Tempe Development Thread

[combusean]

I guess if you count what is modern is, by in large part, a poor rehash of everything novel from previous decades, then yes, it's modern. The last tribute to Gammage--the "wedding cake" that is the school of music did not stand the test of time.

[PhxER]

Hayden Mill Redevelopment Update
The Mill Project has a budget of $600,000.

President of the Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation Woody Wilson said the area surrounding the structure would include a park in front of the mill’s silos that will also be used for events and concerts.

Tonnesen said the park and event area is just one aspect of the entire project. An exhibit developed by the Tempe Historical Museum will be featured on the mill’s ground floor and will tell the story of the Hayden Floor Mill with lighting and graphic displays.

The two entrances into the park will present artful structures to catch viewers’ eyes, Tonnessen said. In addition the mill will also be repainted and trees and lighting will be placed around the structure.

The patio area at Monti’s La Casa Vieja restaurant across the street from the mill will also be getting a makeover to add to the “gateway” effect.

Read more here (http://www.statepress.com/2011/10/09/redevelopment-plans-turn-hayden-mill-into-city-%E2%80%98gateway%E2%80%99/)

[TempeSilverFox]

I got a chance to walk across it this morning, I love it! I'm going to head back later tonight to see it illuminated in it's lovely blue lights.http://blogs.evtrib.com/infocus/2011/10/18/tempe-town-lake-pedestrian-bridge-opens/

[PHX31]

Metro Phoenix isn't at all a "bridge" city, but the bridges in the vicinity of Mill Ave are pretty cool. The old Mill Avenue bridge is neat. Next to this is the cool Light Rail Bridge. Next to that is the nice steel 1920s railroad bridge. Finally you have the new damn dam pedestrian bridge.

Weak compared to most cities by rivers/water, but pretty neat for our sake.

[Tempe_Duck]

The fences have gone up around the site of the future ASU Business building. Looks like construction should begin shortly.

[MegaBass]

The fences have gone up around the site of the future ASU Business building. Looks like construction should begin shortly.

Breaking ground on Friday. To be completed by Summer 2013.

[ciweiss]

Breaking ground on Friday. To be completed by Summer 2013.

Whats the cross streets of this new building?

[MegaBass]

Whats the cross streets of this new building?

Right where Normal becomes Lemon. Extends from the area between BAC out to SRC Tennis Courts.

Also noticed the University Square site parking lot is completed. The Villas an extension of Vista del Sol (Ocotillo Hall site) is already plotting out foundation.

[Jsmscaleros]

Power Parasols on Rio Salado just west of Rural are coming along nicely, too:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47#p165

More pix of the completed Ped Bridge:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21&start=10#p167

Updates on Encore:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39&start=20#p164

[MegaBass]

Power Parasols on Rio Salado just west of Rural are coming along nicely, too:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47#p165

More pix of the completed Ped Bridge:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21&start=10#p167

Updates on Encore:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39&start=20#p164

So parrot Borders on Mill is more office space for Engineering?

[Jsmscaleros]

Yep, that's correct - mostly. A smaller space on the corner facing Mill and 7th is left for retail, but the overall vacant space has been reduced to a fraction of the original size.

[TempeSilverFox]

Good article in the East Valley Tribune today. Sounds like the site of the Tempe Lumina is rising from the ashes once again- this time as apartments for Students and young professionals. The success of W6 is what is helping this major project get off the ground. See the article:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_e3df7e2a-ff61-11e0-bf0e-001cc4c002e0.html

[TempeSilverFox]

ANOTHER good article in the East Valley Tribune today states that the owners of the huge vacant lot at the NW corner of University and Ash intend to build a grocery store "the size of a Whole Foods..." I hope to god it's a Trader Joes!!!
See the article below:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_d2d6609a-ff60-11e0-bb35-001cc4c002e0.html

[Leo the Dog]

The Gentle Strength land was bought by Canadian developer Brookfield Properties, which owns two office buildings at Centerpoint on Mill. It plans to expand parking for those offices across the street at the northwest corner of University Drive and Ash Avenue. Brookfield has told Tempe it plans a single-story building with a grocery store, said Lisa Collins, deputy development services director.

Tempe would have liked a project more like the 18-story Mosaic condos that was planned before the recession, Collins said.

This sounds terrible. From 18 stories, high density residential to a surface parking lot with a possible grocery store.

What a waste of prime land in Tempe's core.

[SunDevil]

This sounds terrible. From 18 stories, high density residential to a surface parking lot with a possible grocery store.

What a waste of prime land in Tempe's core.

Not to mention they forced out a unique store in favor of the 18 story building, only to have "plans" to replace it with a national chain of the same type of store that they drove out in the first place. What a bullshit waste, remind to to make a point to piss on that parking lot as often as I can.

[nickw252]

Not to mention they forced out a unique store in favor of the 18 story building, only to have "plans" to replace it with a national chain of the same type of store that they drove out in the first place. What a bullshit waste, remind to to make a point to piss on that parking lot as often as I can.

Piss on that parking lot as often as you can. :D

[Tito714]

Site of New Business building at ASU
I took these pictures of the site early this morning

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/otrebmuh1991/IMG00429-20111103-0954.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/otrebmuh1991/IMG00430-20111103-0954.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/otrebmuh1991/IMG00431-20111103-0954.jpg

[PhxER]

Tempe Sports Mecca

Maricopa County on Wednesday created a special revenue district that will allow Arizona State University to develop or refurbish athletic facilities, the first step in a long-term plan by ASU to create an amateur sports destination.

The county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create the district, giving ASU the ability to collect revenue from commercial developments on 300-plus acres of property the university owns on or around its Tempe campus.

The district stretches from University Drive north to Tempe Town Lake, and east from Sun Devil Stadium to McClintock Drive.

ASU President Michael Crow has said publicly that he envisions ASU's athletic facilities by 2020 growing to become a major destination for amateur sports that is capable of hosting the Pan American Games and Olympic trials.

Link (http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/11/03/20111103asu-step-closer-sports-mecca.html)

[MegaBass]

By Corey Maleka November 3, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Students scurry along a quiet dirt lot near College Avenue and Seventh Street on the Tempe campus each day, but in the near future, cranes, hard hats and noise will claim the student footpath.
Earlier this semester, the Arizona Board of Regents approved a $17.5 million budget for the construction of a new campus bookstore for the space near the Fulton Center parking garage.
The planned two-level bookstore is part of a project named Block 12, but project plans are still in the preliminary stages.
“We are still thinking about what we want to do,” said Morgan Olsen, ASU’s executive vice president and treasurer.
Sam Wheeler, executive director of Auxiliary Business Services, said the store is not going to replace the existing bookstore on campus.
“What we would like is another store that specializes in specific things … and there has been some talk that this may be the starting point of all the campus orientations,” Wheeler said. “Right now everything is conceptual.”
Olsen said the new bookstore might have a “potential range for clientele.”
The new building will have much more than the current campus store’s commodities. According to ASU’s capital improvement plans presented at a September ABOR meeting, it will include a computer store, convenience shop and food location.
Steve Nielsen, assistant vice president of ASU Real Estate Development, said the University will hire an architect in the next few months.
When construction will begin is still uncertain, but Wheeler is hopeful the bookstore will be ready by fall 2013.
State Press (http://www.statepress.com/2011/11/03/new-bookstore-to-open-on-tempe-campus/)

