Tempe Development Thread

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by muertecaza

There was nothing quite like a Stinkweeds/Pita Jungle weekend run.

Those were the days. I also miss Tasty Kabob, a really nice Persian restaurant that was in the same strip mall there.

[muertecaza]

[Summerlin]

Originally Posted by muertecaza

South Pier Phase 2 should be breaking ground soon, 27 floor & 16 floor towers https://azbex.com/planning-development/south-pier-in-tempe-getting-ready-for-next-phase/

[azliam]

Originally Posted by muertecaza

Thanks for posting! I drove past the other day and it looks great in person.

[Forrester1998]

Some Tempe development updates from this past week:

Leo Tempe DPR (formerly Nova, SE corner of Rural and University) and The Marshall Phase II (replacing the Tempe Palms apartments on Spence, just south of The Marshall Phase I) both unanimously approved by the DRC. Leo unit count somewhat down from when they applied for the PAD, mostly due to shift in unit type (less studios/1Bs, more 2/3Bs) but total bed count did go down from 2391 to 2300, still a huge project, no overall architectural changes. Marshall II is 105 units, has a slight stepback on the Spence facade. No timeline given for either of these.

https://tempe.hylandcloud.com/Agendaonli..._00_PM.pdf?documentType=3&meetingId=1741

College and 7th project applied for full demo permit for the vacant retail buildings on their site (former book store + campus corner). Not unexpected but a big step, will be interesting to see this and Astria going up side by side over the next couple of years.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...76N&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

A few new PSPRs (Preliminary Site Plan Review), again this is typically the first public facing application we see for new developments. Firstly, got the PSPR for the Novus hotel that will be on parcel 3DN (SW corner of Novus Place and Packard Drive, next to the parking garage). Looks like it will be a Marriot Autograph Hotel, 12 stories/184 keys.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...6XP&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

Next is the PSPR to build 11 2 story townhomes at 806 W. University, which is a currently vacant lot on the north side of University just east of Hardy Drive. These would be 2-3 bedroom layouts. This plot is the narrow one that connects through to 7th Street. Feels like there have been plans for a bunch of these small parcels on University that have been stalled for a few years, feels good to see some movement on this. IMO the widespread development of Townhomes in the neighborhood west of downtown/north of University is an underrated aspect of Tempe's urban development, even if its not the densest development/most important work going on.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...71B&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

Lastly, a new PSPR for Dorsey Station, a planned mixed use multifamily development on the SW corner of Dorsey and Lemon Street (the former Apache & Dorsey station park and ride). This parcel is included in the Apache Blvd Affordable Housing plan, which is interesting because you don't hear about this nearly as much as some of the other projects in this plan and I didn't realize it was that far along. The Apache Blvd plan called for the construction of at least 68 units here. I would definitely hope for something much denser than that, but no details have been provided yet. Looking forward to seeing more on this one.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...73F&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

[Phxguy]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

Some Tempe development updates from this past week:

Lastly, a new PSPR for Dorsey Station, a planned mixed use multifamily development on the SW corner of Dorsey and Lemon Street (the former Apache & Dorsey station park and ride). This parcel is included in the Apache Blvd Affordable Housing plan, which is interesting because you don't hear about this nearly as much as some of the other projects in this plan and I didn't realize it was that far along. The Apache Blvd plan called for the construction of at least 68 units here. I would definitely hope for something much denser than that, but no details have been provided yet. Looking forward to seeing more on this one.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...73F&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

Plans are conceptual but a 400-unit project is proposed across 5 residential buildings on 3 city-owned parcels (APN 132-62-005B, 132-62-149, & 132-73-343). Site layout is similar to Gracie's Village down the street, with buildings pulled up to the street and surface parking to the rear. 2-story commercial building on Apache as well.

[muertecaza]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

College and 7th project applied for full demo permit for the vacant retail buildings on their site (former book store + campus corner). Not unexpected but a big step, will be interesting to see this and Astria going up side by side over the next couple of years.

Lot was fenced when I went by yesterday. Been waiting on this one, I really liked the design.

[muertecaza]

re: Astria

Originally Posted by builder03

I am actually right next to this site right now, and it looks like they just put up the site fence today.

Good sign that construction is getting started soon.

Parking lot was torn up when I went by yesterday. Seems like it should be vertical soon.

[Forrester1998]

The 7th Street Residential project received all of the requisite approvals at last night's council meeting, would be great to see that one moving forward soon. I'm sure that construction isn't imminent but the council discussions seemed to indicate that they will be ready to move forward relatively quickly compared to other projects. They have a couple of activities they will have to do before construction anyways (demo/restoration of the 1st Congregational Church, plus moving the Harry Walker House). No word yet on where the city wants to move the Walker house, Im wondering if they are considering moving it just a block down 7th Street to share a lot with the Birchett house. There's a decent amount of open space there (some trees would need to be removed) but could be a good place to consolidate some of their historical buildings.

