Tempe Development Thread

[Mr.RE]

Good to see this still moving forward!

https://azbigmedia.com/business/rio-reimagined-project-gets-boost-with-federal-designation/

[CB1]

Thanks everyone for all the great things being posted!

[CB1]

Tempe Depot slides from virtual meeting on 9/9/20

https://i.imgur.com/fVt1kyy.jpg

[CB1]

https://i.imgur.com/xP05sD9.jpg

[CB1]

https://i.imgur.com/41xQLh4.jpg

You can get better view for the lower retail portion. You can see light rail going underneath the building.

[CB1]

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

White area is the part that will be touching the ground. The train is shown on the top portion.

[CB1]

There was a Hayden resident that voiced her concern about the noise. Really looking forward for this development.

[PHXFlyer11]

Thank you for sharing.

I really do not like this development. The height is fine, but the massive parking garage makes the buildings look so stubby, and the facade looks like shit. Reminds me of one of the hotels on the Vegas strip with the large painted concrete portions of the facade. Yuck. I'd be OK with this if they actually put some work into the design.

Also - that dude really presented from his bedroom in a basement? Looks like he's in a prison. Doesn't speak successful developer to me. LOL

[CB1]

Hahaha!

[PHXFlyer11]

Such a prime and historic piece of land, I just think we can do much better.

[jvbahn]

Thank you for sharing.

I really do not like this development. The height is fine, but the massive parking garage makes the buildings look so stubby, and the facade looks like shit. Reminds me of one of the hotels on the Vegas strip with the large painted concrete portions of the facade. Yuck. I'd be OK with this if they actually put some work into the design.

Also - that dude really presented from his bedroom in a basement? Looks like he's in a prison. Doesn't speak successful developer to me. LOL

Completely agree with you here, it’s awful. Doesn’t respect the Depot building whatsoever, and that oppressive covered area will never be a place that anyone but derelicts use. I’ve never seen an example of a building where this worked, these types of structures become areas where trash gets blown around, homeless people sleep, and junkies and drunks use as their personal latrine. Construction like this should be banished as a failed lesson of 1970s urban planning.

[Mr.RE]

I love how we all thought this project was a joke when it originally got posted on the Tempe development website but now appears to be a very real possibility. Just goes to show when City budgets get tight and slammed by a recession, any developer with a proposed project that will bring in hundreds of thousands in development fee and taxes for the city gets the red carpet rolled out for them.

[ASUSunDevil]

Lol @ the keyboard critics.

This will be another "wow, that turned out way better than those blurry renderings I was hating on 3 years ago."

[Mr.RE]

Lol @ the keyboard critics.

This will be another "wow, that turned out way better than those blurry renderings I was hating on 3 years ago."

:haha: We are all so spoiled with so much new developments that we finally have time to critique each of them lol.

[Phxguy]

Project is fine, just grossly over-parked. We’ve discussed this before but it shouldn’t go without mentioning, especially surprising for TOD. Anyhow, would rather see this development built than the property sit empty.

[ASUSunDevil]

Project is fine, just grossly over-parked. We’ve discussed this before but it shouldn’t go without mentioning, especially surprising for TOD. Anyhow, would rather see this development built than the property sit empty.

While I'm no parking expert, I'm sure they'd like to capitalize on weekend events at Tempe Beach Park, ASU Football games etc. (once things get back to normal). There will be a lot less surface parking once the lot directly West on Farmer gets developed, along with others nearby.

I think that SmithGroup (the architect) will surprise some naysayers with the end result. :tup:

[CB1]

Im very surprised how there are different opinions on this project. Haha! I personally like it and how it’s a glass building with incorporated art. I think it’s going to look very nice next to 100 Mill and ASUSundevil has a good point about special events. That parking could come very handy. Especially as the city becomes more dense.

[combusean]

I don't know who was presenting but this is a RED-associated development. I suppose upon receiving entitlements escrow will be completed and the no-name land owner will complete the sale to RED.

I also don't think people realize how much parking goes into modern office developments nowadays. Look at Marina Heights, the whole thing is mostly parking garage.

The developer in any event is sitting on a large parcel that sells well because it literally sits on a transit center. It's simply not conducive to full time residents.

[RobbyRob]

Hello everyone! I've been following this forum for quite some time now and decided to finally surface. I am a 4th year architecture student at ASU and have been fortunate enough to witness all of the development that is blossoming around Tempe. Glad to be here! :)

[Diamonddave]

Hello everyone! I've been following this forum for quite some time now and decided to finally surface. I am a 4th year architecture student at ASU and have been fortunate enough to witness all of the development that is blossoming around Tempe. Glad to be here! :)

Welcome on board hope to hear your input

[CB1]

Welcome Robby! :)

[Jmodrak12]

View from atop the Oliv Tempe. Very well landscaped up there! sorry for how large the photos are.

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

https://i.imgur.com/JLof9nN.jpg

[Mr.RE]

Fixed!:tup: any pics you can share of the pool deck? View from atop the Oliv Tempe. Very well landscaped up there! sorry for how large the photos are.

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

https://i.imgur.com/JLof9nNr.jpg

[Jmodrak12]

No, unfortunately there were a few people up there and didn't want to make any one feel uncomfortable. However, the pool itself is not very exciting, just a large square with non of the vegetation nor canopies really near it. in the second photo you can see the reflection of the one lane lamp pool which was interesting i guess.