[MegaBass]

Strategic Solar Energy's Flickr Page for the Lot 59 Power Parasols (http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerparasol/sets/72157627452660748/)

[Butta]

By Corey Maleka November 3, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Students scurry along a quiet dirt lot near College Avenue and Seventh Street on the Tempe campus each day, but in the near future, cranes, hard hats and noise will claim the student footpath.
Earlier this semester, the Arizona Board of Regents approved a $17.5 million budget for the construction of a new campus bookstore for the space near the Fulton Center parking garage.
The planned two-level bookstore is part of a project named Block 12, but project plans are still in the preliminary stages.
“We are still thinking about what we want to do,” said Morgan Olsen, ASU’s executive vice president and treasurer.
Sam Wheeler, executive director of Auxiliary Business Services, said the store is not going to replace the existing bookstore on campus.
“What we would like is another store that specializes in specific things … and there has been some talk that this may be the starting point of all the campus orientations,” Wheeler said. “Right now everything is conceptual.”
Olsen said the new bookstore might have a “potential range for clientele.”
The new building will have much more than the current campus store’s commodities. According to ASU’s capital improvement plans presented at a September ABOR meeting, it will include a computer store, convenience shop and food location.
Steve Nielsen, assistant vice president of ASU Real Estate Development, said the University will hire an architect in the next few months.
When construction will begin is still uncertain, but Wheeler is hopeful the bookstore will be ready by fall 2013.
State Press (http://www.statepress.com/2011/11/03/new-bookstore-to-open-on-tempe-campus/)

Interesting that they are planning on spending $17.5M but they are not sure what will come of it. Oh well, at least there will be 1 less empty lot.

[MegaBass]

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/eastvalleytribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/15/11554e38-5be9-5b0e-9ea7-ea437795bffa/4ebd8e86a75ce.image.jpg

Veterans Day sees groundbreaking for Tempe military memorial at Ash bridge
Posted: Friday, November 11, 2011 4:46 pm
By Garin Groff, Tribune | 0 comments
An overlooked bridge remnant at Tempe Beach Park last carried traffic in 1931, left to crumble for generations as nobody figured out what to do with the abandoned stub.
But a project is beginning to transform the century-old bridge abutment into a veterans memorial unlike anything in Arizona today. The old Ash Avenue Bridge segment is the first part of a roughly $2 million memorial that Tempe and the Rio Salado Foundation broke ground on Friday in honor of Veterans Day.
Rest of the article (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_ddf09a9c-0cbf-11e1-954d-001cc4c002e0.html)

[MegaBass]

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/eastvalleytribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/0d/b0d27e48-0bef-11e1-85be-001cc4c002e0/4ebc5764ea523.image.jpg

Facelift set to begin at Tempe's iconic Hayden Flour Mill

Posted: Thursday, November 10, 2011 3:51 pm | Updated: 5:15 pm, Thu Nov 10, 2011.
By Garin Groff, Tribune
Work to restore the historic Hayden Flour Mill should start in as little as 10 days, bringing life to an iconic building that’s sat idle since 1997.
Mayor Hugh Hallman announced the project’s start date Thursday in the annual state of the city address, which will be the last Hallman will deliver as he wraps up two terms in office.
Hallman also revealed a major boost to fundraising efforts, with a $200,000 donation toward the $605,000 project. The money is from Wally Zaremba, president of the Zaremba Group, which is completing the West 6th apartment towers in downtown.
The Rio Salado Foundation has raised 2/3 of the project’s cost but will use loan money to start work as the final fundraising wraps up, Hallman said. The city is finalizing permits but is otherwise ready.
“The project should begin within days,” he said.
The effort involves only minor work to the concrete structure that was built in 1918. The mill will get a fresh coat of white paint and some of the more interesting items from inside will be pushed toward windows so the public can see what used to go on there.
Outside, a grassy area north of the mill will provide a gathering place or venue for small concerts or movie screenings. The work will take several months.
Read more of the article (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_16980676-0bf0-11e1-833b-001cc4c002e0.html)

[Tempe_Duck]

Did anyone else see the old time steam engine traveling through Tempe today? I couldn't grab a picture but there were people all over the tracks from Apache to University like the knew it was coming or something.

It was caring passengers anyone know the deal with it?

[Thirsty]

Did anyone else see the old time steam engine traveling through Tempe today? I couldn't grab a picture but there were people all over the tracks from Apache to University like the knew it was coming or something.

It was caring passengers anyone know the deal with it?

I'm guessing this is the train:
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/be/abe16022-0fc6-5087-b6ef-6768eb2608c6/4ebc63ae43aee.image.jpg

The Union Pacific's Goodwill Ambassador.

Started the day in Tucson, here for the centennial, but why it came in November is anyone's guess. I heard its very distinct whistle, but it was got before I got to a spot where I could see the track.

[nickkoto]

I hadn't heard about it until I saw this thread, but I did hear the whistle from my house, wondering why the train sounded so old-school.

[combusean]

Tempe OKs business development (http://www.azcentral.com/business/news/articles/2011/11/26/20111126tempe-city-council-approves-massive-development.html)

by Dianna M. Náñez - Nov. 26, 2011 07:26 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Last week, the Tempe City Council approved a massive development, near Elliot Road and Loop 101, that has one of the largest sites for corporate businesses to locate in the city.

Phoenix-based Wentworth Property Company and business partner Northwood Investors aim for the Discovery Business Campus to compete with Chandler's Price (Road) Corridor, which has attracted Intel, Amkor Technology, Bank of America and Toyota Financial Services.

Wentworth Property purchased the land last summer from Freescale Semiconductor, which will remain on site.

Jim Wentworth Jr., co-owner of Wentworth Property Company, said that there are few sites along Price Road in Tempe where a major industrial/corporate business could locate.

The business parks along Price Road are attractive to corporate employers because the region is near Arizona State University, a growing tech hub, major freeways and near Scottsdale and Southeast Valley cities.

The development was approved at the Nov. 17 council meeting. A group of residents who live in the Oasis housing community next to the site had several concerns about the massive development.

Some residents disliked the retail planned for the area. Others worried that the site would create a traffic mess near their homes.

But most residents' complaints focused on elements of the project and not on the overall project, which many said would bring much-needed jobs to Tempe.

After six months of working with residents, the developer addressed most concerns, including adding more landscaping and moving stores farther from homes.

Plans for the 136-acre site include one two-story office/industrial building, four office buildings ranging from four to eight stories, two six-story hotels with a total of 400 rooms, space for restaurants and stores and a three-level parking structure.

On Wednesday, Wentworth said he is already getting calls from major corporate employers looking for space in the Southeast Valley.

"We're really seeing corporate America attracted to the Southeast Valley," he said. "They really like the labor market in the Southeast Valley. I think it has to do with access to all levels of employees. And it's a highly-educated workforce."

