Tempe Development Thread

[PHX31]

Does anyone know the latest/future plans for that lot on the east side of Rural between Terrace & 8th St? That site had huge plans at the beginning of the boom after light rail went through and seemingly has been planned for something or an other for 15 years. That'll be a great bookend for that area whenever it's finally developed.

Terrace between Rural and Apache has really grown up since it was once the ASU "student ghetto" back in the day. I always felt like it was a shame that a light rail stop wasn't planned within that stretch of Terrace.

8th Street between Rural and Dorsey (really, all the way to McClintock) has also grown nicely in the last decade+ or so. It's an interesting mix of new developments and history (Elias Rodriquez House, Four Peaks Brewery buildings, etc.). All that's missing is the lot at Rural.

[Mr.RE]

Does anyone know the latest/future plans for that lot on the east side of Rural between Terrace & 8th St? That site had huge plans at the beginning of the boom after light rail went through and seemingly has been planned for something or an other for 15 years. That'll be a great bookend for that area whenever it's finally developed.

Terrace between Rural and Apache has really grown up since it was once the ASU "student ghetto" back in the day. I always felt like it was a shame that a light rail stop wasn't planned within that stretch of Terrace.

8th Street between Rural and Dorsey (really, all the way to McClintock) has also grown nicely in the last decade or so. It's an interesting mix of new developments and history (Elias Rodriquez House, Four Peaks Brewery buildings, etc.). All that's missing is the lot at Rural.

The plan was for a 24-story tower by Golub & Co, then rumors cirulated that the X company was going to develop a Co-Living highrise there for students/young professionals. Not sure where it is at in the process but it does appear American Campus Communities (student housing developer) owns a big chunk of the land so possibly a future student housing apartment.

[AVTempe]

I think they applied for it immediately after they got City Council approval late last year so hopefully that one does move forward soon.

It looks like they have a bid out for construction and are planning to start in March: https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/c5b659f9162c42fa998d352380fcf647.html

[azsunsurfer]

Nice find! So it looks like we should have a minimum of 6 towers on that side of the lake within the next two years!

[CA7]

So how important is the Chuckbox/ChopShop because I feel if the projects by Shady Park take off then that's the last spot along University between Rural and Mill that needs a little redevelopment. Always found it a bit odd walking by those surface lots/mini strip mall with Union and Atmosphere right next door.

[xymox]

Interesting - work starts on south pier - yet they lost in court. Next stop - the state Supreme Court...

https://azbex.com/legislation-issues/court-rules-against-tempe-in-s-pier-ballot-case/

[locolife]

So how important is the Chuckbox/ChopShop because I feel if the projects by Shady Park take off then that's the last spot along University between Rural and Mill that needs a little redevelopment. Always found it a bit odd walking by those surface lots/mini strip mall with Union and Atmosphere right next door.

You can have chop shop, don’t touch chuckbox it’s a small stand alone building that is a Tempe institution. I’m all for high rises but we’ve already seen a lot of old places go.

[locolife]

Interesting - work starts on south pier - yet they lost in court. Next stop - the state Supreme Court...

https://azbex.com/legislation-issues/court-rules-against-tempe-in-s-pier-ballot-case/

They’re building with or without the gplet.

[ChelseaFC]

Signage up on the fence for 250 Rio:

https://i.imgur.com/mdWx9ZXh.jpg

Has construction commenced or is it still in the site clearing phase and building permits are still needed?

[MiEncanto]

They’re building with or without the gplet.

Just like Omni I guess. Project pencils out either way.

I am curious to see if our new AG keeps the Omni case going. It’s an interesting one for sure.

[azsunsurfer]

Just like Omni I guess. Project pencils out either way.

I am curious to see if our new AG keeps the Omni case going. It’s an interesting one for sure.

She's in the pocket of big academia so I doubt it, she'll probably request the case be dropped.

[DesertRay]

She's in the pocket of big academia so I doubt it, she'll probably request the case be dropped.

LOL

That's not a thing. She's just not going to keep doing useless and pointless publicity stunts, wasting taxpayer money, and getting her ass handed to her like the last guy. The case never should have been brought up. She has *actual* fish to fry.

[azsunsurfer]

LOL

That's not a thing. She's just not going to keep doing useless and pointless publicity stunts, wasting taxpayer money, and getting her ass handed to her like the last guy. The case never should have been brought up. She has *actual* fish to fry.

All universities in the US combine have an endowment of $691,019,781. If you don't think that doesn't carry any political influence you're lame...

Does anyone have the renderings yet for La Victoria Commons? It's the redevelopment of the Tempe owned lot by the Park-n-Ride off Price and Apache. Also what work is going on adjacent to the Flower shop next to the canal on Apache?

[MiEncanto]

LOL

That's not a thing. She's just not going to keep doing useless and pointless publicity stunts, wasting taxpayer money, and getting her ass handed to her like the last guy. The case never should have been brought up. She has *actual* fish to fry.

While I agree the last AG did a lot of political stunts, the Omni case was an interesting one for a lot of valid legal reasons. It raises questions about university rights to use their tax free status for economic development and also gift clause. The notion that it should never have even been questioned is a pretty interesting take. Sounds like the thinking of those who worship at the almighty ASU altar.