[CrestedSaguaro]

No, unfortunately there were a few people up there and didn't want to make any one feel uncomfortable. However, the pool itself is not very exciting, just a large square with non of the vegetation nor canopies really near it. in the second photo you can see the reflection of the one lane lamp pool which was interesting i guess.

Make them feel uncomfortable I say! ;)

[Phxguy]

Thanks for snagging these photos, Jmodrak12!

It’s unfortunate those lovely ficus trees in the first photo at 6th and Forest appear basically dead. They were a great screen of the parking structure.

707 Forest Ave is looking great!

[BurjKhalifa2Builder]

These look good! So many parking lots though

[Obadno]

These look good! So many parking lots though

Yes its the Phoenix metro area.

[Spitfiredude]

These look good! So many parking lots though

You should have seen tempe back in 2010-2015.

[ASU Diablo]

You should have seen tempe back in 2010-2015.

No kidding.

But give it another 5-10 years, all those parking lots will be filled up. And will need to find new places to tailgate for Sun Devil games! :cheers: A nice problem to have...

[muertecaza]

Speaking of, anyone know if ASU has a plan, even a long-term plan, for the lot north of College Avenue Commons? I remember trying to find something a year or two back and striking out.

[Mr.RE]

New renderings posted for Toll Brothers project under construction on Terrace. Looks great imo compared to the previous ones I have seen. Below is a link to their website.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50352256973_ed6d181a2f_c.jpg
https://www.canvastempe.com/

[Ttown5]

So I live at oliv, and the “lap pool” you are referring to is the hot tub actually. It has yet to be hot, as I don’t think they are going to heat it until it starts to cool off giving more space for people to swim since the other pool is rather small. From what I hear it’s due to the weight of the water that the pool can only be so large? Either way I enjoy the day beds and it is a really beautiful place to hang out. I also visited the alibi (rooftop bar at canopy) yesterday and that was a treat as well. The people from sundt happened to be there at the same time. Would be super cool to have happy hour at the building you engineered and then built!

[Jmodrak12]

For those interested in the Mirabella here is a shot from the canopy rooftop.

https://i.imgur.com/p0zHfD9.jpg?1

[Mr.RE]

Nice shot! Residents should be moving in soon as I expect the site fencing to come down in the next couple weeks.

[BurjKhalifa2Builder]

Do we know what they're gonna use the rest of the lot Mirabella is built on for?

[PHXFlyer11]

Do we know what they're gonna use the rest of the lot Mirabella is built on for?

It's for Omni Tempe.

[ciweiss]

Any updates on the Beam on Farmer? I thought they were supposed to break ground soon. Hopefully this project will still happen.

[muertecaza]

Slow news lately so here are a few photos

Didn't stop to take the picture so it's not a great one, but the Pier is finally on to its first floor plate. Only 18 more to go. And at the rate of 1 floor every 3 years, they'll be done in no time.

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

Westin

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

https://i.imgur.com/vuyPt5Zh.jpg

Oliv complete

https://i.imgur.com/6Xp93sOh.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/dU6VTggh.jpg

Atmosphere looks like it's on about floor ~13

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

https://i.imgur.com/qTrA9b7h.jpg

First + Farmer

https://i.imgur.com/012OeSth.jpg

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

[Mr.RE]

Great pics! Thanks for sharing Muerte. Although the Pier is the slowest project on the planet, one can hope that now that the garage structure is complete that this thing will shoot up quickly... Not counting on that tho :rolleyes:

[Diamonddave]

Isn't The Pier proposed at 24 floors?

[CrestedSaguaro]

Isn't The Pier proposed at 24 floors?

I believe so. So, that should mean completion in about 8 more years at the current construction rate of about 3 floors per year? :haha:

[Spitfiredude]

I believe so. So, that should mean completion in about 8 more years at the current construction rate of about 3 floors per year? :haha:

That’s so fast. Incredible that they can build 24 floors in 8 years. I’ve never seen a project move so fast. They should get an award for it.

Wait I thought the height was 27 floors, capped at like 297’ for building height or something. Or am I way off?

[CrestedSaguaro]

That’s so fast. Incredible that they can build 24 floors in 8 years. I’ve never seen a project move so fast. They should get an award for it.

Wait I thought the height was 27 floors, capped at like 297’ for building height or something. Or am I way off?

Don't know. I just counted the floors in their rendering at https://www.rinka.com/ucpier-1. I'm not even sure that's a current rendering :shrug:

[Diamonddave]

I believe I saw it on this thread posted sometime back. It if was a city of Tempe document listing of all the buildings proposed or under construction is where I thought I saw the 24 stories.

[phoenixwillrise]

That’s so fast. Incredible that they can build 24 floors in 8 years. I’ve never seen a project move so fast. They should get an award for it.

Wait I thought the height was 27 floors, capped at like 297’ for building height or something. Or am I way off?

Like I have always said. Heh it's a family affair. It will just take time! Maybe dad is teaching the kids all of the trades. If so props to him.

[azsunsurfer]

Does anyone know what's going on with Ronnie's Auto Repair at Roosevelt and University? It's fenced up...always thought it would be a great adaptive re-use project for a restaurant(s) or something?