The developer is the middle of a multi-million dollar upgrade to the plan for the business campus. Improvements include the addition of 900 trees, a road that will loop through the property and water features similar to the fountains at nearby ASU Research Park.

Wentworth said that two of the existing five buildings, which include about 832,000 square feet of office, industrial and research-and- development space, will be ready to lease within the month. The two buildings are a 166,000-square-foot two-story office development and a 66,000 square foot fabrication facility.

Freescale is housed in the three other buildings.

[Butta]

Although this sounds cool, they will have to do something about the water quality first. Maybe they ought to put a public pool next to it, like in front of those waterfront condos/offices, I wouldn't mind taking the kids there and watching ASU coeds in bikinis. :cool:

Candidates propose swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake

by Jennifer Thomas

azfamily.com

Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:54 AM

Updated today at 2:01 PM

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Two political candidates want to create a real beach at Tempe Town Lake.

Tempe mayoral candidate Michael Monti and City Council candidate Dick Foreman say you shouldn't have to go all the way to San Diego to take a walk on a sandy beach or go swimming.

"People have been saying we've got this wonderful lake, this great asset, but why can't we swim there?" Monti said. "From the very beginning they've wanted to swim, but there's been problems that needed to be solved. So we decided, Dick and I, it's time to tackle this challenge and get it done."

They're proposing bringing in sand and creating a separate chlorinated swimming area.

So far, swimming in the lake has only been allowed at special events such as triathlons. The city has allowed kayaking, rowing and sailing on Town Lake for more than a decade.

While there are costs to consider such as construction, maintenance and chlorination, Monti and Foreman believe this can be done with minimal use of public funds.

Read more: http://www.azfamily.com/news/Candidates-propose-swimming-beach-at-Tempe-Town-Lake-134767588.html

Something like a infinity pool like this (it would match the water feature at the Tempe Center for the Arts)

http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/3873/PerivolasInfinityPool.jpg

Or a vanishing pool like this:

http://www.backyardpoolreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/infinity-pool-1.jpg

This grassy area I think it may work best, but the location can be worked out.

http://www.mistershape.com/blog/uploaded_images/Town%20Lake,%20Mill%20Ave%20bridges%20%5Bnight%5D-721513.jpg

Now, I should be running for Mayor.....

[RichTempe]

They're proposing bringing in sand and creating a separate chlorinated swimming area.

The article does indeed say they are planning on doing something about the water quality.

[HX_Guy]

905-bed Tempe development to serve ASU students
Phoenix Business Journal by Jan Buchholz, Reporter
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 12:14pm MST

Houston-based Residential Housing Development is planning a 905-bed student housing community on Apache Boulevard, near Arizona State University , in Tempe.
The company, with assistance from CBRE in Phoenix, assembled the six acres necessary to construct the 640,000-square-foot building and parking structure. Groundbreaking is expected in February 2012 with completion by the fall semester of 2013.
In the first phase of the assemblage, RHD paid $5.17 million for 4.67 acres at 919 and 1005 E. Apache Blvd. The property includes the 50-year-old Baer’s Den college bar, which will be reconstructed at the northwest corner of the property. The seller was RB Tempe LLC of Columbus, Ohio.
In a second transaction, RHD paid $1.4 million for 1.4 acres at 926 E. Spence Ave. The property currently is the site of the 28-unit Spence Avenue Apartments, which will be demolished. The sellers were Charles and Elsa Fong of Tempe.
Bert Kempfert of CBRE represented the seller in the first transaction and the developer in the second transaction.
The project will include a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, 70,000 square feet of open space, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center and ground level retail along Apache Boulevard.

[nickkoto]

That lot won't be missed.

Between those 900+ beds, the expansion to Vista Del Sol, and the larger W. 6th tower opening up soon, I wonder if ASU has/will grow enough to fill everything. Those 2yr-old apartments further east on Apache (Domain and Grigio Metro) have always appeared kind of empty to me, though their locations aren't all that desirable.

[combusean]

I don't see any reason why they wouldn't get filled given ASU's serious lack of quality on-campus housing. I just googled Grigio Metro and it *appears* it's at near full occupancy, but it also looks like every result has moved since Google crawled it last. So who knows.

I think the greater issue is the fact that north Tempe won't become any less useless and dead in summer and holidays with so much student housing and a large, prime lot dedicated just for that.

[hrivas]

That's a really good point.

There's often talk about the problems of a concentration of poverty and concentrations of public housing but what about the problems of a concentration of student housing. I'm not trying to point to typical concerns like noise and rowdiness, but the issue you've brought up. Who will walk that street during the summer or even in the short two or three weeks of winter break? I think the addition of the senior housing project on Farmer, Gracie's Thrift Store housing project, and the other housing project for the deaf are steps to good steps to add diversity to the area but its going to take more than those few projects to truly diversify the area.

[PHX31]

Fire in downtown Tempe: 7th & Mill.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/12/07/20111207tempe-downtown-building-fire.html

Anyone know which building this is? Hopefully nothing too historic.

[DaveInTHX]

It's been boarded up for years now, and I can't imagine it has any historical value. It's three doors East of the old Ejoy Internet Cafe (now Fixx Coffee Shop). And two doors East from an empty lot that used to hold another boarded up building, that also burned down in the past couple years.

[MegaBass]

Fire in downtown Tempe: 7th & Mill.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/12/07/20111207tempe-downtown-building-fire.html

Anyone know which building this is? Hopefully nothing too historic.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvupu8fb121qe6u0ao1_500.jpg

Building north of Salvation Army where the M7 was proposed.

[MegaBass]

Was scrolling through Flickr image search of Mill Avenue and stumble upon this.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6230/6258325019_e153f88e2b_b.jpg

Posted mid-October under the title Four Elements by Proteus West? Would be on the SE corner of Mill & University in Tempe, Arizona.

[Butta]

Was scrolling through Flickr image search of Mill Avenue and stumble upon this.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6230/6258325019_e153f88e2b_b.jpg

Posted mid-October under the title Four Elements by Proteus West? Would be on the SE corner of Mill & University in Tempe, Arizona.

I believe this is where I read the new grocery store will go. All I know is I want to move back to the area, from Ahwatukee, because once this grocery store goes in, it will be urban heaven.

[Jsmscaleros]

ASU finishes up another impressive solar installation and shade structure near Sun Devil Stadium: http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47#p187

[combusean]

^ The photos posted don't do it justice. I drove by it the other evening and it all looks rather surreal in its enormity.

[Jsmscaleros]

Hah - I'll try to take some better ones...

Hopefully my photos of Encore on Farmer do the project justice - I love the way this project has developed: http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39&p=188#p188

[MegaBass]

Villas at Vista del Sol

http://www.hardisondowney.com/photos/ASU-Villas-at-Vista-Rendering.gif

This project entails the full demolition of ASU’s Ocotillo dormitory building on the main campus. The new facility, which is next door to the Vista del Sol project, allows students in these units to use VDS’s community center and other amenities. The new four-story building includes three-bedroom / three-bathroom and four-bedroom / four-bathroom living units, all with a shared central kitchen and living area. There are also four (4) buildings of townhouse-style units. Each of these buildings shares one wall with the main building and features four (4) three-floor units, for a total of 16 townhouse units. Also included in the project are three (3) separate courtyard areas between the townhouse buildings. This facility is designed for sustainable construction on par with a LEED® Silver level.

