I'm sure somebody would have posted this eventually, but I'll save you the trouble!
Centerpoint remodel planned 8-story mixed-use site would include condos Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Sept. 9, 2006 12:00 AM A massive remodeling of one of downtown Tempe's largest developments could dramatically change one of Mill Avenue's most significant blocks. What is known as the Centerpoint commercial project was one of the first redevelopment projects more than 15 years ago. Now, there is a plan to turn the western side of Mill Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, into a mixed-use building called "On Mill" that reaches eight stories. What's there today is one story. For the last year or more, it has had many vacancies, despite housing an area favorite, Coffee Plantation, as well as Fat Tuesday, Uno Chicago Grill, Chester's Harley-Davidson on Mill, Bath & Body Works and a smattering of other stores. New plans would mean razing those buildings to make room for a new mix of retail, and the first condominiums directly on Mill Avenue. There are three condo projects in the downtown area, with plans on the books for at least five more. But city leaders say this new concept fills a niche no others have so far. "I think what you see is a different location in the market, a different lifestyle," said Neil Calfee, the city's deputy community development manager. "Compared to being 22 floors up in a condo to being on Mill Avenue will be a completely different living experience than living in something that's more of a planned, gated community." The project is in the earliest of stages. Site sketches were submitted to the city recently and are undergoing initial review by city departments. Much could change in the coming months, but what Scottsdale developer DMB Associates, Inc. and Phoenix architecture firm DFD CornoyerHedrick submitted to the city shows what they are aiming for. There would be 149 housing units, according to the plans. They would range from 850 to 2025 square feet. The lower level of the building would be dedicated to retail, while the remaining seven floors would be housing. An amenity deck would be at the top with a pool, spa and fitness center along the southern edge of the building. An underground parking garage would be reserved for residents. Both firms declined to comment as to the future of the current tenants or plans for the rest of the Centerpoint retail and commercial property. |
Quote:
There are plenty of cities across the country with much more densely populated downtowns, with streets much narrower than those in the downtown Tempe area, that are great places to live. Basically, I don't think that the traffic created by this project would be detrimental to life in that neighborhood (the 6-story parking garage won't help, though). By the way, are there even any single-family homes left in that neighborhood north of University, south of "A" Mountain, between Mill and College? |
I'm not sure if I want this or not-
("On Mill") I love Mill Ave as it is- history, culture... My stability rock. We can't keep razing these buildings to make room for larger projects! This is what we did in the 70's to all of our historic buildings Downtown... I don't mind losing some of the less significant buildings along University to make room for University Square- but Mill seems more sacred to me! I love the idea of a mixed use 8 story retail- condo building- but to tear down Unos, Coffee Plantation and Fat Tuesdays? How sad.... |
Personally the first thing I do anytime I drive to Tempe is park either at the lake or at the garage by the theatre. DT Tempe is designed to walk through. Not drive.
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
If there were more light rail routes going to Tempe, I can see how it would help the traffic. For example, an LRT spur route from Tempe to Ahwautukee would be brilliant. But in it's current incarnation, the LRT in Tempe only benefits ASU students and DT Tempe residents who want to go into Phoenix. That is a main reason why we have all of the condo's being built in Tempe (in addition to keeping our current tax base). Quote:
Quote:
FYI, all of the houses left in that neighborhood were bought up by real estate predators/speculators long ago. With the exception of 2 homes, the rest are either businesses, or they sit empty. NIMBY-ism isn't a disease, it is a symptom of really bad planning. |
Quote:
|
I knew about the plans for the "On Mill" project for a few weeks now, since I process the plans at the Planning Department in Tempe. Everyone in the office agrees that this project will be better than what is there now. Besides, all the retail will most likely return after the project gets built. I think it is a wonderful idea, and it is about time that SOMEONE has the guts to put a condo mid-rise on Mill and utilize it.
Also, the building coming down is not historic, so I have no objections for it being torn down. I just wish the redevelopment projects of the past incorporated the "living spaces on top and retail on bottom" concept. The "On Mill" project will have parking garage access from 7th Street, in the back of the building. One project that I still am iffy about is University Square, which recently got FAA approval from what I heard. That massive project is taking away some lovely mom-and-pop shops, most likely to be replaced with high-end chains. Also, another project I am opposed to is the CVS on Mill and University, which will take away the building where Long Wong's is and an independent barber shop. |
And speaking of University Square.....
