Tempe Development Thread

[tempedude]

Sorry if this was already posted, anyway, I like. Cool looking condos, and about completed.
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Condos give modern edge to aging neighborhood

William Hermann
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 6, 2007 01:31 PM

New condominiums at 6th and Roosevelt streets in central Tempe take a nostalgic look backward, but the even newer condos across the street take a daring look forward.

The dueling condos are part of the building boom in Tempe's Riverside Sunset neighborhood just west of downtown, which has seen more than 340 housing units added over the past few years.

The more traditional Brownstones at Tempe project on the east side of Roosevelt has been open since last year and bespeak life in New York, Chicago or Boston a century ago. But Tempe architect Ilan Baldinger's geometric, sweeping, shot-full-of-light Tempe Urban Living condominiums on the west side of Roosevelt bespeak pure European modernity.

"This is modern urban living design like you might see in Amsterdam, and throughout Italy, Spain or Greece," said Baldinger as he and project owner Bob Rosen stood on the roof deck of one of the two-bedroom units. "The deck we're on takes advantage of the emerging Tempe skyline . . . a skyline that is changing dramatically."

Rosen said the condos are almost finished and now are for sale. Prices start at $370,000 for an 1,100-square-foot one-bedroom unit, move to $530,000 for a 1,464-square-foot two-bedroom dwelling and top out at $1.15 million for a 2,755-square-foot three-bedroom condo.

"I'm moving in myself," Rosen said. "And I can't wait to get back to Tempe. I've been living in downtown Phoenix and enjoying it, but I'm thrilled about moving in here."

Baldinger said he thinks others will also see it Rosen's way.

"We think there is a place for housing that is more forward looking," he said. "There is a new energy in downtown Tempe and many people want to take part in it - people looking for something fresh and new."

Neighbors around the ultra-modern condos seem glad to welcome all new projects to the aging area.

"Maybe the architecture of that new place isn't to everyone's taste - though I like it - but we need to keep improving this area," said neighbor Mike Landry.

Krystal Uriarte lives in apartments next door to the new condos.

"This has not always been a great neighborhood, but the new building is making it nicer," Uriarte said. "And the modern one is pretty neat. They look big and open inside."

Baldinger said he designed the condos "to feel very open."

"They are designed with clean lines and wide open spaces," he said. "And they are full of light."

Rosen said people who buy into the new address will get spaciousness and clean lines, but they'll also get something else.

"There's no lawn to mow, no pool to clean; you can lock the door and leave," he said.



Source: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1206tr-condos1207.html

[Sekkle]

I love that neighborhood. I lived in an apt there for a year when I was at ASU. I’m glad to see all the infill condo projects in there. It’s a very walkable area - narrow streets, proximity to Mill Ave, etc. If they could get a few mixed use buildings along Roosevelt or 5th, that would be awesome. Nothing huge, just ground floor retail with one or two floors of residences above. Probably won’t happen in the near future, but that’s the perfect place for it, IMO.

What’s the latest with the “farmer arts district” (I think that’s what it was called) that was supposed to go in those empty lots near the RR tracks? Any progress on that?

[tempedude]

Originally Posted by ForAteOh

What’s the latest with the “farmer arts district” (I think that’s what it was called) that was supposed to go in those empty lots near the RR tracks? Any progress on that?

Don't know, I am not really familiar with that project. The empty lots that I think you are talking about near the tracks are still empty. There isn't much going on with them yet. Maybe someone else knows more about whats going on with the "farmer arts district".

[wissundevil06]

Still looks like Mosiac plans to break ground..

http://tempe.gov/comdev/WeeklyUpdate/07DEC07.pdf

[shawneriksmith]

Yes, and I plan on becoming a millionaire...you know, I hope it does get started soon. It's not the most awe-inspiring building but it will bring a Whole Foods Market into the area as well as additional people. But, who is going to pay $300k+ for a studio? The prices still seem a little on the high side...maybe, if they brought those prices down to $250-300k then I could see them getting snatched up right away, but $300k+ will make people think twice.

[sundevilgrad]

Originally Posted by wissundevil06

Still looks like Mosiac plans to break ground..

http://tempe.gov/comdev/WeeklyUpdate/07DEC07.pdf

I'm calling BS on that one. They supposedly had their "official" ground breaking in September and now they won't begin construction until early 2008. Notice how they couldn't even give an exact date... Hmmm.

[vertex]

The only thing Mosaic is gonna break is wind...

[PhxSprawler]

Originally Posted by tempedude

Don't know, I am not really familiar with that project. The empty lots that I think you are talking about near the tracks are still empty. There isn't much going on with them yet. Maybe someone else knows more about whats going on with the "farmer arts district".

The council approved the height and density regulations in late October and planned to have a second meeting on November 8th, which I did not attend. At the time, they wanted to start construction in early 2008. They were approved for up to 7 stories, which will help transition the height from the Mill Ave District to the Art District.

On a similar note, I checked out several of the units at the Brownstones, and some in the complex just north of them (I forget what they were called). I am very impressed with that area! My only complaint is that roofs should be utilized for private, open space. A 3x6 balcony just isn't great for entertaining.

That entire area used to be scary to me. The run-down apartments looked like they would be full of sex offenders, the whole area smelled like a crack pipe, etc. I have to admit it has transitioned very quickly to an area that feels safe and walkable, and a quite desirable area to live. It will be nice to see when all the planned projects are complete (and there are a lot of projects going on there!)

[PhxSprawler]

^^^ Every house and building should have roof decks like these, IMO. http://www.farmeravenuelofts.com/lifestyle.html

[JI5]

I'm confused about ONYX. Is that mid-rise off Rural it?? What happened to the tower?

[sundevilgrad]

Originally Posted by JI5

I'm confused about ONYX. Is that mid-rise off Rural it?? What happened to the tower?

No, that's NorthShore. The Onyx building is slated to go on the empty lot just west of Northshore. Northshore is being used as a sign post for the Onyx singage right now...

[smoothSkySailin]

This is my first post, although i come here and read the posts very often... I am very knowledgeable about the aviation issues and come here to see what people are saying about development and the FAA... Anyway i thought i'd let everyone know that the 300' project at Monti's received FAA approval today. You can pull up the document on the FAA website if you were interested in the particulars... Two other structures were approved, one near center point and another near the Arts center.... Another project is being circularized and should be approved shortly...

[PHX31]

/\ Cool, maybe you can more fill us in on the approval process of the W downtown, and the corresponding denial of the CityScape building by the FAA. I think we have a good idea about what did/is going to happen, but any info on cityscape would be great.

[desertdj]

haha take that US Airways
Read this article that came out today:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/1212tr-counciladvance1213.html
US Airways protesting height of Monti's project

But according to the approval:

5. DETERMINATION - NO HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION
It is determined that the proposed construction would not have a substantial adverse effect on the safe and
efficient use of navigable airspace by aircraft.
6. BASIS FOR DECISION
The proposed building would exceed the Part 77.23 (a)(2) surface by 46 feet, however, it would be located
about 800 west of Tempe Butte at 1497 MSL. There are no IFR effects and no VFR issues were identified.
The incorporation of obstruction marking and lighting would aid pilot conspicuity for helicopters and aircraft
transitioning this area.

I believe this link will let you get to the information:
https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=531857

[PhxSprawler]

Originally Posted by smoothSkySailin

This is my first post, although i come here and read the posts very often... I very knowledgeable about the aviation issues and come here to see what people are saying about development and the FAA... Anyway i thought i'd let everyone know that the 300' project at Monti's received FAA approval today. You can pull up the document on the FAA website if you were interested in the particulars... Two other structures were approved, one near center point and another near the Arts center.... Another project is being circularized and should be approved shortly...

Welcome to the forum, smoothSkySailin!

This is great news! It's always nice to see common sense prevailing over power trips. I've always felt the large poles on Hayden Butte caused more of a risk than a shorter, mid-rise building "located about 800 [feet?] west" of the Butte.

[Phxbyrd211]

Maybe the answer is for US Air to move to the northside of downtown Phoenix and into a tower that can't in anyway affect air traffic. I'd say the business growth potential is even greater in DT phoenix than Tempe and they could be near there namesake arena. They clearly aren't comfortable with the encroachment on their headquarters.

[combusean]

^ ... No, it's not the encroachment on their headquarters ... it's that they have to fly the planes differently. For example, if an engine died on takeoff, they wouldn't have as much lift and the plane would (maybe) accelerate far less steeply. As such, at a lower angle, taller buildings become that much more hazardous. To mitigate the effect of the increased heights piercing the "cone" around the airport, they might have to fly with less fuel or passengers, which cuts into their profit substantially. That is as I understand it.

[tempedude]

Originally Posted by Phxbyrd211

Maybe the answer is for US Air to move to the northside of downtown Phoenix and into a tower that can't in anyway affect air traffic. I'd say the business growth potential is even greater in DT phoenix than Tempe and they could be near there namesake arena. They clearly aren't comfortable with the encroachment on their headquarters.

Its US Airways..thats the correct name.

I just don't see them moving their headquarters to downtown Phoenix anytime soon. Right now, they are expanding their presence in Tempe with the current construction of the Gateway Center on property they already own...which if I am not mistaken is going to include more office space for their operations.

[sundevilgrad]

Originally Posted by tempedude

Its US Airways..thats the correct name.

I just don't see them moving their headquarters to downtown Phoenix anytime soon. Right now, they are expanding their presence in Tempe with the current construction of the Gateway Center on property they already own...which if I am not mistaken is going to include more office space for their operations.

You are correct. Also, the site for their new building (I believe it's a 10 story project?) is fenced off and undergoing site prep work...

[andrewkfromaz]

Trust me, US Airways isn't going anywhere, not that it would help matters anyway. Think of what this town would be like if Sky Harbor were only a small airport. There wouldn't be more tall buildings, there would be fewer.