Hardison/Downey (http://www.hardisondowney.com/projects.php?catid=12&clientid=244)

Construction Webcam (http://oxblue.com/pro/open/acc/vistadelsol)

[plinko]

^ The photos posted don't do it justice. I drove by it the other evening and it all looks rather surreal in its enormity.

Agreed. It was quite impressive when I saw it at the end of November as well.

[glynnjamin]

sweet geesus...you'd think that using solar panels as parking lot shade would be a given in Arizona. Make those who want a covered spot pay more and use the extra money to pay off the panels (that and the money you make from selling the energy/offsetting your bill). Amazing to me that every parking lot in the city doesn't have these.

[MegaBass]

Old Armory site by the stadium and light rail is getting cleared worked on right now.

[vertex]

^^^What were the plans for that site? I forgot...

[MegaBass]

Core Campus Communities buys prime real estate near ASU (http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2011/07/core-campus-communities-buys-ASU.html)
A prime piece of real estate located immediately southwest of Sun Devil Stadium has been sold to Core Campus Communities, a Chicago-based firm, for $4.75 million.
The company will build a mixed-use retail and student housing project.
The land once had been slated for a glitzy high-rise condo project dubbed Lumina Tempe. That development, proposed by Constellation Property Group in San Diego, boasted that former Phoenix Suns star Amar’e Stoudemire had put money down on a unit on the 17th floor. At that time in Spring 2008, the developers said the project was a couple of months from groundbreaking. Like so many other condo developments, it never got off the ground.
The price of the land seems very reasonable for a site like that, and student housing makes sense. The proposed development sits right on the light rail line and within a few footsteps to campus.
No word on how quickly the project will get on track, but this might be a doable for the new economy.

[PhxER]

:previous: They broke ground Friday, complex is aimed for students and young professionals. Opening date is Fall 2013.

[nickw252]

:previous: They broke ground Friday, complex is aimed for students and young professionals. Opening date is Fall 2013.

Any details on what the building will be like? The Phoenix Business News article seems to describe what might have been - the Lumina - while neglecting to describe what is being built.

[phxSUNSfan]

I found this:

Tempe - A company formed by LG Development Group LLC in Chicago, Ill. (Marc Lifshin, partner) plans to develop a 423-bed student housing project in two towers located near the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe. The 1.6-acre site, formerly occupied by the Arizona National Guard, is located at College Avenue and Veterans Way. Representatives from the City of Tempe say plans call for 16- and 18-story buildings. The project, which will be connected by a two-story structure, will have 23,000 sq. ft. of ground level commercial space. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture in Chicago is designing the student housing development. The complex, which will have two levels of above ground parking, will be comprised of a mix of studio to five-bed units. Tempe is expecting to receive formal plans from the developer in the next two weeks. The zoning work is being handled by Manjula Vaz of the Phoenix lawfirm Gammage & Burnham. LG Development wants to start construction by mid-2012. No word on contractor.

http://www.brewaz.com/content/index_story_free.php?story_id=7943&volume_num=XVII&issue_num=27&issue_date=July%2015,%202011

Couldn't find a link with a rendering however...I'm sure there will be one soon.

The company behind Core Campus Development Tempe is the same development group that built Vue on Apache...perhaps a foretelling of what will be built, only taller on College/Veterans.

http://www.lgdevelopmentgroup.com/student-housing/vue-on-apache.php

Here is a rendering of student housing planned for S. Forest. It is by the same architectural firm designing the project near SDS.

http://www.hparchitecture.com/?page_id=62&pid=105

[PhxER]

New Tempe Dam will be made of Steel

The Tempe City Council decided early this year the best replacement for the rubber dam in Tempe Town Lake is a steel-hinged crest gate.
The temporary rubber bladder, on loan from Bridgestone since the original burst more than five months ago, must be replaced by Dec. 28, 2015 to avoid costs.
The decision will be formally agreed on during a Jan. 19 council meeting.
Tempe replaced the burst bladder and constructed a pedestrian bridge intended to shade the dam from the intense Arizona sun, but city council is aiming to build a dam to last long-term.
Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said the rubber bladders were not intended to last forever, but the Council is now looking to longevity.
“We will make decisions for the long-term, thinking of the cyclical cost the same way we all think about making purchases for ourselves,” Hallman said.
City officials analyzed more than 20 different dam options and narrowed them down to three viable designs.
After considering designs such as a Sumitomo Rubber Dam, the same one used previously, and an Obermeyer Gate, which also uses rubber bladders, the council unanimously agreed the most reliable and cost efficient design would be a hydraulic-hinged crested gate made of steel.
The steel-gated dam met all of the city’s requirements for safety, reliability, durability, cost-effectiveness and investment value, said Jeff Kulaga, assistant city manager.
“When we did the engineering analysis, this steel-gated dam came out on top,” Kulaga said.
Both the Sumitomo Rubber Dam and the Obermeyer Gate were estimated to need replacement every 10 years.
The City estimated the cost of the Sumitomo Rubber Dam to be about $179.2 million and the Obermeyer gate to be about $74.4 million over the next 50 years, including replacement costs.
The hydraulic-hinged, crested gate would only need to have parts replaced periodically and is estimated to cost $68.1 million over the next 50 years, the least expensive of the three viable options.
Only Bridgestone can repair its rubber dams, but the new steel design offers more alternatives for the City when something breaks, Vice Mayor Joel Navarro said.
In addition to its practical benefits, the steel-gated dam will extend the lake by 100 feet and improve the aesthetic quality of the area near the Tempe Center for the Arts, Hallman said.
“The best technology for longevity and reduction for risk of rupture is the hinge-crest gates,” he said. “It’s nice that the math turns out in a way that it is the best choice for our community as well.”
A public meeting to discuss the decision with Tempe residents will be held at the Tempe Center for the Arts Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Link (http://www.statepress.com/2012/01/10/new-lake-dam-to-be-made-of-steel/)

[dtnphx]

Like buns of steel, but for dams. Got it.

[trigirdbers]

File this under notsureifserious

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/01/12/20120112tempe-town-lakes-costs-worry-residents.html

[AJphx]

ASU finishes up another impressive solar installation and shade structure near Sun Devil Stadium: http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47#p187
ASU just announced it was generating 10MW in solar last summer right? It easily pushing 15 MW now.

Also 2 other developments I have noticed along Apache Boulevard.
1) Apparently there are plans for the lots just off the corner of Apache and Rural behind the hotel. A large residential development.
2) Further down apache where there is a place called gracie's thrift, apparently there are plans for some sort of residential development on that site.