Also I noticed that the townhouses on Farmer south of University seem like they are happening.

[Diamonddave]

I'm not sure which project you're referring to?

I found the link on The Pier it will be 24 stories at 287'

[muertecaza]

Peaking through the fence at 100 Mill:

https://i.imgur.com/x9aL2kch.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MxSM2Teh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Yk3FgsBh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GoL1Bhsh.jpg

[Socalzonie]

[QUOTE=muertecaza;9061973]Peaking through the fence at 100 Mill:

Looks like they have about caught up with the Pier.

[CB1]

https://i.imgur.com/XOeHgl4.jpg

[BA744PHX]

What project is this?

[CB1]

https://i.imgur.com/38Tl4hE.jpg

[CB1]

What project is this?

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology 7

[Mr.RE]

Thanks for the pics, CB.

I really hope we start to see some activity on the other parcels within this Novus phase. I know the last few planned developments are the office building next to 777, food hall mixed-use project, high rise residential, asu office building across from 777 tucked up to the parking garage that is in planning & development review.

Does anyone think we will see the next phase (where the asu track and old baseball stadium is) get demo'd and start within the next year?

[ASU Diablo]

Thanks for the pics, CB.

I really hope we start to see some activity on the other parcels within this Novus phase. I know the last few planned developments are the office building next to 777, food hall mixed-use project, high rise residential, asu office building across from 777 tucked up to the parking garage that is in planning & development review.

Does anyone think we will see the next phase (where the asu track and old baseball stadium is) get demo'd and start within the next year?

There's been rumors that's where the ASU multi-purpose arena will be going in (Hockey and olympic sports). I could never tell if it would be on the parking lot immediately west of Sun Angel Stadium or on the stadium itself. But now due to the pandemic, not sure if these plans have been put on hold.

[muertecaza]

Thanks for the pics, CB.

I really hope we start to see some activity on the other parcels within this Novus phase. I know the last few planned developments are the office building next to 777, food hall mixed-use project, high rise residential, asu office building across from 777 tucked up to the parking garage that is in planning & development review.

Does anyone think we will see the next phase (where the asu track and old baseball stadium is) get demo'd and start within the next year?

Not sure when we get them, but I'm excited for when it happens. I rode through the area on my bike this morning and even with very few people, it felt big, and active and urban. ISTB 7 is looking really good, and I'm really liking how 777, the Aspen Heights apartments and even the parking garage are coming together. Add the ones you mentioned, plus the X Tempe building at Rural/Terrace if we're lucky and that's starting to feel like a second urban node in Tempe.

[Mr.RE]

I like how Novus is essentially creating two "cores" within tempe. You have the downtown core on mill avenue and soon the novus core on rural that both offer a diverse range of uses within new class A developments. Tempe has come so far in a decade, can only image what the next 10 brings! One thing I am sure of is, we will have a lot of development news to talk about in this forum.

[ASUSunDevil]

There's been rumors that's where the ASU multi-purpose arena will be going in (Hockey and olympic sports). I could never tell if it would be on the parking lot immediately west of Sun Angel Stadium or on the stadium itself. But now due to the pandemic, not sure if these plans have been put on hold.

Still planning on having it completed by August 2022: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2020/10/06/asu-hockey-play-away-only-2020-21-season-against-big-ten-teams/5901278002/

[ASU Diablo]

Still planning on having it completed by August 2022: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2020/10/06/asu-hockey-play-away-only-2020-21-season-against-big-ten-teams/5901278002/

Nice great find!! Now, for ASU to announce the renovation of The Bank :cheers:

Preliminary work has been done on the site for ASU's 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena for hockey and other sports and events near Sun Angel Track Stadium. Powers expects that facility to be open by August 2022.

There's a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes," he said. "Obviously navigating those waters through a pandemic has been challenge, but we're still confident it's on pace. We expect some exciting news over the course of the next monht or so," perhaps meaning a formal groundbreaking.

[muertecaza]

The chatter about Novus got me poking around for more information, and a recent ABOR Board agenda included an update on the status. Mr.RE, your hope is coming true, it looks like we're going to get a lot more in the near future. Some highlights from the report:

ASU and a creative office developer executed an option to lease on Phase IV, Parcel 4F at the end of August. The developer next will submit for entitlement approval from the Joint Review Committee for multiple creative office buildings, a prerequisite to close of escrow.

A Preliminary Takedown Notice (PTN) was approved for Phase V, Parcel 5F. Parcel 5F is comprised of approximately 5.5 acres located at the northwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Rural Road. The Novus master plan contemplates a mixed-use development consisting of office, multi-family residential and potential supporting retail uses. ASU has entered into a letter of intent and is negotiating an option to lease with a developer to develop Parcel 5F as a mixed-use development.

ASU also has entered into an option to lease with a developer on Parcel 3F. The developer plans to develop the property with approximately 200 micro units, an emerging segment within the multi-family residential asset class. The proposed development conforms to Novus use restrictions and provides an alternative product type and price point for future residents of Novus.