http://www.azcentral.com/community/t...do0909Z10.html FAA OKs 300-foot University Square project Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Sept. 9, 2006 12:00 AM The Federal Aviation Administration has approved plans for the height of the tallest structure ever in Tempe. University Square's 300-foot proposal has gotten the official OK from the FAA to build its $500 million project in the downtown Tempe, enabling it to become the largest mixed-use project in the city. The project had gotten a notice of "presumed hazard" May 1, as the first step of an approval process most construction projects must go through. But upon further review, FAA officials approved the project proposal. "The structure would have no substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace by aircraft or on the operation of air navigation facilities," reads the notice letter sent to University Square's developer, Tony Wall. Two objections to approval had been filed but were ruled unfounded by the FAA. One came from the Phoenix-run airport's Falcon Air Traffic Control Tower, but the FAA said those concerns could be addressed with obstruction marking and lighting. The other came from Alaska Airlines, which was worried the building's height would conflict with an "engine-out procedure" used if one engine failed while an aircraft was in the area. That, too, was rejected by the FAA, which decided there wasn't enough of an adverse impact. |
http://www.azcentral.com/business/ar...point0913.html
Developers envisage 8-story Tempe project Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Sept. 13, 2006 12:00 AM A massive remodeling of one of downtown Tempe's largest developments could dramatically change one of Mill Avenue's most significant blocks. What is known as the Centerpoint commercial project was one of the first redevelopment projects more than 15 years ago. It takes up several city blocks over 21.5 acres. Now, there is a plan to change a portion of that, the block that sits on the western side of Mill Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, into a mixed-use building called On Mill that reaches eight stories. What's there today is one level high. It has had many vacancies despite housing an area favorite, Coffee Plantation. Other tenants include Fat Tuesday, Uno Chicago Grill, Chester's Harley-Davidson on Mill, Bath & Body Works and a smattering of other stores. New plans would mean razing those buildings to make room for a new mix of retail and the first condominiums directly on Mill Avenue. There are three condo projects in the downtown area, with plans on the books for at least five more. But city leaders say this new concept fills a niche no others have so far. "I think what you see is a different location in the market, a different lifestyle," said Neil Calfee, the city's deputy community development manager. "Compared to being 22 floors up in a condo to being on Mill Avenue will be a completely different living experience than living in something that's more of a planned, gated community." The project is in the earliest stages. Site sketches were submitted to the city recently and are undergoing initial review by city departments. Much could change in the coming months, but what Scottsdale developer DMB Associates Inc. and Phoenix architecture firm DFD CornoyerHedrick submitted to the city shows what they are aiming for. There would be 149 housing units, according to the plans. They would range from 850 to 2,025 square feet. The lower level of the building would be dedicated to retail, while the remaining seven floors would be housing. An amenity deck would be at the top with a pool, spa and fitness center. "It would be worth noting that this was one of DMB's first commercial projects, so we've been a part of Mill Ave. for many years," said Shanna Wolfe, a company spokeswoman. "We expect our legacy and stewardship with the community of Tempe to continue as we move forward through the planning and redevelopment process." Both firms declined to comment as to the future of the current tenants or plans for the rest of the Centerpoint retail and commercial property, saying it was still too early in the planning process. |
Open space at a premium
'Critical moment' arrives for a city on growth wave Quote:
|
More on that CVS:
Mill Avenue corner interests pharmacy
Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Sept. 16, 2006 Downtown Tempe could get its first pharmacy in years, marking yet another step toward a transformation focused on urban living. Site plans have been submitted to the city by CVS Pharmacy. The documents put to rest rumors circulating for months about the future of the vacant southwestern corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive. The five-page proposal tells more than just plans for bricks and sticks, according to city leaders. It signifies a coming lifestyle change. "The location of a full-services pharmacy in the downtown and adjacent to the surrounding neighborhood helps bring back to the community the services and goods that improve the quality of life that makes it easier to live in the area," Mayor Hugh Hallman said. Other community-focused amenities coming to the area include a Whole Foods Market inside the proposed Cosmopolitan project, now called KML Mosaic, that is slated to be located on University Drive at the site of Gentle Strength Cooperative. Other mixed-use proposals are touted to have support services such as food markets for coming condo dwellers, as well. Still, CVS is the first such project to come to the area and stand alone. The nearly 1 acre had been the site of a Mobil gas station for about five decades. City records show it was likely a filling station before that. In recent months, crews have been dismantling the remains of the gas station. Preliminary plans submitted to the city could change as they are reviewed by city staff during the coming months, according to Steve Venker, a city planning and zoning manager. For now, the building would be a maximum of 30 feet tall. The CVS building would be situated on the front of the lot to encourage pedestrian traffic. The proposed plot stretches beyond the gas station footprint and into at least part of adjacent retail lots. That could affect the continuation of several local businesses, including Sahara Middle Eastern Restaurant and Long Wong's on Mill Avenue, which reopened at the site this year. |
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/ind...dest=STY-74113