[MegaBass]

Tempe creating plans to modify University Drive (http://www.statepress.com/2012/01/16/tempe-creating-plans-to-modify-university-drive/)

Sitting at three long tables, an aerial map of University Drive stretching down the middle of each, Tempe residents drew their ideal street improvements on the maps with red markers.
Tempe city planners held a meeting Thursday to discuss the best way to utilize a $1.1 million dollar transportation grant to develop design concepts for a project aimed to make University Drive more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
The volume of bicyclists and pedestrians on University Drive has increased as car use has decreased over the last decade, said Eric Iwersen, senior planner for the University Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Project.
“This street is really a gateway,” he said. “It’s a gateway to our neighborhoods.”
The project will focus on a segment of University Drive from Priest Drive to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks that is over a mile long, a stretch of that lacks intersections and crosswalks.
“University has to be a crossable, sociable street,” Tempe resident Kirby Spitler said.
Segmented street narrowing, lighted intersections, lighted stop signs and medians were all sketched onto the maps of University Drive at the meeting.
All three maps ended up with sketches that focused on the center of the mile-long segment where it intersects with Roosevelt Street. Each sketch identified that the spot needed a pedestrian crossing.
There are a lot of tools that can be used to achieve a safer crossing, but there is only a limited amount of money, Project Consultant Adam Perillo said.
Planners must keep four lanes on University Drive and have little room to move the curbs and gutters, Iwersen said.
The project aims to change the feeling of University Drive from a vehicular-oriented area to a more pedestrian-friendly area without drastically changing the street structure, Iwersen said.
“We have in the past had more money for projects like this. Costs go sky-high if we move the actual street,” he said.
The $1.1 million federal transportation grant poses limits as to what Tempe can do.
One intersection with traffic lights can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000, Iwersen said. It is better to think of the project as making spot improvements, he said.
Iwersen pointed to social barriers that prevent drastically altering the street as well.
“I don’t know if we’re there yet, culturally,” he said. “I don’t know if the U.S. Department of Transportation is even supporting that European lifestyle.”
Planners are considering improvements such as water harvesting to increase the amount of native landscape, public art installments, American Disability Association improvements, more crossing points, enhanced bike lanes, medians, street furniture and shaded shelters.
“It’s wide, and it’s fast, so anything to help that would be good,” said Ryan Guzy, president of Tempe Bicycle Action Group.
TBAG conducted a count of bicyclists in Tempe in March 2011, in which they counted between 42 and 452 bicyclists on University Drive each hour, with more bicyclists closer to ASU.
The group plans to do another count in April and will focus more on University Drive’s cross streets to find out which areas need crossing points the most.
Tempe will hold a second public meeting in March where planners and the community can discuss more solid concepts, plans and prices. Construction is planned to start in spring 2013.

[plinko]

I would like to see University actually done away with entirely between College Avenue and McAllister to better link the campus together.

But in a city ruled by cars...

[phxSUNSfan]

I would like to see University actually done away with entirely between College Avenue and McAllister to better link the campus together.

But in a city ruled by cars...

Doing away with a major street in any city would be unlikely but it would be cool to make University a pedestrian mall. It would also be nice if they did away with public roads within University, Rural, Apache, and Mill...getting rid of the garages within this area (there are 4 within these bounds; 1 is small) will also make the campus more inviting and traditional.

[Tempe_Duck]

Doing away with a major street in any city would be unlikely but it would be cool to make University a pedestrian mall. It would also be nice if they did away with public roads within University, Rural, Apache, and Mill...getting rid of the garages within this area (there are 4 within these bounds; 1 is small).

Those 4 garages support the 53k people that go to ASU and that doesn't include facility and staff. I love light rail but you can't expect everyone to use it.

[phxSUNSfan]

Those 4 garages support the 53k people that go to ASU and that doesn't include facility and staff. I love light rail but you can't expect everyone to use it.

They could build more garages in or around lot 59 AND encourage more to walk, bike, and use transit on not only light rail but the free Orbit, Flash, ASU shuttles and regular bus routes (and eventually the Mill Ave Streetcar). That trend is already occurring...from the article posted above:

"The volume of bicyclists and pedestrians on University Drive has increased as car use has decreased over the last decade, said Eric Iwersen, senior planner for the University Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Project."

ASU and private student housing developers are increasing new student housing stock so that more students don't have to be commuters. The university's retention rates (especially for freshmen) have shot up due to new requirements to live on campus. Expanding that will only help the image of the school and student success rates.

[phxSUNSfan]

BTW, love the name of the bicycle group in Tempe. TBAG (Tempe Bicycle Action Group)...nice!

[PhxER]

This is the construction company website that is doing the building at Veterans Way and College Ave.
You can see one rendering in the following link
BD Construction (http://www.bdconstruct.com/#!recent-projects)

[PHX31]

The perspective is weird, but it looks like it will be great.

BTW, what was the name of the street before it was called Veteran's Way? I've completely forgotten. It wasn't 5th Ave, was it?

[PhxER]

Close, 5th Street turns into Veterans Way at College Ave.

[Tempe_Duck]

Close, 5th Street turns into Veterans Way at College Ave.

But Veterans was Stadium a couple years ago.

[PHX31]

/\ that's right, Stadium. Thanks


(meant 5th st)

[MegaBass]

If only they did something about the old Domino's Pizza location over by Terrace and Apache.

[TempeSilverFox]

"Front Door" is the name of a new restaurant that will be attempting to make a go of it at the NE corner of Mill and University. I hadn't realized that DiVerti was no longer open, but the article says it closed right before New Years. That corner seems cursed. Since I've lived in Tempe (since 2005) that corner has been Ruby Tuesdays, Suckerpunch Sally's, DiVerti and now "Front Door." I suppose a parade of attempts is much better than the building sitting empty though right?
Also, a new Thai restaurant called "5 R Cha Thai" opened at 203 East 7th St a couple of weeks ago. It's located near House of Tricks in what I call, the "Dead Zone" of downtown Tempe.
See the article from the Tempe Republic below:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/01/18/20120118tempe-front-door-open-prime-mill-spot.html

[MegaBass]

Interesting that they are planning on spending $17.5M but they are not sure what will come of it. Oh well, at least there will be 1 less empty lot.

Messed around on the ASU site and found this.

Block 12 Overview (http://www.asu.edu/purchasing/bids/pdfs/cmar_2009_13714_rsp_college_avenue_study.pdf)

Block 12 Proposal (http://www.asu.edu/purchasing/bids/pdfs/cmar_2009_13714.pdf)

[nickkoto]

When I went to ASU, it always irked me that the School of Design and Landscape Architecture used that ugly box on the NW corner of College and 7th St as a classroom, yet they never attempted to apply whatever they were teaching on that building or the dirt lot surrounding it.

[PhxER]

My studio/seminar is in that building lol

[TempeSilverFox]

I know we have already talked a lot about Encore on Farmer- but this article was in the Tempe Republic today. They are open and ready for business! I'm pleased that Tempe is working to diversify its downtown population. I wish a grocery store like a Trader Joes would open at Ash and University. Safeway at Rural and Broadway is the nearest grocery store to my place - near Hardy and First.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/01/19/20120119rare-housing-mix-affordable-new.html

[vertex]

I wish a grocery store like a Trader Joes would open at Ash and University.