Planning for the proposed Multi-Purpose Arena (MPA) north of the Packard Drive Parking Garage amongst the 7-Series parcels created opportunities to plan distinctive pockets of retail, energize the planned open space/plaza adjacent to the arena and maximize development opportunities on the arena block. To address these opportunities, portions of the planned Novus Place and 3rd Street roadway alignments were revised as a minor adjustment to the Novus Master Plan.

ASU is finalizing construction documents [for the pedestrian bridge over University] and construction is scheduled to commence in November 2020 with substantial completion scheduled for December 2021.

So I guess that's confirmation that the multi-purpose arena is going to go just north of the parking garage on Packard. And a bunch of new development at various stages in the pipeline. The packet contains some preliminary renderings too:

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

https://i.imgur.com/QrepJ7Wh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ena3kWBh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QsGOmc1h.jpg

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

Full packet is here: https://public.azregents.edu/Board/2020-09-30-through-10-2-Final-Board-Book.pdf

[Phxguy]

https://m.facebook.com/SouthPierTempe/photos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

This ad came up on my FB page with renderings for Southpier. Looks pretty pie-in-the-sky if it all gets built but man what an incredible addition! I’m digging the Ferris wheel.

[Mr.RE]

Muerte - again THANK YOU:worship:

Great data here.

[Mr.RE]

https://m.facebook.com/SouthPierTempe/photos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

This ad came up on my FB page with renderings for Southpier. Looks pretty pie-in-the-sky if it all gets built but man what an incredible addition! I’m digging the Ferris wheel.

Does it list the name of the developer? I suspect this is just fluff to sell an idea/proposed plan to another group but I'm hopeful this is legit!

[Phxguy]

Does it list the name of the developer? I suspect this is just fluff to sell an idea/proposed plan to another group but I'm hopeful this is legit!

No developer name is listed on the site or the deadend CohenMcBride.com link.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2020/06/22/south-tempe-town-lake-developments-pick-up-steam.html

This article from June talks a bit more of the project. Contains a new rendering of a lake-side development with 400K sqft of office space as well. Just to be sure, Southpier and Pier 202 refer to the same development?

[PHXFlyer11]

Wow. Those parcel 5 and South Pier Projects look absolutely amazing. I had been hoping someone would propose an actual pier for years. Would be amazing if this happened and we started to see a few others pop up with restaurants and games.

How about a Boardwalk Tempe? Maybe a nice L-shaped pier today maximize the space.

I would love to see The Pier and South Pier start a trend of higher-end Miami style condos that scale up as you move west to east. Create a sort of high-end luxury Tempe and maximize what’s left of the lakefront property.

The street car should help accelerate some of that development now.

The housing market is only strengthening so maybe some of these will happen.

Judging by the rendering, is the South Pier tower just phase one of a master plan? Or is that the only parcel they own and are just hoping other developers build towers on the other parcels?

[asugrad]

This popped up as an ad on my Facebook yesterday! Is this related to one of the projects???

https://www.facebook.com/SouthPierTempe

[PHXFlyer11]

This popped up as an ad on my Facebook yesterday! Is this related to one of the projects???

https://www.facebook.com/SouthPierTempe

Dude, literally scroll up three posts. Someone already posted the same thing and we are talking about.

[muertecaza]

Looks like from the Tempe Development Map that there are some apartments planned for the narrow lot on the SWC of Curry/Miller, 1255 E. Curry:

https://gis.tempe.gov/pad/DevelopmentPictures/Banyon.JPG

Even though it looks to be just more 4+1 apartments, it's good that there are more proposals filling in the backlog, it seems like there haven't been as many in Tempe lately. And interesting that someone is willing to put out a proposal on that side of the freeway, next to all the automotive businesses. It looks like this is just outside the county island, and technically within city limits. But I wouldn't be surprised to see that whole automotive area, including the county island, be apartments before too long.

[azsunsurfer]

Not sure how I feel about more surface parking fronting Rio Salado but I guess I rather have it there than fronting the lake...

[PHXFlyer11]

Tempe Depot is on the DRC agenda for the end of the month. No link yet to the file, really hoping for improved design and renderings. Looked like total trash before. 18 and 17 story is what I believe I read on the agenda.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Tempe Depot is on the DRC agenda for the end of the month. No link yet to the file, really hoping for improved design and renderings. Looked like total trash before. 18 and 17 story is what I believe I read on the agenda.

Agree on the design. It's not so much the massive parking podium. I get the Tempe probably wants the additional parking for events. But that facade. :yuck:

[skiesthelimit]

*WARNING PICTURE HEAVY*

Before I begin with today's update, enjoy these pics from the top of Watermark's parking garage I took last week (not sure if I was actually supposed to be up there lol) and one of the street car stations on Mill:



Playa Del Norte
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394277_7497a7e92f_b.jpg

Overlooking Novus/Norte Town Lake (Jefferson Town Lake renamed)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394672_3e0eea94a5_b.jpg

WeWork
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471538148_1afebbbc9b_b.jpg

Athletic Village Fields
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472239181_2f0c91821c_b.jpg

Marina Heights/A Mountain/100 Mill + Forest Ave crane cameos
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394982_c38f36db59_b.jpg

6th St/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472296576_c928878dd6_b.jpg



Here's a couple updates around the Novus/Apache area from earlier this morning (10/13/20):