IMO this is the most impressive project we have seen yet in the downtown core. As a reminder project is 29 stories w/ 818 units. It's actually not the densest approved downtown project by # of units (Skye and Astria are denser) but part of that is because this project has bigger units, w/ 99 3bds and 179 4bds. I think city staff have sometimes been wary that projects offering larger units tend to fall into the trap of becoming de facto student housing (even when they dont furnish or rent by the bed) but I think if any developer has a chance at avoiding that it would be this one, maybe the best chance yet to get more families living downtown. This project was initially going to be 315' but they actually raised it to 325' after adding an additional floor of parking (they are still way below parking minimums, they have ~350 parking stalls for ~2000 total bedrooms). So upon completion this would be the 2nd tallest building in Tempe only after West 6th (beating out the Watermark, which is deceptively tall, as well as all other approved buildings). I think my only gripe with this development is that for the retail they are pursuing a restaurant tenant, which is fine, but I wish they would have considered pursuing a grocery tenant. This was probably the best chance to get a grocery store actually in the downtown core. I think its tough because Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are close enough to make other grocery chains wary of opening a location here but I think for a lot of the residents who live in the downtown core a nearby grocery store is probably the one missing piece to living without a car, which the city is trying to encourage. Nevertheless, great project!

[MiEncanto]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

The 7th Street Residential project received all of the requisite approvals at last night's council meeting, would be great to see that one moving forward soon. I'm sure that construction isn't imminent but the council discussions seemed to indicate that they will be ready to move forward relatively quickly compared to other projects. They have a couple of activities they will have to do before construction anyways (demo/restoration of the 1st Congregational Church, plus moving the Harry Walker House). No word yet on where the city wants to move the Walker house, Im wondering if they are considering moving it just a block down 7th Street to share a lot with the Birchett house. There's a decent amount of open space there (some trees would need to be removed) but could be a good place to consolidate some of their historical buildings.

IMO this is the most impressive project we have seen yet in the downtown core. As a reminder project is 29 stories w/ 818 units. It's actually not the densest approved downtown project by # of units (Skye and Astria are denser) but part of that is because this project has bigger units, w/ 99 3bds and 179 4bds. I think city staff have sometimes been wary that projects offering larger units tend to fall into the trap of becoming de facto student housing (even when they dont furnish or rent by the bed) but I think if any developer has a chance at avoiding that it would be this one, maybe the best chance yet to get more families living downtown. This project was initially going to be 315' but they actually raised it to 325' after adding an additional floor of parking (they are still way below parking minimums, they have ~350 parking stalls for ~2000 total bedrooms). So upon completion this would be the 2nd tallest building in Tempe only after West 6th (beating out the Watermark, which is deceptively tall, as well as all other approved buildings). I think my only gripe with this development is that for the retail they are pursuing a restaurant tenant, which is fine, but I wish they would have considered pursuing a grocery tenant. This was probably the best chance to get a grocery store actually in the downtown core. I think its tough because Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are close enough to make other grocery chains wary of opening a location here but I think for a lot of the residents who live in the downtown core a nearby grocery store is probably the one missing piece to living without a car, which the city is trying to encourage. Nevertheless, great project!

How do you know they didn't pursue a grocery tenant? That is one of the most impossible retail sectors to secure so it's safe to assume that even if they wanted one, it would be a challenge.

[Forrester1998]

Originally Posted by MiEncanto

How do you know they didn't pursue a grocery tenant? That is one of the most impossible retail sectors to secure so it's safe to assume that even if they wanted one, it would be a challenge.

I guess I don't know for sure that they didn't pursue a grocery tenant, but I think its notable that during the council meeting the developer stated that they are committed enough to a restaurant tenant that they are actually taking on the cost to pre-fit some of the restaurant amenities in order to be more competitive in drawing a restaurant into their retail space. Im not an expert in this aspect of retail development, but the developer stated that this is definitely beyond what a landlord normally does for a retail space and the council seemed to agree. So even though they dont seem to be close to an agreement with a particular restaurant, they are putting extra money down to ensure they get a restaurant there, even though they probably have years before the retail space would open. So yes they definitely may have considered it but its a bit disappointing they didn't hold out longer (and the city council didn't seem interested in pushing it) because this development was probably the best shot at getting a grocer in the downtown core.

[AZSunHiker]

I really have to wonder if developers are pulling a fast one on the city council by pitching proposals under the guise of attracting families and professionals when they are actually aiming for students given the lack of parking in many of these buildings and now the large unit sizes by 7th Street Residential.

