Tempe Development Thread

[Leo the Dog]

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/05/20090605tr-metro0606.html

Tempe light rail garage turns into retail, residential center
2 comments by Georgann Yara Special for the Republic - Jun. 5, 2009 08:53 AM
Special for the Republic
The architectural design of a new retail and residential center is expected to draw attention to a park and ride garage by concealing it.

City and transportation officials have high hopes for the upcoming Grigio Metro, a mixed-use property that includes luxury apartment rentals and retail businesses. The L-shaped structure winds around the southeast corner of Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive and wraps around the Metro Light Rail parking garage, which sits right across the street from a light rail station. Currently, signage directs drivers to the entrance of the garage.

Residents are expected to move in starting August, but retail shops are not projected to be up and running until 2010, said Claudia Giannetta, marketing director for Gray Development Group, developer of Grigio Metro and Grigio, its sister property on the Tempe Town Lake.

Gray has pre-leased 80 of the 408 apartments, which include studios up to 3-bedroom units, Giannetta said.

Because the retail side of the project remains in the early stages, Giannetta could not confirm specific details about what businesses would be going in. But she said the shops that occupy the 16,000-sqaure feet of retail space would appeal to a commuter population as well as residents. A coffee shop, healthy take-out eatery, a spot that provides Internet access and a nail salon are possibilities.

"We are definitely promoting that we are the only community that is literally on the light rail. They're definitely going to be on-the-go places and geared toward the mobile society," Giannetta said.

The unfinished wood frame of the project is visible from the main thoroughfare, but the garage is not. The property's incomplete look often gives drivers the impression the garage is not open, but regulars have made it a popular place to park and ride. Metro Light Rail spokeswoman Hillary Foose said the covered structure would be appreciated particularly during the summer, as would future retail options.

"We're happy to see another destination point on line is being developed. It's always helpful for ridership," Foose said.

When the 300-space garage first opened in January, it averaged about 100 cars during the week, said Tempe transportation spokeswoman Amanda Nelson. When Arizona State University is in session, that number hovers around 200.

"Right now people using it are riding the rail and they've figured out where they need to park. But having those retail and residential components open will make it much more of a draw," Nelson said.

During light rail construction, merchants along Apache Boulevard were concerned that traffic would continue to discourage drivers from using Apache after completion, causing their businesses to suffer. But Tempe community development Kris Baxter said that is not the case. She said the newness of light rail has not worn off and some drivers get a small thrill out of driving next to the train.

"I don't think as many people are avoiding Apache. We're still seeing record development permits, but now they've moved to Apache Boulevard," Baxter said.

Baxter said the makeup of Grigio Metro is suited for young professionals seeking more sophisticated housing. Its design is also an efficient use of space.

"It is so unique to the southwest, it's an example of a very sustainable style of living. It's something that other developments might want to strive for," Baxter said.Mesa resident Kelley Malone rides the light rail and uses the Apache and McClintock station daily. A "big coffee drinker," Malone said he would grab a cup of coffee on his way to or from the station if the option were there.

"I think it would draw attention to the garage and definitely add to the area . . . hopefully boost the economy," he said.

Retail would also benefit residents who do not live in the complex, said Tempe resident Kitty Torres. Torres lives near the station and uses the light rail several times a day do everything from running errands to getting her children to school. She raised her eyebrows and nodded in excitement after hearing that a coffee shop could be in the works.

"It would also get more people to come down, check the area out and go to the other businesses," Torres said. "It would be great to have that here instead of having to go downtown for that experience."