100 Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214253_7f3bbee776_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471915141_0a6c08c8e6_b.jpg

Hyatt/Oliv from Rio/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214683_ec1bf62f5a_b.jpg


Atmosphere (Forest Ave) from Rio/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214733_f42e05d575_b.jpg

Playa Del Norte
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471919546_2603a1bd86_b.jpg

Aspen Heights
Seems like there's gonna be a lot of retail for this one
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472075457_8b2f2a4131_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472070722_339dd660c6_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920246_79af141545_b.jpg

Novus Garage/Aspen Heights on 6th St/Packard Dr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471219603_66c186c0da_b.jpg

ISTB7
Rural/University
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076097_63b4511140_b.jpg

Terrace/Rural
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076307_cceb7c0a2a_b.jpg

Northbound Rural
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920546_3b6523441d_b.jpg

Apache/Terrace Apartments
Unsure of the name of this project, across from Apollo
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076522_163a062a87_b.jpg

Newly completed apartments next door, currently leasing, people moved in already as well
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920731_d323811264_b.jpg

Canvas Tempe (I believe, formerly known as Tempe Crossroads)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076947_cd8d2a7e26_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920856_810291973c_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076842_ccea14d0b5_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471220698_8143c9ea27_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471220773_7bb960c58f_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077147_6df47d02bd_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077632_a124b89587_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077987_0fcc4a93f4_b.jpg

Lastly, an uncommon skyline view from Dorsey/8th St
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471222028_729893f8dd_b.jpg

[muertecaza]

Tempe Depot is on the DRC agenda for the end of the month. No link yet to the file, really hoping for improved design and renderings. Looked like total trash before. 18 and 17 story is what I believe I read on the agenda.

Yeah, I don't love it either, but I've sort of made my peace with it. No one in a position to have meaningful input seems to regard Rio Salado as a pedestrian thoroughfare that needs pedestrian-oriented design. Which is slightly surprising given that they are putting the street car there.

[Diamonddave]

Thanks for the pics interesting angles nice.

[muertecaza]

Tempe Depot is on the DRC agenda for the end of the month. No link yet to the file, really hoping for improved design and renderings. Looked like total trash before. 18 and 17 story is what I believe I read on the agenda.

Agree on the design. It's not so much the massive parking podium. I get the Tempe probably wants the additional parking for events. But that facade. :yuck:

There is a packet for a presentation to the Historical Preservation Commission tomorrow, but it looks like the same renderings we've seen before:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=85779

And yeah, it's too bad because there is a lot I like about it, especially the plan to rehab and restore the train depot. Between Mesa's historic train depot burning down in the 80s and Phoenix's being stuck in telecom-storage-purgatory, I would really love it if Tempe's station could be restored, preserved and utilized. Even though I have a gut reaction not liking the parking looming over the light rail tracks, If I was deciding I'd probably still support the project as is as good enough all things considered.

[PHXFlyer11]

There is a packet for a presentation to the Historical Preservation Commission tomorrow, but it looks like the same renderings we've seen before:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=85779

And yeah, it's too bad because there is a lot I like about it, especially the plan to rehab and restore the train depot. Between Mesa's historic train depot burning down in the 80s and Phoenix's being stuck in telecom-storage-purgatory, I would really love it if Tempe's station could be restored, preserved and utilized. Even though I have a gut reaction not liking the parking looming over the light rail tracks, If I was deciding I'd probably still support the project as is as good enough all things considered.

I like all the retail and such, the hotel tower and podium are just so ugly and stubby. They should be using more glass and less of that brick facade to detract from the massive podium.

Why doesn't it say what they are doing with the station? It'd make a cool bar.

[muertecaza]

I like all the retail and such, the hotel tower and podium are just so ugly and stubby. They should be using more glass and less of that brick facade to detract from the massive podium.

Why doesn't it say what they are doing with the station? It'd make a cool bar.

I'm definitely here for any train-themed bar ideas :tup:

The packet I posted unfortunately doesn't have any info (surprising given that's it's for the historic preservation commission). There are ground floor spaces labelled as "retail," but the train station is just labelled "train depot structure." In my perfect world, they would use it as part of the development for now, but have some kind of an option to restore it to use as a train station if commuter rail along that section of the tracks every became a reality.

[PHXFlyer11]

I'm definitely here for any train-themed bar ideas :tup:

The packet I posted unfortunately doesn't have any info (surprising given that's it's for the historic preservation commission). There are ground floor spaces labelled as "retail," but the train station is just labelled "train depot structure." In my perfect world, they would use it as part of the development for now, but have some kind of an option to restore it to use as a train station if commuter rail along that section of the tracks every became a reality.

Yes, i looked through the packet. Thanks for posting, and saw that it doesn't say retail. Maybe it's TBD.

I won't see it as commuter per say, as that can be accomplished these days merely with ticket kiosks outside. Perhaps would need public restrooms.

There was a really cool train bar I went to to in Bethlehem, PA... cigar bar as well. Here's the link: http://www.thewoodenmatch.com/

[ASUSunDevil]

ISTB7 might end up being the coolest building in Tempe once it's finished :tup:

Thanks for the great pics, skiesthelimit!