SilverFox, you just don't know...:(

[TempeSilverFox]

SilverFox, you just don't know...:(

lol- know what?

[MegaBass]

"Front Door" is the name of a new restaurant that will be attempting to make a go of it at the NE corner of Mill and University. I hadn't realized that DiVerti was no longer open, but the article says it closed right before New Years. That corner seems cursed. Since I've lived in Tempe (since 2005) that corner has been Ruby Tuesdays, Suckerpunch Sally's, DiVerti and now "Front Door." I suppose a parade of attempts is much better than the building sitting empty though right?
Also, a new Thai restaurant called "5 R Cha Thai" opened at 203 East 7th St a couple of weeks ago. It's located near House of Tricks in what I call, the "Dead Zone" of downtown Tempe.
See the article from the Tempe Republic below:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/01/18/20120118tempe-front-door-open-prime-mill-spot.html

Devil's Den, not Front Door, set for Mill opening (http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/01/25/20120125tempe-devils-den-not-front-door-set-mill-opening.html#ixzz1kgAjbB92)


Negotiations on the Front Door restaurant expected to open in downtown Tempe next month fell through, but the high-profile location is in such demand that a new owner already signed a lease on the space.

On Tuesday, property owner Mike Frost said that a tenant signed a lease on Friday to open Devil's Den Sports Grill in his building on the northeastern corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive.

Frost said he thinks that the restaurateur's business concept, which is based on an Arizona State University sports theme, will attract the many ASU students, faculty and alumni who work, live or go to school in the area.


"I liked their whole idea of being a place for ASU," he said. "They said to me, 'There is not a sports bar (downtown) where alumni and students can go.'"

Frederic Zimmerman, who had hoped to open the Front Door restaurant in the building at 4 E. University, told the Tempe Republic on Tuesday that he "couldn't come to an agreement on a lease." He added that the lack of free parking near the building was a sticking point.

Frost said he never had a deal with Zimmerman.

Charlie Maxwell, who will operate Devil's Den, said he was competing with Zimmerman for the space. "This is a great location. I'm really happy we got it," he said.

Maxwell said that given the many parking lots near University and Mill he does not foresee a problem with parking.

The past two restaurants to give the location a shot in recent years closed after struggling to attract long-term business in the down economy.

But Maxwell said he has high hopes for Devil's Den because it fills a void in downtown Tempe. Maxwell's concept for the restaurant came when he realized that the majority of downtown Tempe customers are ASU sports fans yet there is not a restaurant on Mill catering to that market.

Maxwell said that chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters are fine but that the Valley's loads of Sun Devil fans should have their own sports bar on Mill. Devil's Den will be decked in Sun Devils memorabilia and maroon and gold.

"I went to ASU and I really wanted it themed after ASU's heritage and celebrating ASU athletics," he said. Maxwell recited a list of famous former Sun Devils, including Reggie Jackson, Danny White, Pat Tillman, Phil Mickelson, Barry Bonds and Jake Plummer.

"Think of all the great athletes that went through there," he said. "I want this to be a really proud place where ASU fans can call home."

Although there is not an ASU-themed restaurant in downtown Tempe, Devil's Advocate Bar and Grill opened near University and Rural Road in 2009. The restaurant near Sun Devil Stadium is decorated with Sun Devil memorabilia and caters to students and alumni.

Devil's Den is Maxwell's first restaurant. The Mesa native said the menu will include All-American food including pizza, hot wings, gourmet hamburgers and sandwiches. A variety of drink and food specials including 25-cent wings will be offered. Prices will range from $4 to $10.

The restaurant will host a soft opening on Super Bowl Sunday. Although Maxwell will still be putting finishing touches on the restaurant, he said he wants to open on a day that sports fans consider a celebration.

[bunt_q]

I noticed today for the first time that Tempe is advertising on the side of our light rail trains here in Denver.

"Frost belongs on glasses, not on your windshield." Haha.

[AJphx]

lol- know what?
There was an independent co-op natural-foods grocery store on that specific lot at ash and university until it was moved out and the building torn down for a condo development that never started,

[TempeSilverFox]

There was an independent co-op natural-foods grocery store on that specific lot at ash and university until it was moved out and the building torn down for a condo development that never started,

Oh yeah, Gentle Strength- I remember. I think they moved out and the space was torn down a few months after I moved to Tempe.
The Tempe Farmer's Market across the street right at Farmer and University has some nice offerings, but I don't see myself doing my major grocery run there every week. I will go there if I need a couple of things that I ran out of though.

[MegaBass]

Few Development Review Commission mentions

Noticed yesterday and today some work being done on Eighth and Rural. First Part (http://www.tempe.gov/planning/agendas/DRC/SupportingDocuments/DRCr_8th&Rural_021412.pdf) and Second Part (http://www.tempe.gov/planning/agendas/DRC/SupportingDocuments/DRCr_8th&Rural_021412-2.pdf) of the review

323 Veterans Way/ Armory Site (http://www.tempe.gov/planning/agendas/DRC/SupportingDocuments/Pages%20from%20DRCr_ATTACH2_323VeteransWay_091311.pdf)

Appears that All Saints Newman Center is underway.

Still nothing with Residence Inn (former Urban Garden) and touch up on the old Mill.

[AJphx]

By Corey Maleka November 3, 2011 at 7:19 pm
The planned two-level bookstore is part of a project named Block 12, but project plans are still in the preliminary stages.
When construction will begin is still uncertain, but Wheeler is hopeful the bookstore will be ready by fall 2013.
[/URL]
Definitely excited to hear about the new bookstore, just wish it was on a much sooner schedule. Considering that it is 50,000 sq ft for just the bookstore itself, I am guessing they plan on having a large regular book selection, like a Barnes and Noble size store. It would be great to have something like that near campus, especially since Borders closed. I was always surprised and annoyed that ASU never had one like that considering a lot of other universities (especially of ASU's size) have full scale bookstores on campus.

[AJphx]

It appears ASU has another major building planned. It is for Del Webb school of construction. I hadn't heard about this but it appears to have been around since 2007 at least according to the documents I saw it in on the az board of regents site.

Del E Webb Construction and Engineering Building - $65 million - 180,000 sq ft

https://azregents.asu.edu/boardbook/Board%20Agenda%20Books/2007-09-Meeting/Item-21a-2007-09-.pdf
(desribes it a bit more)

another document from the regents in 2008 lists the same building with a different name:

ASUT-Interdisciplinary Sciences & Technology Building 6 - also 180,000 sq ft, about 65 Million and for Del Webb.

https://azregents.asu.edu/boardbook/Board%20Agenda%20Books/2008-06-Meeting/Item-09a-2008-06.pdf


It doesn't say specifically where it is planned to go, but in the description from the first link it seems to give hints describing the location. It must be next to the light rail station at rural and university, on one of those underdeveloped lots. Maybe on the actual corner there where the car wash is? Or the spot with the maintenance buildings? There is also a smaller lot between the light rail station and a parking garage that is cleared with a fence around it in google satellite-view.

