

I was hoping to read that 100 Mill might be their destination...:shrug:

Damn subscriber paywall. Now I'm all curious. Hopefully another outlet picks up the story soon.

Could be 100 Mill, Farmer Arts 2, Grande at Papago, 3-story office building proposed for Fountainhead, or even the dumb new two-story business park building over east of Tempe Marketplace.

[ASU Diablo]

It's Papago

[azsunsurfer]

Deleted

[ASUSunDevil]

Won't break ground until 2018, but 20 stories and LEED certified makes it hard for me to complain.

https://asunow.asu.edu/20160411-arizona-impact-new-senior-class

[muertecaza]

Won't break ground until 2018, but 20 stories and LEED certified makes it hard for me to complain.

https://asunow.asu.edu/20160411-arizona-impact-new-senior-class

Sounds like a pretty neat concept, and I'm in favor of anything that continues to bring housing to downtown Tempe. Seems like they have their ducks in a row, wonder why it will take until 2018.

Unclear from the rendering where it would be, but I kind of hope it wouldn't be right on the (assumedly SE) corner of University/Mill.

[PHXFlyer11]

Sounds like a pretty neat concept, and I'm in favor of anything that continues to bring housing to downtown Tempe. Seems like they have their ducks in a row, wonder why it will take until 2018.

Unclear from the rendering where it would be, but I kind of hope it wouldn't be right on the (assumedly SE) corner of University/Mill.

I agree. I hope it's not directly on the corner. That is a ton of land, no way this take up that whole lot. Put it next to the other school buildings to the East or to the South. Leave the prime corner for a mixed-use project that activates the corner.