[ciweiss]

A great updated video tour of Tempe. For those out of town it highlights some of Tempes recent developments. From Sept 2020

https://youtu.be/1UQjlkEeffY

[CrestedSaguaro]

Not sure if anyone has read this yet. Tempe axed the Urban Core Master Plan.

Tempe scraps plan that would have guided downtown development
Paulina Pineda - Arizona Republic

A three-pronged plan that would have guided development in Tempe’s downtown core over the next 20 years was scrapped Thursday, after nearly three years of work.

The Urban Core Master Plan, as it was called, would have provided building and design guidelines for development across approximately 6 square miles bounded by Loop 202 in the north, Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the south, Hardy Drive in the west and Loop 101 in the east.

Two related items, the Urban Code District, which would have updated land-use regulations and building design standards along public transit routes, and the Development Bonus Program, an initiative that would have allowed developers to build taller buildings in exchange for the creation of affordable housing or preservation of historic properties, also were tabled.

The move comes a year after the plan was first brought to the City Council. City staff had asked for more time after the October 2019 meeting to continue gathering community feedback, and then the new coronavirus pandemic struck.

The Urban Core Master Plan was a hard sell from the beginning.

Residents and historic preservationists feared urbanization would creep into the surrounding neighborhood, damage the area’s character and threaten historic buildings. Some developers thought the plan created too many hoops.

Even Mayor Corey Woods said during a candidate forum in February, before being elected, that he wanted to start over after hearing the community's concerns.

Without consensus around the plan — and as priorities shift to the health crisis and other issues — city staffers asked to withdraw the Urban Core Master Plan from Thursday’s City Council meeting agenda, said Kris Baxter-Ging, a city spokesperson.

“It was important for us to have our community vision be well accepted by the majority of people in the community and there really truly wasn’t a consensus in either direction,” Baxter-Ging said.

Proposed projects will continue moving through the development process as they currently do but this could mean the city will have less say on where and how growth occurs.

Staff plans to work on a leaner version of the Urban Core Master Plan that will be presented to residents and the council at a later time. There is no timeline for when that will be completed.

What would the plan have done?

High-rise developments have been a growing trend in Tempe, but the Urban Core Master Plan would have made it the norm — and put rules around it.

Until 2007, the grain elevator and silos of the Hayden Flour Mill stood as the city's tallest buildings.

Today, the West Sixth apartment towers downtown hold that record soaring 22 and 30 stories high.

About a dozen buildings in north Tempe are taller than 15 stories, and more are under construction.

Landlocked Tempe has become increasingly urban as it approaches build-out. The population in the city center is expected to double to 90,000 people by 2040 as the city attracts high-wage jobs and the student population at Arizona State University grows.

But that development burst has left city planners grappling with how to grow responsibly.

They say the city can’t prevent growth so it must plan for it.

The plan would've provided guidelines for how tall and dense developers could build and where that type of construction would be most appropriate in north Tempe.

It called for stricter design guidelines and sought to promote sustainable developments, use of multi-modal transportation, walking and more street-level commercial space.

Plan was a hard sell

City staff held more than 30 public meetings and dozens of focus groups with neighborhood leaders, businesses and property owners. They sent more than 213,000 postcards and 30,000 emails.

Still, the community couldn’t come together around the project after about two years of trying.

Some residents felt detached from the planning process, thought the plan was too cumbersome and not easily digestible.

Others thought the plan would allow new development to encroach on established neighborhoods and they pushed for growth to be spread to underdeveloped parts of the city, such as north of Loop 202. They feared larger projects would exacerbate Tempe’s affordable housing crisis that has been partially spurred by the disappearance of garden-style apartments in favor of luxury condos and high rises.

The plan would have required a major general plan amendment because it proposed new densities and land uses, which the council would have had to approve, but some residents thought such large-scale changes should have gone to voters as part of the next general plan. The general plan, which voters last approved in 2014, is a long-range blueprint for how the city wants to grow over the next 30 years and is ratified by voters every 10 years.

Developers also had concerns.

Some weren’t happy with the stricter design guidelines they would have to follow to build bigger projects. Others felt the plan added red tape and could make it harder to get projects approved.

The mayor said it can be challenging to get support for a proposal of this magnitude. People may favor some parts but could be hesitant to support the plan as a whole if they’re uneasy about any portion of it, he said.

That’s what happened with the Urban Core Master Plan, he said.

He told The Arizona Republic on Thursday that he thought it was the right move to “pump the brakes” on the plan.

“When you’re talking about planning for the future of development of the downtown area for the next 15 to 20 years, I think you need to have people come together around the idea,” he said.

What this means for development

Tabling the plan likely won’t hinder development in north Tempe, Baxter-Ging said.

Projects will move through the development process as they do now and continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Developers will be able to achieve the same heights and densities proposed under the plan by seeking variances or submitting a planned area development, or PAD, which must be approved by council, like they do now.

However, this could make it more difficult for the city to predict where and how growth will happen, Chad Weaver, Tempe’s Community Development Director, previously told The Republic. Some of the design improvements the plan called for won’t be implemented and the city will have fewer tools available to encourage affordable housing and historic preservation, he said.

Woods said the city will continue to promote affordable housing, multi-modal transportation and sustainability even without some of those tools because they are priorities for the city.

Baxter-Ging said the planning effort wasn't fruitless as staffers will use some of the collected data and feedback they got for future plans.