The project is planned to construct a 180,000 gross square foot facility to provide space for the Del
E. Webb School of Construction, the Fulton School of Engineering and university classrooms. The
project is planned to also include integration of plaza areas with the light rail station, and first floor
retail space. The six-story building is planned to house faculty and administrative offices, university
classrooms, department assigned class laboratories, and other dry laboratories, and ancillary spaces
for support of the building or other university functions. This project is contingent upon legislative
support and fundraising efforts from industry donors, and will not proceed until funding is secured.

[combusean]

I was under the impression that Block 12 and the School of Construction were part and parcel of one another.

[ciweiss]

I walked by the Gateway building (3rd and Mill) and it appears to have a Wast Management sign on the side of it. They moving in ? If so it is good news that the building is slowly filling up. Won't be new (commercial) buildings until these fill up. There is also a Iron man store going in on the bottom this summer.

I've also noticed some work being done on the ol Mill. Good to see that being cleaned up.

[MegaBass]

It appears ASU has another major building planned. It is for Del Webb school of construction. I hadn't heard about this but it appears to have been around since 2007 at least according to the documents I saw it in on the az board of regents site.

Del E Webb Construction and Engineering Building - $65 million - 180,000 sq ft

https://azregents.asu.edu/boardbook/Board%20Agenda%20Books/2007-09-Meeting/Item-21a-2007-09-.pdf
(desribes it a bit more)

another document from the regents in 2008 lists the same building with a different name:

ASUT-Interdisciplinary Sciences & Technology Building 6 - also 180,000 sq ft, about 65 Million and for Del Webb.

https://azregents.asu.edu/boardbook/Board%20Agenda%20Books/2008-06-Meeting/Item-09a-2008-06.pdf


It doesn't say specifically where it is planned to go, but in the description from the first link it seems to give hints describing the location. It must be next to the light rail station at rural and university, on one of those underdeveloped lots. Maybe on the actual corner there where the car wash is? Or the spot with the maintenance buildings? There is also a smaller lot between the light rail station and a parking garage that is cleared with a fence around it in google satellite-view.

From page nine of ABOR link it appears ISTB VI would be between McAllister garage and METRO station. Not really a big lot.

[MegaBass]

ASU moving closer to improving its athletic facilities (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2012/02/21/20120221asu-athletic-facilities-update.html#ixzz1nNDsFmdj)

The path to a new Sun Devil Stadium is clearer now than in July when Steve Patterson was hired as Arizona State athletic chief operating officer.

Not only has the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formally authorized an athletics district that will be developed to fund capital projects starting with a new football stadium, but a myriad of design proposals are leading to realistic funding options.

"We're getting closer to a path that can ultimately lead to a dramatic renovation of Sun Devil Stadium," Patterson said. "Probably six months ago all we had was a singular option. Now we're headed toward allowing the school over time to add to the stadium design in such a manner that we don't have to commit everything up front and can do it in pieces. That's probably a more executable plan."

A decision could be made to keep the lower bowl of the 54-year-old stadium and rebuild above that level to a new seating capacity between 55,000 and 65,000, lower than the current 71,706. The estimated cost is $150 million-$250 million "depending on what elements you ultimately build," Patterson said. The cost for stadium shading, in lieu of a roof, is estimated at $40 million-50 million.

Fan comfort will be improved no matter what design is chosen through upgraded seating with more leg room, better concessions and restrooms, suites closer to the field, improved transport to the upper level and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

Patterson said funding options are not only the athletic district, which will collect revenue from commercial development of 300-plus acres owned by ASU, but increased revenue from the stadium (premium seating, concessions) as well as from Pac-12 media rights and philanthropic donations.

[MegaBass]

Definitely excited to hear about the new bookstore, just wish it was on a much sooner schedule. Considering that it is 50,000 sq ft for just the bookstore itself, I am guessing they plan on having a large regular book selection, like a Barnes and Noble size store. It would be great to have something like that near campus, especially since Borders closed. I was always surprised and annoyed that ASU never had one like that considering a lot of other universities (especially of ASU's size) have full scale bookstores on campus.

Yeah after having a leadership conference down at uofa last weekend I gotta say their Student Union makes the MU seem so inadequate. Makes me wonder what the university's plans were earlier when they were talking of combining PE West with the MU. Then possibly expand PE East in the mean time with bookstore for more recreational space and for the Dance/Art department.

[PHX31]

I like the mid-century and cozy feel of the MU. Maybe it's partly just fuzzy memories, but it's nice. Could it be bigger and better? Maybe, but not everything big and new is better. I took my cousin that goes to the university of Nebraska to the MU and he seemed impressed.

[phxSUNSfan]

Yeah after having a leadership conference down at uofa last weekend I gotta say their Student Union makes the MU seem so inadequate. Makes me wonder what the university's plans were earlier when they were talking of combining PE West with the MU. Then possibly expand PE East in the mean time with bookstore for more recreational space and for the Dance/Art department.

UofA's Student Union appears large but it reminds me of some of the Maricopa County jails (near downtown) except it has a few more windows.

If ASU expands the MU I hope they keep the large, floor to ceiling windows that face Orange Mall...work is moving along on W.P. Carey's McCord Hall; the crane has been up for a while and moving things along. Construction crews for the new private student housing across from Sun Devil Stadium has foundations in place for the tower cranes; I believe two cranes will be used for this project. It will be impressive to see SDS during game day on ESPN when those two towers are standing so close by. Newman Center's walls are up facing University Drive. I wonder how impressive this structure will be. I hope they use enough brick to complement the church.

[MegaBass]

UofA's Student Union appears large but it reminds me of some of the Maricopa County jails (near downtown) except it has a few more windows.

If ASU expands the MU I hope they keep the large, floor to ceiling windows that face Orange Mall...work is moving along on W.P. Carey's McCord Hall; the crane has been up for a while and moving things along. Construction crews for the new private student housing across from Sun Devil Stadium has foundations in place for the tower cranes; I believe two cranes will be used for this project. It will be impressive to see SDS during game day on ESPN when those two towers are standing so close by. Newman Center's walls are up facing University Drive. I wonder how impressive this structure will be. I hope they use enough brick to complement the church.

Yeah I'd just like to see more options to dine on campus. Only part that I really liked about uofa's Student Union was their bookstore. Hopefully Block 12 is somewhere along the lines of that.
Wondering if the McAllister METRO stop closure this week has anything to do with ISTB VI? Weird that AJphx brought it up and it hasn't been on ASU's ABOR one to two year plan the last two years. I guess I was premature on the Terrace and Rural housing/retail.

[AJphx]

Wondering if the McAllister METRO stop closure this week has anything to do with ISTB VI? Weird that AJphx brought it up and it hasn't been on ASU's ABOR one to two year plan the last two years.
Well I was just searching news for construction updates and came across that by way of noticing an article that mentioned the building on asu news, from 2010 I think. Then I went and looked around azbor about it. I just posted it because I hadn't heard anything about it before.

As for the mcallister metro stop closure, I didn't see anything about that... but a news article did say mcallister avenue is going to be closed through march for ITSB IV (the tall one finishing construction now)

[RichTempe]

I was in downtown Tempe this afternoon and the tower crane has gone up for 323 Veteran's Way (BD Construction at College and Veteran's Way).

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3493/imag0304o.jpg
By richtempe (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/richtempe) at 2012-03-04

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/779/imag0303b.jpg
By richtempe (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/richtempe) at 2012-03-04

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1562/imag0302i.jpg
By richtempe (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/richtempe) at 2012-03-04

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7532/imag0301sy.jpg
By richtempe (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/richtempe) at 2012-03-04

[HX_Guy]

Awesome to see tower cranes in the sky again! :banana:

[Classical in Phoenix]

For Immediate Release
3/13/2012

Kris Baxter-Ging
City of Tempe
Community Development Marketing Specialist
(480) 858-2059 kris_baxter@tempe.gov

Downtown Tempe high rise space near capacity - new high rise space in demand



High rise space in downtown Tempe is nearly at capacity, creating demand for new development.

· Hayden Ferry Lakeside is at 94 percent occupancy
· Tempe Gateway is approximately 40 percent leased with leads on much of the remaining space
· Papago Gateway Center is 80 percent leased
· Centerpoint on Mill has converted existing second floor retail into office space to take advantage of the market
· Tempe’s vacancy rate for business space is lower than neighboring cities Phoenix and Chandler
· Mill Avenue has added 48 new retail businesses since 2009 that are open and thriving – the vacancy rate has gone from 32.4 percent in April 2009 to 20.5 percent this month

“The time is now to build and we are ready to connect developers who have projects that fit our community with landowners and bankers to continue to improve our city,” said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. “The commercial towers that were constructed in the last development cycle are now nearly full. To continue to prosper as a city, we need to have office space available for the companies that want to make Tempe their home.”

The Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake areas that make up downtown Tempe have succeeded in attracting top firms such as Microsoft, KPMG, Limelight Networks and Smith Barney. The area is considered the Valley’s Creative Corridor, with more than 20 marketing, web design, public relations and advertising firms calling the one mile stretch around Mill Avenue and Town Lake their home.

Hayden Ferry Lakeside is home to many of those firms, with new web development company Statera hosting their grand opening on March 29. Xhibit, a digital media company relocating from Michigan, is also in the process of tenant improvements in the building. Silicon Valley Bank is also moving into Hayden Ferry Lakeside.

"After purchasing Hayden Ferry Lakeside I at 51 percent occupancy last June and reaching 94 percent leased in just seven months, we were pleased to expand our investment in Tempe with the purchase of Hayden Ferry Lakeside II in February,” said Matt Mooney, Vice-President and Managing Director of Parkway Properties, Inc. “We consider Hayden Ferry Lakeside to be one of the premier office projects in Greater Phoenix and the leasing activity level speaks to that quality. Tempe is outpacing most of the other submarkets in metro Phoenix in the recovery.”

A media event will be hosted at Hayden Ferry Lakeside at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20. An announcement about a forthcoming development will be made at that time.
Tempe Gateway still has space available, but the interest level in its remaining square footage is very high. Companies at Tempe Gateway include Limelight Networks, Waste Management, TriSports.com and Parsons.

“We’ve been very pleased with our Tempe investment. Our leasing efforts have been highly successful so far and some of the City’s most important businesses have made our building their home,” said Ada Healy of Vulcan Real Estate.

DMB Commercial has about 10,000 square feet of office space available because demand has been strong enough that they have converted second floorspace into office.

Retail in downtown Tempe has seen a huge uptick, with the vacancy rate at the worst of the economy at 32.4 percent to currently 20.5 percent of the same space. Tempe Gateway added 25,000 square feet of retail space for lease this year, with 7,500 square feet of that already leased to TriSports.com.

A photo of downtown Tempe looking south from the Papago Gateway Center building and a chart showing current vacancy rates are attached.

About Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona is home to Arizona State University, historic Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake. It’s the urban heart of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area, with a population of 161,000, a workforce of 151,000, approximately 200,000 college students and 4 million visitors annually. A smart city, Tempe boasts one of the highest education rates in the state, with nearly 40 percent of the population older than 25 holding a Bachelor’s degree or better. Click a picture for a bigger view.

[PHX31]

/\ Maybe they'll finally build the tower on the NEC of Rio Salado and Mill. The one that had some sort of New Year "Ball drop" thing attached to it for the block party.

[Jjs5056]

^ That would be my guess, though they just recently (2-3 months ago) landscaped that pad. I'd probably prefer it be the hotel that had been planned, but the article is obviously focused on commercial development. Either way, it'll be nice to see two of those Mill+Rio Salado corners fill up now that the Mill is about to get some use. My company moved out of Hayden Ferry Lakeside about a year ago, unfortunately- I would have loved to have watched the area transform a bit from a deadzone to an extension of the main stretch of Mill.

Assuming the news will be related to Hayden Ferry seeing as the event will be held there? Otherwise, I'd cross my fingers that somehow the old Mosaic lot would be getting something other than the parking lot and 1-story grocery store that's being "planned."

Downtown Tempe probably doesn't need anything the height of West Sixth right now, but I'd love to see some 12-15 story buildings go up nearby to balance it out and give some depth to the skyline. The Veterans Way tower should help, as would anything that broke away from the blue glass theme.

[Classical in Phoenix]

If it is Hayden Ferry Lakeside as the press release leads me to believe, I think it could be the tower on the NEC of Mill and Rio Salado. I went to the website and that appears to be the most logical next step of their rather ambitious plan. It will be nice if it can all be done.

I removed the link that no longer worked. That's strange, it worked at the time of the original posting.

[RichTempe]

http://www.haydenferry.com/

I get the message "You see this page because there is no Web site at this address." when I click the above link. Couldn't find another one for the whole
development; just for the condos: http://bridgeviewazcondos.com/:shrug:

[MegaBass]

Mill Avenue news


Rita's Ice to open next to Mellow Mushroom
Paisan's Italian Kitchen to open in Dunkin' Donuts old location


https://p.twimg.com/AoDNhSVCAAA6CJ3.jpg
Pop-Up Pooch Park @DowntownTempe (https://twitter.com/#!/DowntownTempe/status/180369956830052353/photo/1)

[nickw252]

This seems a little speculative but lets hope it's accurate.

Plans for the first high-rise to break ground in Tempe since 2007 will be announced at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hayden Ferry Lakeside on the southeastern corner of Mill Avenue and the Rio Salado Parkway.

Developers, brokers, architects and members of the Tempe City Council will be present for the announcement and a status report on Tempe business leasing. Renderings of the building will be unveiled along with details of the time frame for construction and leasing.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/03/15/20120315tempe-high-rise-announcement-planned.html

[mwadswor]

Plans for the first high-rise to break ground in Tempe since 2007

Great news, but their reporter should probably check out College & Veteran's Way before making statements like that.

[RichTempe]

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2012/03/15/20120315tempe-high-rise-announcement-planned.html

Also, Hayden Ferry Lakeside is on NEC of Mill Avenue and the Rio Salado Parkway. NOT "the southeastern corner".