[Forrester1998]

Originally Posted by AZSunHiker

I really have to wonder if developers are pulling a fast one on the city council by pitching proposals under the guise of attracting families and professionals when they are actually aiming for students given the lack of parking in many of these buildings and now the large unit sizes by 7th Street Residential.

If you shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars (aka if you build a 2000 bedroom high rise for "families and professionals" but they all get filled by students, hey at least you free up ~500-600 single family homes that otherwise would have been filled by student renters lol).

Seriously though, I would very much appreciate the council requiring devs of these non-student projects do submit a report ~3 years after the certification of occupancy detailing what percent of their tenants are students. It's common enough for rental applications to ask for occupation that they would probably have the data, Im not sure if there would be any thorny legal issues with releasing this data in aggregate (aka not individualized by unit or whatever). Wouldn't be much different from when the council requires devs to do a traffic report after full occupancy is reached. I know for a fact that there are at least a decent number of actual professionals living in these buildings, but definitely some students too...would be great to have a way to get some actual data on this.

[muertecaza]

Tempe with some good HQ news in the past couple days:

Avnet bought GoDaddy's old office in the ASU Research Park and is moving in next year. Technically I think Avnet's current office is in Phoenix, so it is a move in municipalities.

https://ktar.com/arizona-news/avnet-headquarters-tempe/5715987/

Dutch Bros is continuing to move his business operations to Tempe, and is officially moving its HQ here. They already had a pretty significant presence in their office west of Priest, but this makes it official.

https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2025/06/dutch-bros-will-move-hq-from-oregon-to-arizona.html

[locolife]

Originally Posted by muertecaza

Tempe with some good HQ news in the past couple days:

Avnet bought GoDaddy's old office in the ASU Research Park and is moving in next year. Technically I think Avnet's current office is in Phoenix, so it is a move in municipalities.

https://ktar.com/arizona-news/avnet-headquarters-tempe/5715987/

Dutch Bros is continuing to move his business operations to Tempe, and is officially moving its HQ here. They already had a pretty significant presence in their office west of Priest, but this makes it official.

https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2025/06/dutch-bros-will-move-hq-from-oregon-to-arizona.html

I noticed the big Dutch Bro signs on the low rise buildings just south of the 202/sky harbor exit lanes. Figured it was some kind of administrative office but sounds like it will actually be HQ for a billion dollar + growing company. That's a big win...

[Forrester1998]

Been intermittently checking in on the construction cams for ASUs capital construction projects (just the new Herberger dorms in Tempe, but also ISTB12 at Poly) and both of these projects are well into the landscaping portion of the work so it seems like these two will be ready by the beginning of the fall semester as planned. Since these two are finishing up (and a few smaller projects w/ no webcams also finishing up soon) Im hoping ASU will begin another big project in the Tempe area soon. Could be ISTB9 on the SE corner of University and McCallister? Really its just been awhile since ASU has actually broke ground on a big Tempe project and Im looking forward to what they do next.

[muertecaza]

A few snaps from the ride home yesterday along the light rail line:

[builder03]

[Remi Kotten]

I'm so excited about how downtown Tempe is going to look in the future, but I do think there needs to be higher end amenities to keep the young, professional class in the city once they're ready to start a family. The vast majority move to Chandler, Gilbert or Scottsdale once they decide on it.

I'm thinking better schools, higher end gyms/clubs & restaurants/bars (Filthy Animal helps!).

[Forrester1998]

The agenda packet has been releases for next weeks' DRC meeting:

https://tempe.hylandcloud.com/AgendaOnli...tType=5&meetingId=1743&isAttachment=True

There's two items here that are worth talking about. One is item 3A which is a request for a DPR extension for the Broadstone at the Grand Phase II (4 stories 288 units at 1013 W. Washington street). This is their 2nd DPR extension request after getting a 1 year ex5ension in April of last year, so I wouldn't hold my breath on a groundbreaking or anything. But I guess its better to be applying for an extension than not. This project hasn't really changed since its initial approval in 2022.

The other is item 4C, which is a DPR to build 20 townhomes and a small (~1000 sqft) commercial space on the SW corner of Apache and Oak street, replacing the currently vacant (and decrepit) hotel on the site. Overall I think this project looks good, but I think the commercial space is ambitious. Im not sure if its the developer or the city/neighborhood thats insisting on having a commercial space here, but this might be the toughest commercial space on Apache if it gets built. ~1000 sqft so options for tenants are limited, not a particularly nice/easy spot to walk to, and basically no designated commercial parking in the development (3 total spaces). Its hard to see this commercial space panning out unless/until the surrounding areas of Apache are redeveloped, and its too bad since the commercial space is on the hard corner and is fairly prominent. It would be weird to see the city insist on a commercial space here after they have complained previously that other (more viable imo) commercial spaces on Apache remain vacant. Just my two cents though.