The Affordable Housing Strategy, which was approved last summer and creates incentives for developers to provide affordable housing and sets up a mechanism to analyze the impact of new projects on the city’s housing inventory, grew out of the Urban Core Master Plan.

Parts of the plan where there was consensus can be brought forward as separate measures, too, she said.

One example is the Smith Industrial Innovation Hub near the Loop 101 and 202 interchange on Tempe’s east side. The council on Thursday voted on a general plan amendment that would allow more density and a broader mix of development in the 302-acre employment corridor as well as development guidelines, which were taken from the Urban Core Master Plan.

Reach reporter Paulina Pineda at paulina.pineda@azcentral.com or 480-389-9637. Follow her on Twitter: @paulinapineda22.

Source: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2020/10/17/tempes-urban-core-master-plan-dead-after-lack-consensus/3643298001/

[muertecaza]

They are clearing the lot slated for the 'Vib' hotel this morning (5th St. just west of the railroad tracks). Between that and it being in review for a building permit per the Tempe Development Map, this one should start soon.

[azsunsurfer]

Isn't the Beam suppose to be starting soon too across the street? The lot has been closed for a while.

Also I noticed just west on 5th there is a lot that is being developed. Not sure if its apartments or townhouses? Last time I was by there they were pouring slabs?

[Obadno]

*WARNING PICTURE HEAVY*

Before I begin with today's update, enjoy these pics from the top of Watermark's parking garage I took last week (not sure if I was actually supposed to be up there lol) and one of the street car stations on Mill:



Playa Del Norte
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394277_7497a7e92f_b.jpg

Overlooking Novus/Norte Town Lake (Jefferson Town Lake renamed)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394672_3e0eea94a5_b.jpg

WeWork
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471538148_1afebbbc9b_b.jpg

Athletic Village Fields
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472239181_2f0c91821c_b.jpg

Marina Heights/A Mountain/100 Mill + Forest Ave crane cameos
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472394982_c38f36db59_b.jpg

6th St/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472296576_c928878dd6_b.jpg



Here's a couple updates around the Novus/Apache area from earlier this morning (10/13/20):


100 Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214253_7f3bbee776_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471915141_0a6c08c8e6_b.jpg

Hyatt/Oliv from Rio/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214683_ec1bf62f5a_b.jpg


Atmosphere (Forest Ave) from Rio/Mill
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471214733_f42e05d575_b.jpg

Playa Del Norte
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471919546_2603a1bd86_b.jpg

Aspen Heights
Seems like there's gonna be a lot of retail for this one
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472075457_8b2f2a4131_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472070722_339dd660c6_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920246_79af141545_b.jpg

Novus Garage/Aspen Heights on 6th St/Packard Dr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471219603_66c186c0da_b.jpg

ISTB7
Rural/University
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076097_63b4511140_b.jpg

Terrace/Rural
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076307_cceb7c0a2a_b.jpg

Northbound Rural
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920546_3b6523441d_b.jpg

Apache/Terrace Apartments
Unsure of the name of this project, across from Apollo
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076522_163a062a87_b.jpg

Newly completed apartments next door, currently leasing, people moved in already as well
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920731_d323811264_b.jpg

Canvas Tempe (I believe, formerly known as Tempe Crossroads)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076947_cd8d2a7e26_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471920856_810291973c_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472076842_ccea14d0b5_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471220698_8143c9ea27_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471220773_7bb960c58f_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077147_6df47d02bd_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077632_a124b89587_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50472077987_0fcc4a93f4_b.jpg

Lastly, an uncommon skyline view from Dorsey/8th St
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50471222028_729893f8dd_b.jpg



https://i.redd.it/53qlezczqpt51.jpg

[muertecaza]

Here is the full DRC packet for the Tempe Depot development that is going before the commission tonight:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=85989

A few notes:


Hotel would be a flagship Hilton
Train station would be retail/restaurant/bar, but Tempe planners did request some design changes to make the station better suited for future commuter rail if it ever materializes
Finishes would be mostly glass/metal/concrete/masonry, but looks like some EIFS on the hotel
Still a little galling that they have ~50% more parking than the zoning requires, especially as they make a big deal about this being perhaps the most public-transit-accessible development in the Valley. But it looks like they already actually eliminated some parking at the request of the planners, and between the weird site, and coordinating the many government entities for approvals (Valley Metro, FTA, Bureau of Reclamation), I'm sure it's a monumentally hard project to make work. So overall I hope it gets built.

[PHXFlyer11]

Here is the full DRC packet for the Tempe Depot development that is going before the commission tonight:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=85989

A few notes:


Hotel would be a flagship Hilton
Train station would be retail/restaurant/bar, but Tempe planners did request some design changes to make the station better suited for future commuter rail if it ever materializes
Finishes would be mostly glass/metal/concrete/masonry, but looks like some EIFS on the hotel
Still a little galling that they have ~50% more parking than the zoning requires, especially as they make a big deal about this being perhaps the most public-transit-accessible development in the Valley. But it looks like they already actually eliminated some parking at the request of the planners, and between the weird site, and coordinating the many government entities for approvals (Valley Metro, FTA, Bureau of Reclamation), I'm sure it's a monumentally hard project to make work. So overall I hope it gets built.