FAA to review proposed Tempe high-rise By Garin Groff, Tribune September 15, 2006 A second developer is about to find out if its proposed 30-story high-rise in downtown Tempe is a hazard to commercial airliners, a week after federal aviation officials said a taller condo project is safe. Avenue Communities asked the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this week to review its proposal for the 343-foot Centerpoint Condominiums tower. An answer could come within weeks. The developer proposed the high-rise — and two other equally high buildings — last year, but it has just recently requested a building permit from Tempe. It has to seek FAA input as part of the permit process. Phoenix aviation officials said they might not be happy with the project even if the FAA doesn’t object. Some airliners would have to carry fewer passengers to follow their safety procedures — a possibility Phoenix doesn’t want. “Our concern about inhibiting airport operations is it limits our ability to serve the community,” said Deborah Ostreicher, a spokeswoman for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Centerpoint Condominiums would be about 2 1 /2 miles from the end of Sky Harbor runways. It’s not planned under the flight path, but would be in a region where some pilots would steer an underperforming plane if an engine failed during takeoff. Some planes would carry fewer passengers or less cargo to ensure they’d have enough altitude in that rare circumstance. The FAA ruled last month that the proposed 370-foot University Square development in downtown Tempe was safe despite objections from Alaska Airlines. That was the only airline to complain to the FAA because its pilots would turn above this part of Tempe if an engine failed. After the FAA started that review, Tempe limited the building to 300 feet based on other factors. An Alaska Airlines representative told the Tribune anything taller than 189 feet on that site is a safety issue for their flights. Alaska Airlines is studying a possible challenge to that project. Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman questioned Phoenix’s objections given that federal aviation officials didn’t have a problem. “It raises the specter that this is about something more than safety,” Hallman said. Some Tempe business leaders and elected officials argue that Phoenix objects to Tempe’s rising skyline because it envies the smaller city’s economic development. Under this theory, Phoenix wants to discourage dense development in Tempe and steer it toward its downtown. Phoenix officials say they’re fighting even the smallest issues that could reduce the airport’s capacity because passenger and cargo operations are so vital to the Valley’s economy. The FAA review of Centerpoint Condominiums could take from a few weeks to several months, said Ian Gregor, an FAA spokesman based in Los Angeles. The FAA already said a 258-foot, 22-story building on the site is not a safety hazard. That tower is already under construction on the site, part of the larger Centerpoint shopping and office complex. The FAA doesn’t have zoning authority and cannot stop the developer from constructing the 30-story building even if it declares it a hazard. Only Tempe can limit the height. Hallman indicated Tempe wouldn’t necessarily stop the project if the FAA found it a hazard. “The city has no right to interfere in that process,” Hallman said. “Federal law dictates the process and the developer and the FAA have to work those issues out.” About half the units in the 22-story tower are claimed in the presale stage, Avenue officials said. They’re selling from the mid-$300,000s to $2 million. The project will eventually have 800 units. |
Tempe condo complex previews luxury lifestyle
Tempe condo complex previews luxury lifestyle
Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Sept. 20, 2006 12:00 AM The push toward bringing the "lux" life to Tempe has received a solid shove. A well-regarded independent chef, Michael DeMaria, who owns Michael's at the Citadel in north Scottsdale, is moving his fine-dining philosophy to the downtown district when a new condo complex opens. The announcement is one of the first signs that the culinary world is following developers' drive to add additional tastes into Tempe's current tendency toward burgers, bar food and inexpensive restaurants. Avenue Communities made the announcement amid an abundance of fine wine, food and fresh flowers it was using to publicly present the lifestyle it hopes to offer at Centerpoint Condominiums when the project opens in mid-2008. The Monday evening event marked the opening of the massive condo complex's sales center at 110 E. Seventh St. The green Discovery Center building is just east of Borders and blocks away from where Avenue Communities plans to build towers that would be the highest points in the East Valley at 30 stories. Avenue Communities has begun a 22-story tower. It reached grade-level Monday after months of digging and concrete pouring in the four-story pit for underground parking. Avenue is awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to get the permitting it needs from the city to build the other towers at 30 stories. A large architectural model showing those plans was among the reception attractions. Yet people seemed most interested in the fancy food prepared by DeMaria and chef Troy Thieverge. "They really did their homework because it's the luxury, not the condos. It was the luxury that attracted us," Joyce Lew said after she bit into a forkful of Barolo-braised short ribs. Lew and her husband have reserved a studio unit on the 14th floor of the first tower. They bought it for their 17-year-old daughter while she attends Arizona State University. The Lews were among more than 100 people who listened to speeches by developers Ken Losch and David Dewar and Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. "We have one of the best opportunities in all of Arizona to create a real urban experience," Losch said. |
What does everyone think about Tempe giving ASU $6 mil to help upgrade Sun Devil Stadium? Personally, I'm ticked off about it. Didn't ASU have a chance to have the new Cards stadium right on campus (not the site north of the 202), and they snubbed the TSA? Now they want Tempe to give $6mil of my taxes to help fix up that dump? ASU should be pounding the pavement looking for corporate sponsership and campaigning the Alums for money.
|
^ Your taxes? What are we talking about? A total of $7.58?
--don |
Quote:
Still, if Tempe wants to keep ASU football, they should pony up. I'm sure Glendale (or even Phoenix at Chase Field?) would be happy to have it and it would provide just another lame demonstration on what's wrong with development at a regional level in the Valley. I'm not exactly sure what the renovation plans are, but $6M is a pittance considering the stadium was built in 1958 and sits on horrible soil (it's actually sinking). |
Quote:
Sure Sun Devil Stadium needs renovations (permanent seats, finish off the lower bowl, better lit concourses, new bathrooms, better food, etc) but its still a gem as far as college stadiums go. I've been to Arizona Stadium, LA Coliseum, the Rose Bowl, Northwesterns Stadium (whatever they call it) and Kinnick Field (Iowa), and Sun Devil Stadium puts them all to shame. |
All times are GMT. The time now is 1:31 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.