[muertecaza]

Has construction commenced or is it still in the site clearing phase and building permits are still needed?

No equipment or action currently on site, and Tempe development map does not show that they've applied for a building permit, so does not seem like construction is imminent.

[ASU Diablo]

Apologies if this video had already been shared...first time seeing it. Looks awesome...

https://vimeo.com/761982687

[somethingfast]

Apologies if this video had already been shared...first time seeing it. Looks awesome...

https://vimeo.com/761982687

Tempe is turning in an incredible small knowledge capital that will be able to compete with Austin and Northern Virginia - very promising stuff

[ASU Diablo]

Tempe is turning in an incredible small knowledge capital that will be able to compete with Austin and Northern Virginia - very promising stuff

ASU is killing it. I just want Novus to be fully built out already so that ASU Athletics can start reaping those benefits ($$$) already.

Is it time for a dedicated "Novus Innovation Corridor" thread? :cheers:

[AVTempe]

Hello all I found this 9 story mixed use building rendering on LoopNet next to the 211 E 7th St development. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ/27423805/. There are issues with the pictures in the brochure however, it puts south pier in the wrong place somehow. It says it will break ground in 2023.


https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/KQb7WEfFknopJyNh8lN6tqnhiEnsnZN2g_doHrFKEZA/110/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ-2023-Rendering-1-Large.jpg

[DUPio]

Between Novus, everything along South Lake, the Tempe Entertainment District, and the general development downtown there is going to be monumental change in the next 5-10 years, even if only a portion of what is currently proposed actually gets built. It'll also be interesting to see how the Rural Rd - S. Scottsdale Blvd corridor gets developed towards Old Town. If Scottsdale gets on board that could be a really vibrant connection.

[combusean]

Hello all I found this 9 story mixed use building rendering on LoopNet next to the 211 E 7th St development. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ/27423805/. There are issues with the pictures in the brochure however, it puts south pier in the wrong place somehow. It says it will break ground in 2023.


https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/KQb7WEfFknopJyNh8lN6tqnhiEnsnZN2g_doHrFKEZA/110/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ-2023-Rendering-1-Large.jpg

That's Atmosphere in the back and the address and perspective makes plenty of sense when you look it up in Streetview, 706 S College Ave.

[muertecaza]

Hello all I found this 9 story mixed use building rendering on LoopNet next to the 211 E 7th St development. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ/27423805/. There are issues with the pictures in the brochure however, it puts south pier in the wrong place somehow. It says it will break ground in 2023.


https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/KQb7WEfFknopJyNh8lN6tqnhiEnsnZN2g_doHrFKEZA/110/706-712-S-College-Ave-Tempe-AZ-2023-Rendering-1-Large.jpg

Nice, thanks for posting. Love the look, it reminds me of some of the stuff built in Fulton Market in Chicago.

[combusean]

Strange that they're going for a midrise development too, I thought anything there would be yet another podium parked 300' project.

[somethingfast]

Strange that they're going for a midrise development too, I thought anything there would be yet another podium parked 300' project.

yeah it looks like a Tucson-kind of project that of course would never happen despite millions of Rio Nuevo exploratory funding. yes, i'm making fun of Tucson and yes i have the right since i was born there!

[IndyAZ]

That's the 9-story I was referring to a couple pages back in discussion with the 350' proposed project next door. Developer already has ASU approval which took awhile cause ASU didn't want height but approved the 9-story design due to the brick.

[combusean]

I think it's bullshit that ASU gets to lobby against projects on private land in Downtown Tempe. Half the time ASU is in the same high-rise real estate market and just hypocritically complaining about the competition.

[phoenixwillrise]

Does anyone know what these boxes they are setting in the ground for the ASU Entry Way in front of the Old Main? They individually look like black J Jons' from a distance so are they some type of hardware for a water display of some kind or just what? You can see it on the Campus View Site for the Tempe Campus.
https://view.asu.edu/tempe

[AVTempe]

Does anyone know what these boxes they are setting in the ground for the ASU Entry Way in front of the Old Main? They individually look like black J Jons' from a distance so are they some type of hardware for a water display of some kind or just what? You can see it on the Campus View Site for the Tempe Campus.
https://view.asu.edu/tempe

From the renderings it looks like a large ASU sign. https://cfo.asu.edu/sites/default/files/images/slides/ASU_AlumniLawn_Rendering_Day-crop.jpg

[azsunsurfer]

I saw the renderings for La Victoria Commons and it looks nice...just wish they could assemble a larger lot for a bigger project considering it's right next to a light rail station. At least it looks like it will have an active first floor with the clinic space and cookie bakery. Also anyone saw the renderings for the Mimina project? It looks like it's on Weber but not sure the cross street?

[PHX31]

From the renderings it looks like a large ASU sign. https://cfo.asu.edu/sites/default/files/images/slides/ASU_AlumniLawn_Rendering_Day-crop.jpg

WTFFFFF? Why would they cut down all of those mature trees and palms on the lawn between Old Main and University Dr???

Those random mature trees were one of the best parts about that area and campus in general.

[phoenixwillrise]

From the renderings it looks like a large ASU sign. https://cfo.asu.edu/sites/default/files/images/slides/ASU_AlumniLawn_Rendering_Day-crop.jpg

These things I noted were the size and height of a J Jon there has to be more to this then a foundation for a sign. If you look at the photo there are still two of these things in the far left of the Campus View Photo standing up one wrapped one unwrapped. And yes they are out in front of some J Jons but they are not J Jons. They dug a deep hole and stuck numerous of these things side by side in the hole and you can still see all of them together in the hole they dug out.

[muertecaza]

I saw the renderings for La Victoria Commons and it looks nice...just wish they could assemble a larger lot for a bigger project considering it's right next to a light rail station. At least it looks like it will have an active first floor with the clinic space and cookie bakery. Also anyone saw the renderings for the Mimina project? It looks like it's on Weber but not sure the cross street?

Minima is over by AZ Mills.

[Obadno]

I actually really don't like that they are tearing out those old big trees in favor of palms. OF course I think its awful they put disgusting looking solar panel over the center of campus as well.

Solar pannels are not pretty, they should not be in public areas they are powerplants and utilities, it doesn't matter if they are "Green" they aren't nice to have around.

[PHX31]

You go from this (nice random trees to sit under, probably 60-80 year old palm trees):
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.421912,-111.933826,3a,75y,174.86h,89.71t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syaZZSL5x7k6cbJSKhegw6g!2e0!5s20211201T000000!7i16384!8i8192

To a sterile landscape architecture student's final project.

And don't get me started on when ASU ripped out all of the original 100+year old palm trees on Palm Walk to replace them with the new date palms because "they were likely nearing the end of their lifespan".

Academics can't get out of their own way sometimes.

[Ttown5]

Took some photos on my ride today near the lake. Doing some ground work for South Pier, and some more work being done at The Pier as well, though not too much changed since the last photo was posted.



https://imgur.com/a/iRd4Onp

[phoenixwillrise]

You go from this (nice random trees to sit under, probably 60-80 year old palm trees):
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.421912,-111.933826,3a,75y,174.86h,89.71t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syaZZSL5x7k6cbJSKhegw6g!2e0!5s20211201T000000!7i16384!8i8192

To a sterile landscape architecture student's final project.

And don't get me started on when ASU ripped out all of the original 100+year old palm trees on Palm Walk to replace them with the new date palms because "they were likely nearing the end of their lifespan".

Academics can't get out of their own way sometimes.

Date Palm's IMO look a lot better and provide a heck of a lot more shade then fan palm's or whatever they are called. Glad they pulled them. I find it interesting that it hasn't dawned on many landscape architects that you can use Date Palm's as a canopy cover for other types of trees that require some additional extent of shade during the day which might broaden the type of trees you could plant in a desert climate. I realize there is a water issue for some of those type of trees but there should be places in the city where that extra use of water should be allowed like say in Phoenix's Hance Park.

[az_daniel]

And don't get me started on when ASU ripped out all of the original 100+year old palm trees on Palm Walk to replace them with the new date palms because "they were likely nearing the end of their lifespan".

Academics can't get out of their own way sometimes.

They most definitley were nearing the end of their life span. Same problem LA is facing with it's old street palms. ASU replaced them with a much better shade producing palm and it looks great.

[xymox]

Took some photos on my ride today near the lake. Doing some ground work for South Pier, and some more work being done at The Pier as well, though not too much changed since the last photo was posted.



https://imgur.com/a/iRd4Onp

I know we poked fun at how long it's taking to build the Pier - but it's looking like it's going to be a very nice building - if not the best one build recently. Definitely has a good Miami vibe going on there....

[phoenixwillrise]

I know we poked fun at how long it's taking to build the Pier - but it's looking like it's going to be a very nice building - if not the best one build recently. Definitely has a good Miami vibe going on there....

This just in. Projected completion August 2027. One of the family members got another job somewhere else. Puts clog in completion schedule

[locolife]

I know we poked fun at how long it's taking to build the Pier - but it's looking like it's going to be a very nice building - if not the best one build recently. Definitely has a good Miami vibe going on there....

It has a huge impact driving westbound on the 202, with South Pier rising east of that next the Tempe skyline will only get more dramatic soon.

[DesertRay]

You go from this (nice random trees to sit under, probably 60-80 year old palm trees):
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.421912,-111.933826,3a,75y,174.86h,89.71t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syaZZSL5x7k6cbJSKhegw6g!2e0!5s20211201T000000!7i16384!8i8192

To a sterile landscape architecture student's final project.

And don't get me started on when ASU ripped out all of the original 100+year old palm trees on Palm Walk to replace them with the new date palms because "they were likely nearing the end of their lifespan".

Academics can't get out of their own way sometimes.

Academics aren't making these decisions. It's probably the landscape guys. Y'all sound a lot more like the tree hugging academics when it comes to this. Efficiencies and end-of-life statements sounds exactly like the lawn-mowing Ron Swanson types that typically steer landscaping departments.

[AVTempe]

I found this in the documents for the City Council Meeting today:
"(RFQ 23-112) The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
inviting qualified firms to submit their qualifications to serve as the development team for the mixed-use
redevelopment of First Street and Farmer Avenue including City-owned land consisting of approximately
2.5 acres located at the northeast corner of First Street and Farmer Avenue. Qualified firms were
required to demonstrate that they currently have control over the adjacent property west of the City site.
A mixed-use redevelopment was sought that includes the following elements:
- Historic preservation of the Gonzales-Martinez House
- A façade conservation easement memorializing and protecting the structure.
- A pedestrian bridge to link to Tempe Town Lake.
- Mixed-income residential housing structure with ground floor commercial development"

[muertecaza]

I found this in the documents for the City Council Meeting today:
"(RFQ 23-112) The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
inviting qualified firms to submit their qualifications to serve as the development team for the mixed-use
redevelopment of First Street and Farmer Avenue including City-owned land consisting of approximately
2.5 acres located at the northeast corner of First Street and Farmer Avenue. Qualified firms were
required to demonstrate that they currently have control over the adjacent property west of the City site.
A mixed-use redevelopment was sought that includes the following elements:
- Historic preservation of the Gonzales-Martinez House
- A façade conservation easement memorializing and protecting the structure.
- A pedestrian bridge to link to Tempe Town Lake.
- Mixed-income residential housing structure with ground floor commercial development"

Nice. I've been wondering when they would move forward there. Others might disagree but I'm glad they're preserving the Gonzales-Martinez house. And I'm intrigued by the idea of a pedestrian bridge. It would be nice if they completed the pedestrian path along the railroad tracks all the way to connect to the lake path.

[PHX31]

Qualified firms were
required to demonstrate that they currently have control over the adjacent property west of the City site.

- A pedestrian bridge to link to Tempe Town Lake.


So if it is required for qualification to have control over the west-adjacent property, then only one applicant will be qualified? That adjacent property is owned by the state, so is that for sale? And then whoever buys that will be the only qualified applicant?

A ped bridge to Tempe Town Lake? Seems pretty pricey, but that would be a cool amenity and hopefully it will be for use for the public, not just the project. Maybe they're envisioning using these old column/footings?

www.google.com/maps/@33.4315073,-111.9443014,3a,48.8y,141.24h,83.37t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sY-ekNVJy08ZPKOKquPqBPg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DY-ekNVJy08ZPKOKquPqBPg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D262.72916%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

[phoenixwillrise]

As to what those black objects were each about the size of an outhouse that were buried in the ground right next to mill avenue at that new lawn area in front of Old Main on the ASU Campus? They dug a hole then buried about 40-50 or so of these things side by side close to where the drawing of this project shows a proposed long sign just parallel to Mill Ave. I have no clue what those are but they are not footings for a sign especially one that has no real height to it. I thought maybe it was some type of a water feature but that makes zero sense now.
You can see the tractors leveling the dirt over these now on the ASU Campus View Site. Time Capsules?

[CB1]

https://www.12news.com/amp/article/news/local/valley/city-of-tempe-south-pier-project-headed-to-court/75-efc0271b-b520-4355-9ee0-07e8057d080e

[azsunsurfer]

So the "lighthouse" building west of the architecture school is fenced up...does anyone know what ASU's plans for the building are? It seems to be in a pretty shabby state...

[combusean]

This says its deferred maintenance is equal to its replacement value, so I'm wondering if they're gonna raze it rather than remodel or repurpose it.

https://issuu.com/bfcommgroup/docs/cip_latest_2744f29d4a573a

[PHX31]

This says its deferred maintenance is equal to its replacement value, so I'm wondering if they're gonna raze it rather than remodel or repurpose it.

https://issuu.com/bfcommgroup/docs/cip_latest_2744f29d4a573a

Is it just the one next to the arch school, or including the one on the corner or Myrtle? I think that is an old auditorium if I remember right.

But ugh, this metro area won't quit until every last older building is razed for a parking lot or a new value-engineered building of some sort.

Even if something like this doesn't have actual "historic value", the fact that it's 60+ years old and relatively unique makes the built environment more interesting and worth maintaining, IMO.

[CB1]

https://i.imgur.com/awxp1RT.jpg

ASU parking by Mill and University

[azsunsurfer]

Judgin by dem columns poured in front of the garage facing Mill Ave it seems like ASU is moving forward with it's "Classroom and retail" building at the same time? I think the other side of the garage was earmarked for student housing?

[CB1]

I was thinking the same thing. :)

[locolife]

Grabbed a few photos of the South Pier and it's neighbor, which has been under construction so long I don't even remember the name.

https://i.imgur.com/yPF3Cmo.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/zjbI9M2.jpeg

[combusean]

It looks like the construction manager got a raise at Burger King... this project is slowly but surely coming together.

[az_daniel]

As to what those black objects were each about the size of an outhouse that were buried in the ground right next to mill avenue at that new lawn area in front of Old Main on the ASU Campus? They dug a hole then buried about 40-50 or so of these things side by side close to where the drawing of this project shows a proposed long sign just parallel to Mill Ave. I have no clue what those are but they are not footings for a sign especially one that has no real height to it. I thought maybe it was some type of a water feature but that makes zero sense now.
You can see the tractors leveling the dirt over these now on the ASU Campus View Site. Time Capsules?

Could be cisterns for water collection and underground banking? I have seen it a few times, mostly in CA, though probably not quite at this scale.

[azsunsurfer]

Is it just the one next to the arch school, or including the one on the corner or Myrtle? I think that is an old auditorium if I remember right.

But ugh, this metro area won't quit until every last older building is razed for a parking lot or a new value-engineered building of some sort.

Even if something like this doesn't have actual "historic value", the fact that it's 60+ years old and relatively unique makes the built environment more interesting and worth maintaining, IMO.

I went by there last night and it's both buildings. ASU had posted some signage but it was too hard to read while driving.

[muertecaza]

This says its deferred maintenance is equal to its replacement value, so I'm wondering if they're gonna raze it rather than remodel or repurpose it.

https://issuu.com/bfcommgroup/docs/cip_latest_2744f29d4a573a

Is it just the one next to the arch school, or including the one on the corner or Myrtle? I think that is an old auditorium if I remember right.

But ugh, this metro area won't quit until every last older building is razed for a parking lot or a new value-engineered building of some sort.

Even if something like this doesn't have actual "historic value", the fact that it's 60+ years old and relatively unique makes the built environment more interesting and worth maintaining, IMO.

I went by there last night and it's both buildings. ASU had posted some signage but it was too hard to read while driving.

Walked by, they are set for demolition. Disappointing.

https://i.imgur.com/RqFoyjmh.jpg

[PHX31]

/\ That is disappointing. Tempe and ASU is nearly complete in it's transition from a smaller college-centric town. For some people that's great because it means there are a bunch of new towers to look at. For others, me included, I'll always relish the past. I at least caught the twilight of the old hayday while I was at ASU. Oh well.

[locolife]

I went by there last night and it's both buildings. ASU had posted some signage but it was too hard to read while driving.

Does anyone have a photo of the buildings going down? Don't think i know these by memory but also hate seeing 50+ year old buildings come down... As much as I love a new highrise I think there is still plenty of room for both in most of this metro... Oh well.

[combusean]

Does anyone have a photo of the buildings going down? Don't think i know these by memory but also hate seeing 50+ year old buildings come down... As much as I love a new highrise I think there is still plenty of room for both in most of this metro... Oh well.

It's these two ... the gym on the right is from 1939, the "tower" is from 1961.

Don't think a new high rise is going here, i think this is the location for a utility plant but I'm not sure.

[Mr.RE]

Drove by the Pier today and saw them installing the glass window walls on the first residential level. Looks very nice. Makes me very excited for when this one is finished in 2030!

[locolife]

Drove by the Pier today and saw them installing the glass window walls on the first residential level. Looks very nice. Makes me very excited for when this one is finished in 2030!

I noticed that from the 202 as well, I’ll try to get a closeup picture soon.

[muertecaza]

Drove by the Pier today and saw them installing the glass window walls on the first residential level. Looks very nice. Makes me very excited for when this one is finished in 2030!

I noticed that from the 202 as well, I’ll try to get a closeup picture soon.

Here's the glass:

https://i.imgur.com/5PDsenFh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GKzEfKKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/g6yGyv0h.jpg

Also I didn't stop so I didn't get a great picture of South Pier but here is the equipment on site:

https://i.imgur.com/dXHFJb7h.jpg

[CrestedSaguaro]

I'll be dead before this thing gets completed :dead:

[YourBuddy]

On the bright side this will be a great looking building when it opens in another 20 years.

[phoenixwillrise]

On the bright side this will be a great looking building when it opens in another 20 years.
They must have sent one of the family members out to learn how to install windows. The versatile family may actually get this done by 2030!

[DUPio]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/03/07/valley-metro-streetcar-possible-extension.html

Tempe and Mesa approve funding for study on expanding streetcar


“The possible extension would run 4.4 miles along Rio Salado Parkway from near Rural Road to Dobson Road, expanding into Mesa near Sloan Park. The 4.4 miles would be split between the two cities as 2.6 miles of the possible extension would be in Tempe and 1.8 miles are in the city limits of Mesa. Of the $2 million, $800,000 is funded by Mesa while the $1.2 million is coming from Tempe over the next three years. The city councils voted to approve the funding on Feb. 27 and March 2, respectively.”

[muertecaza]

On the bright side this will be a great looking building when it opens in another 20 years.

It will already be retro cool the day it opens

[PyroD]

Bets that the South Pier finishes first?

[stutteringpunk]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/03/07/valley-metro-streetcar-possible-extension.html

Tempe and Mesa approve funding for study on expanding streetcar


“The possible extension would run 4.4 miles along Rio Salado Parkway from near Rural Road to Dobson Road, expanding into Mesa near Sloan Park. The 4.4 miles would be split between the two cities as 2.6 miles of the possible extension would be in Tempe and 1.8 miles are in the city limits of Mesa. Of the $2 million, $800,000 is funded by Mesa while the $1.2 million is coming from Tempe over the next three years. The city councils voted to approve the funding on Feb. 27 and March 2, respectively.”

I think even just extending the line to Tempe Marketplace would do a lot to bolster ridership on the street car. College kids LOVE Target.

[Diamonddave]

Bets that the South Pier finishes first?

Maybe the first phase. The way the construction has been going you might be right and all fifteen phases might be done before this is completed.

[azsunsurfer]

The Fountainhead renderings are up....nice use of under utilized land along Priest, I wonder if the City will worry about such a long wall of apartments along Priest but we'll see what happens...

Also looks like the DRC will review the Wells Fargo building redevelopment on University, I think someone posted a rendering a couple of pages back, 25 stories. Nice to see that one moving along.

[muertecaza]

They're testing a 'pedestrian scramble' at the intersection of 5th/Mill in Tempe. Seemed to work pretty well when I walked through today.

Also, though not strictly development-related, pretty cool to see the runoff from the Town Lake Dam, and nice that the snowpack this year justifies allowing it.

https://i.imgur.com/dwaOzFch.jpg

[azsunsurfer]

They're testing a 'pedestrian scramble' at the intersection of 5th/Mill in Tempe. Seemed to work pretty well when I walked through today.

Also, though not strictly development-related, pretty cool to see the runoff from the Town Lake Dam, and nice that the snowpack this year justifies allowing it.

https://i.imgur.com/dwaOzFch.jpg

I forgot to tell you a couple of weeks ago Tempe had a clean up crew down there to clean up the wash probably ahead of the water release. Good to see they cleaned up the homeless but let's see how long that lasts....

[AVTempe]

https://i.imgur.com/IkjLqfJ.jpeg
Public notice board for Skye Tempe. Looks like it will be about 300ft tall

[muertecaza]

Public notice board for Skye Tempe. Looks like it will be about 300ft tall

We must have just missed each other, I took a picture of it today as well, haha.

Here's another one I noticed for the first time for the new proposal for the parking lot east of Atmosphere, between that and the College Bookstore building.

https://i.imgur.com/lZTtuVWh.jpg

[MiEncanto]

The density of this area is already considerable, at least compared to a decade ago. These 2 new towers a block away from each other adds to what has been quite the transformation of University between Mill and College.

[DUPio]

So just in that general vicinity:
-27 story/300ft Skye Tempe at 780 S Myrtle
-29 story/325 ft at 211 E 7th Street
-24 story/265 ft at 16 E University
-9 story at 7th and College

My goodness that area is exploding. Maybe that presumably dead Mill and 7th project rears it’s head and gets rid of the Jack and the Box LOL. Is there anything in the works along the north aspect of 7th?

[muertecaza]

So just in that general vicinity:
-27 story/300ft Skye Tempe at 780 S Myrtle
-29 story/325 ft at 211 E 7th Street
-24 story/265 ft at 16 E University
-9 story at 7th and College

My goodness that area is exploding. Maybe that presumably dead Mill and 7th project rears it’s head and gets rid of the Jack and the Box LOL. Is there anything in the works along the north aspect of 7th?

Yeah it's pretty great. And that's not even mentioning Atmosphere, Westin, Omni, Mirabella, and Union that have all been built in the last ~10 years.

I'm not aware of anything really in the works on the north side of 7th. There's a Canadian developer, Wexford, that owns several properties around Tempe, including the old First Congregational Church that is probably the most developable site on the north side of 7th:

https://wexforddevelopments.com/location/101-east-6th-street/

But last I knew Tempe was moving forward with historically preserving the church, which I think kind of put the kibosh on development plans.

[combusean]

There's an error in the zoning sign for 211 E 7th St, it's net acres, not gross.

Net acres are always denser because gross acres include the property extending to the centerline of the ROW. I look at net density, planners and zoning attorneys typically look at gross density.

Never had to correct anything like this before, but I'm glad I caught it as it's material to the development approval process and makes the developer's chances easier. :D

[azsunsurfer]

https://azbex.com/planning-development/566-unit-mixed-use-planned-on-existing-tempe-site/

This is the Fountainhead development I posted a page or so back...renderings are on the Tempe DRC site.

[CBar]

So just in that general vicinity:
-27 story/300ft Skye Tempe at 780 S Myrtle
-24 story/265 ft at 16 E University


Is Shady Park going to be in between these two? That would be fun!

[CA7]

So just in that general vicinity:
-27 story/300ft Skye Tempe at 780 S Myrtle
-29 story/325 ft at 211 E 7th Street
-24 story/265 ft at 16 E University
-9 story at 7th and College

My goodness that area is exploding. Maybe that presumably dead Mill and 7th project rears it’s head and gets rid of the Jack and the Box LOL. Is there anything in the works along the north aspect of 7th?

Is 211 the parking in between Atmosphere and the bookstore or the bookstore lot itself? Definitely a lot happening in those three blocks between Mill and College, would love to see a midrise/5-8 story project in front of Atmosphere to get ride of the surface parking that's directly on University but it seems like they wouldn't do anything to the Chuckbox.

[PHX31]

Interesting 360 view here I found on google street view. I pointed it at the two buildings on the SEC of Myrtle & University that ASU is going to demolish for an apparent parking lot or construction staging lot (can't remember). Whether or not they're valuably historic, they're certainly nice buildings to have for the look and feel of the urban environment (plus the old palms and other trees) compared to having them be razed.

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4220662,-111.9381753,3a,75y,152.9h,71.4t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPvC2kBViqufUNGF_ejcYO9l2f-klMgs-b-0dMg!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPvC2kBViqufUNGF_ejcYO9l2f-klMgs-b-0dMg%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi0-ya301.3508-ro-0-fo100!7i13416!8i6708

[Mr.RE]

Interesting 360 view here I found on google street view. I pointed it at the two buildings on the SEC of Myrtle & University that ASU is going to demolish for an apparent parking lot or construction staging lot (can't remember). Whether or not they're valuably historic, they're certainly nice buildings to have for the look and feel of the urban environment (plus the old palms and other trees) compared to having them be razed.