Nice to get a flagship Hilton. We need one in downtown Phoenix. That hotel tower is still absolutely hideous though. Looks like something from the 90s. The ugly brick color ughhh.

[Mr.RE]

Both Tempe Depot and Banyan North Tempe were recommended Approval to City council. Next up is the 3-story Uhaul facility north of Watermark. I'm happy that is getting redeveloped.

EDIT: Tempe market station apartments (dirt lot across tempe marketplace) is going for approval at City council tonight. I hope to see that get going soon. That lot is an eyesore!

[ASU Diablo]

Both Tempe Depot and Banyan North Tempe were recommended Approval to City council. Next up is the 3-story Uhaul facility north of Watermark. I'm happy that is getting redeveloped.

EDIT: Tempe market station apartments (dirt lot across tempe marketplace) is going for approval at City council tonight. I hope to see that get going soon. That lot is an eyesore!

Thanks for the updates!

What's the plan for the UHaul Facility?

[Mr.RE]

Thanks for the updates!

What's the plan for the UHaul Facility?

Demo existing site, build a roughly 100k SF conditioned 3 story facility up to 38 ft in height . Definitely will be an upgrade.

[PHXFlyer11]

Demo existing site, build a roughly 100k SF conditioned 3 story facility up to 38 ft in height . Definitely will be an upgrade.

Gross. Would've been smart to sell the land and buy land somwhere cheaper for this garbage.

[ASU Diablo]

Gross. Would've been smart to sell the land and buy land somwhere cheaper for this garbage.

LOL yep

[Mr.RE]

Gross. Would've been smart to sell the land and buy land somwhere cheaper for this garbage.

As someone who has developed class A storage facilities in my day, I can say this will be a better type of "Garbage" than the current single story, drive ups with ugly orange roll up doors. Improvement in my book.

[ASU Diablo]

As someone who has developed class A storage facilities in my day, I can say this will be a better type of "Garbage" than the current single story, drive ups with ugly orange roll up doors. Improvement in my book.

I think what's being implied here is that a mixed-use project with height and retail/multi-family would've been better here than a self-service storage project, no matter how fancy or good looking the climate-controlled U-Haul building is lol

[PHXFlyer11]

I think what's being implied here is that a mixed-use project with height and retail/multi-family would've been better here than a self-service storage project, no matter how fancy or good looking the climate-controlled U-Haul building is lol

Exactly. There is only so much space along the lake. Sadly the city settled for some lesser height projects back 10 years ago, the Uhaul and Best Western would've been prime for redevelopment and adding some height.

[CBar]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2020/11/01/phoenix-developer-proposed-towers-tempe-site.html

"The developer behind Block 23 and CityScape in downtown Phoenix is planning the redevelopment of the Macayo’s Depot Cantina in Tempe, to include two towers and what may be the first Valley building to act as a bridge over light rail tracks.

Phoenix-based Red Development is planning to build a 17-story office tower totaling 319,000 square feet on the northern portion of the 2.5-acre site near Third Street and Ash Avenue, which is bisected by the light rail tracks, according to plans submitted to the city of Tempe. Plans call for constructing the two towers around and over the light rail tracks, creating a space where the train will travel through the buildings. ..."

[muertecaza]

Looks like the owner of the First Congregational Church in DT Tempe (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4237773,-111.9380814,3a,75y,39.26h,85.74t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swsJrGt13ehkbEecZQhwpAA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwsJrGt13ehkbEecZQhwpAA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D264.2287%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656) is starting the process of redevelopment by requesting a demo permit:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=86241

The current iteration of the church was built in the 1940s/50s, although there have been buildings from the same congregation at that site back to the 1890s. The church is on Tempe's historic register, but not the national register.

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/480/20780?selcat=335

I personally would be ok losing the church, I do not view it as irreplaceably historically meaningful. But I will be interested to see what the proposal is, and how much opposition there is.

[muertecaza]

Big update to the Joint Review Committee on Novus, with a bunch of nice looking construction updates, individual renderings, and projected buildout renderings.

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=86231

Going to post them all behind spoiler tags, as there are a lot:

Construction Updates

ISTB 7:
https://i.imgur.com/UyzAZwwh.jpg

Athletics Village:
https://i.imgur.com/FTwW6OSh.jpg

Becton Dickinson/IDEA:
https://i.imgur.com/GNkp3Mjh.png

Hyatt House:
https://i.imgur.com/G1jkAArh.jpg

Parking Garage:
https://i.imgur.com/a9RVRKAh.png

Aspen House:
https://i.imgur.com/ivt9ugDh.jpg

Individual Renderings

Low-rise Office:
https://i.imgur.com/nIezHPyh.png

Micro Units by Hyatt House:
https://i.imgur.com/vf0hOn4h.png

Multi-Use Arena:
https://i.imgur.com/7VpLNvvh.png

Rural/University Office:
https://i.imgur.com/3uIlEiLh.png


Full Build Out Projected Renderings

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

https://i.imgur.com/soYNs9vh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/61U7ykJh.jpg

[ASUSunDevil]

https://i.imgur.com/soYNs9vh.jpg

Holy sh*t that looks incredible.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Holy sh*t that looks incredible.

I concur! :stunned: