I've heard some rumors from a commercial realtor friend of mine that some big developers are scouting Phoenix along the light rail line for future projects. The land prices are about as low as they are going to get, and that means the price point of these projects can be as low as $50,000 for a studio apartment, $75,000 for a one bedroom and so on. Because the price points are so low, it is easier for buyers to get mortgages, especially with a developing looking to pay cash for the projects. They are looking for entitled land where they can build 5 to 20 stories without any zoning hassles from the city or neighbors.
I was sworn to secrecy, but there are two projects in particular on Central Avenue between Deck Park and Camelback that may be in the works. One rendering I saw vaguely reminded me of the old Copper Square Condos rendering from about 8-9 years ago:
Others looked sort of like these old proposals:
So, good news may be on the horizon. He indicated some of these may (obviously in my head) not happen and ground may not break on the others for another 12 to 18 months.
Still, it would be some nicely needed infill. Phoenix may not be getting any big expensive 40-story projects anytime soon but smaller stuff should be doable.
--don