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4220662,-111.9381753,3a,75y,152.9h,71.4t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPvC2kBViqufUNGF_ejcYO9l2f-klMgs-b-0dMg!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPvC2kBViqufUNGF_ejcYO9l2f-klMgs-b-0dMg%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi0-ya301.3508-ro-0-fo100!7i13416!8i6708

This is a fun view from 2013 to see how much the city has changed in 10 years... https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4219769,-111.9379777,3a,75y,302.7h,94.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sojHX_qBACaAgbe9qFlscGQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[Obadno]

Interesting 360 view here I found on google street view. I pointed it at the two buildings on the SEC of Myrtle & University that ASU is going to demolish for an apparent parking lot or construction staging lot (can't remember). Whether or not they're valuably historic, they're certainly nice buildings to have for the look and feel of the urban environment (plus the old palms and other trees) compared to having them be razed.


I have disliked ASU's campus choices for pretty much the last 20 years. They continually tear up nice traditional campus areas and replace them with bland cement filled ulra modern ugly messes. Most recent offense is the new quad in front of old main.

They usually do great on new areas like Biodesign. But on Campus and dormitories they have terrible choices in architecture and feel. Its all soulless

I had a small hope when the Redid an ugly 70's building and objectively made it better but that appears to be a rare glimmer of hope in otherwise terrible decisions at Tempe campus.

The hideous Solar Pannels in the heart of Campus is just unforgivable.

[PHX31]

/\Yep. The solar panels are terrible - just keep them on buildings or over parking lots. Tearing out the historic palms on palm walk was idiotic too (I don't care if they were allegedly nearing their life's end per a dendrology text book someone found at Hayden Library, just wait until they were literally dead and keep the old stately look and feel).

This is a fun view from 2013 to see how much the city has changed in 10 years... https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4219769,-111.9379777,3a,75y,302.7h,94.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sojHX_qBACaAgbe9qFlscGQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
If only street view went as far back as 2003... I'd like to see the streets and campus as it were when I was in my last year at ASU. Dos Gringos would be right up the street! I should have taken my own photo tour of the campus back then. I had just purchased a new digital camera in 2002. I literally remember telling myself I needed to do it for posterity sake back in the day but slacked... and here we are 20 years later when I would want to look back!

[ASU Diablo]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/03/21/wexford-developments-invests-500m-in-az-apartments.html

Wexford Developments and Wexford Real Estate Investors are investing more than $500 million to develop apartment communities in Tempe and Flagstaff over the next five years.

The multinational developer is starting with a seven-story apartment community in downtown Tempe, where 10% of the 200 units will be less expensive than market rate, said Sam Gordon, co-founder and principal of Wexford Developments. Wexford's main offices are in Calgary, Canada, and in West Palm Beach, Florida. It also has an office in New York City.

While the 20 workforce units are not subsidized by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Gordon said he is using a private affordable housing program that will be monitored each year by the city of Tempe.

The low-income housing will require separate qualifications, while the other 180 units will be market rate, Gordon said.

"We are proud to be doing it," he said. "It's what the city really needs. Very few class A residential buildings like this have done affordable housing in that way."

To be built by Adolfson & Peterson Construction, the community will be fully amenitized, including a fitness center, golf simulator, swimming pool and spa, hot tub and coworking lounges.

Gordon hired John Kane, founding partner and design principal with Tempe-based Architekton to design a building that Tempe has never seen before.

"We wanted it to be something really unique that could make this Farmer Arts District an even better place than it is today," Gordon said. "We encouraged [Kane] to use exterior landscaping on the outside of the building and focus on sustainability. He really did a wonderful job bringing our vision to life."

Gordon said he was inspired by Scottsdale-based Optima Inc.'s Camelview Village luxury residential community built in 2010 in Scottsdale, which features a terrace planting system.

"That was one of the buildings that gave us some ideas," Gordon said. "We realized Tempe has nothing like that. There's something refreshing about seeing greenery in a desert environment almost subconsciously. We really wanted to try and create that feeling of that building."

To be called First and Farmer, Wexford's apartment community at 206 S. Farmer Ave. will include a 750-square-foot retail space on the ground floor. Gordon envisions a coffee shop or juice bar in that space.

The project is expected to be completed in the third or fourth quarter of 2024.

Gordon said he has plans to build two more apartment communities in Tempe.

"We're not seeing a whole lot of groundbreakings in Tempe at the moment, and none in the Farmer Arts District that I can think of," he said.

Wexford already owns land near Mill Avenue and University Drive and on Seventh Street east of Mill Avenue, a block north of University.

"They will be much larger projects," Gordon said. "A lot of things have to happen between now and ground break. It's very early on, especially for one of them."

Plans call for a groundbreaking ceremony on March 29 on First & Farmer apartments.

https://media.bizj.us/view/img/12473511/wexford-tempe-apartments.jpg

[muertecaza]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/03/21/wexford-developments-invests-500m-in-az-apartments.html

The comment about groundbreakings on Farmer is weird given that 'Dwell' just down the street also recently broke ground by whatever.

The other properties Wexford owns are the Tempe Towne Center, where 16 E University is proposed, and the old First Congregational Church and associated parking lot on 7th St. I assume the latter is what he refers to as needing a lot to happen before ground breaking, as to my knowledge there is no active proposal there and the church is at least a Tempe-designated historical building.

[muertecaza]

Can't remember if it's been posted, but South Pier has a website and a nice little interactive map:

https://southpierlive.com/interactive-map/

They also recently submitted obstruction evaluations with the FAA for the first three buildings at 225, 244 and 248'.

[ASU Diablo]

Can't remember if it's been posted, but South Pier has a website and a nice little interactive map:

https://southpierlive.com/interactive-map/

They also recently submitted obstruction evaluations with the FAA for the first three buildings at 225, 244 and 248'.

Has anyone ever confirmed what phase the Ferris Wheel and the new pedestrian bridge are part of?

[Obadno]

Can't remember if it's been posted, but South Pier has a website and a nice little interactive map:

https://southpierlive.com/interactive-map/

They also recently submitted obstruction evaluations with the FAA for the first three buildings at 225, 244 and 248'.

Obviously, a long term build out, I would prefer some more offices, if only half of this ever comes to fruition it will be amazing, But between this and Novus it will take 20 years to fill out all that space unless we get an insane boom

[TllrSkyline-01]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/03/21/wexford-developments-invests-500m-in-az-apartments.html



https://media.bizj.us/view/img/12473511/wexford-tempe-apartments.jpg


Man - all that cacti on the facades...hoping they can make this actually work but right now... :runaway:

[Mr.RE]

What would really be awesome is if that bridge that goes under the 202 connected to a pathway to the greenbelt in Scottsdale to Tempe. Id ride my bike up and down that corridor all day long. Probably something in the works down the line.

[combusean]

Huh? Bridge that goes underneath the 202? On the east side of the lake?

[muertecaza]

What would really be awesome is if that bridge that goes under the 202 connected to a pathway to the greenbelt in Scottsdale to Tempe. Id ride my bike up and down that corridor all day long. Probably something in the works down the line.

Huh? Bridge that goes underneath the 202? On the east side of the lake?

Yeah I'm not sure if I quite follow the comment. The path on the north side of the lake already connects to the Indian Bend Wash here-ish (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4329713,-111.9181066,405a,35y,39.26t/data=!3m1!1e3). Maybe he meant that unfinished section from where it crosses under the 202 over to McClintock. The planned pedestrian bridge would be a great connector especially for people going east to west.

[CrestedSaguaro]

I'm thinking he meant the future pedestrian bridge. It could be extended and linked directly to the Greenbelt multiuse path a by going under the 202 and over the Indian Bend Wash inlet into Tempe Town Lake:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tempe,+AZ/@33.4354275,-111.9186834,793m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x872b0898a6aa80e3:0xa2dd4aad392cb41f!8m2!3d33.4255104!4d-111.9400054!16zL20vMHFwc24

I would like to see something like that done as well. When I ride my bike, I can't stand riding on the South side of Tempe Town Lake anymore due to the amount of pedestrian traffic. I would like to have a direct connection from the Greenbelt path to the Rio Salado path on the East side of the lake and continue over to Mesa instead of having to go around the whole lake and fight through all the foot traffic, scooters, etc..

[muertecaza]

I'm thinking he meant the future pedestrian bridge. It could be extended and linked directly to the Greenbelt multiuse path a by going under the 202 and over the Indian Bend Wash inlet into Tempe Town Lake:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tempe,+AZ/@33.4354275,-111.9186834,793m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x872b0898a6aa80e3:0xa2dd4aad392cb41f!8m2!3d33.4255104!4d-111.9400054!16zL20vMHFwc24

I would like to see something like that done as well. When I ride my bike, I can't stand riding on the South side of Tempe Town Lake anymore due to the amount of pedestrian traffic. I would like to a direct connection from the Greenbelt path to the Rio Salado path on the East side of the lake and continue over to Mesa instead of having to go around the whole lake and fight through all the foot traffic, scooters, etc..

That makes sense. And yeah, the bridge would be the missing link because either taking McClintock to Curry on sidewalks or going all the way around the lake to the western bridge aren't great options.

[Mr.RE]

I'm thinking he meant the future pedestrian bridge. It could be extended and linked directly to the Greenbelt multiuse path a by going under the 202 and over the Indian Bend Wash inlet into Tempe Town Lake:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tempe,+AZ/@33.4354275,-111.9186834,793m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x872b0898a6aa80e3:0xa2dd4aad392cb41f!8m2!3d33.4255104!4d-111.9400054!16zL20vMHFwc24

I would like to see something like that done as well. When I ride my bike, I can't stand riding on the South side of Tempe Town Lake anymore due to the amount of pedestrian traffic. I would like to have a direct connection from the Greenbelt path to the Rio Salado path on the East side of the lake and continue over to Mesa instead of having to go around the whole lake and fight through all the foot traffic, scooters, etc..

Thanks Crested. Can always count on you to decipher and articulate what I am trying to say. :tup:

[ASUSunDevil]

https://azbex.com/planning-development/25-story-apartment-tower-planned-in-tempe/