Tempe Development Thread

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by Freeway

Fresh & Easy is going out of business. That's why.

Technically that's not correct. It's true that its parent company, Tesco, is looking to exit the US market, but as far as I know that doesn't mean they are closing existing Fresh and Easy locations. I heard they are looking for a buyer of the existing stores. Walmart has actually been mentioned as a potential buyer. Ugh

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by ciweiss

Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects, Houston, is designing the six story luxury complex. According to Eric Kenney at The Hanover Co.’s local office, the site is already approved for towers. The Hanover Co. has completely redesigned the community to a lower elevation. An elaborate collection of resident amenities are planned for the structure. The developer will be the general contractor for the project. “We essentially started over from the ground up,” he said.

Arquitect - this is the article I was referring to. I think I misunderstood some of the quotes, however. My original interpretation was that they've "started over from the ground up" since the plans were denied, and cut some of the height: "redesigned the community to a lower elevation." They still refer to it being six stories, though, so on second thought, I suppose they are saying that they are "starting over" from the previous Centerpoint 3 and 4 towers that were planned there? Doesn't seem like that would make sense, though, since they are a new development team? Sigh. Either way, this project is likely going to suck and will erase one of the last remaining lots with the potential to give Tempe a balanced skyline.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Tito714

El Hefe

Thanks.

Originally Posted by MegaBass

I think you're referring to Loco Patron which is still under construction at Tempe Gateway.

No, I was thinking of El Hefe, which Tito reminded me of. That Loco Patron place is taking forever to arrive, though.

Originally Posted by alexico

again I do not get how a Fresh and Easy downtown tempe and downtown phx would not clean house.

From what I've heard, some of the more centrally located F&E stores have been moderately successful, but Tesco bet heavily on exurban growth in its initial site selection. That left the company vulnerable when the real estate crash was occurring just as F&E launched. In addition, Tesco didn't seem to realize that families living in outer suburbs are used to long drives and often shop in bulk. An F&E store works better for small households that like to shop close to home and are willing to do so a few times a week.

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Thanks.



No, I was thinking of El Hefe, which Tito reminded me of. That Loco Patron place is taking forever to arrive, though.



From what I've heard, some of the more centrally located F&E stores have been moderately successful, but Tesco bet heavily on exurban growth in its initial site selection. That left the company vulnerable when the real estate crash was occurring just as F&E launched. In addition, Tesco didn't seem to realize that families living in outer suburbs are used to long drives and often shop in bulk. An F&E store works better for small households that like to shop close to home and are willing to do so a few times a week.

Hmm El Hefe looks similar to the concept of Canteen. Plus Loco Patron is way too close to Macayo's and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. I wish Mill Avenue would be a little more receptive in not having a huge slew of restaurants with concepts that already exist. Otherwise we see examples of Red Mango (froyo), Cookiez (dessert), Blondie's Sports Bar (bar) and Blondie's (hot dogs) close.

[alexico]

Originally Posted by Freeway

Fresh & Easy is going out of business. That's why.

very sad

I love those stores

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

And I completely agree on how narrow the target audience for mill has become. It is sad. I started laughing today when I walked past the new laser tattoo removal place. And Im also not thrilled about the Scottsdalization of it.One or two bars are ok, but now it is getting ridiculous how many replicas there are. It will probably end up biting them in the butt, since it usually is ASU students that go to their bars in Scottsdale, and if they all end up on Mill, one of the branches will end up failing.

You might be onto something here; because of the new apartments and condos being built in Old Town Scottsdale, residents are starting to fight new bars and nightclubs...so many owners might be looking to Mill Ave as a new base for their bars/nightclubs. I had a friend renting a condo near Scottsdale Rd and a lot of new residents are getting fed up with the crowds that cause issues into the early morning hours. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing for Tempe.

There will be a mix of offerings, unique places along with the "Scottsdale" crowd would keep Mill Ave extremely busy. I've noticed older folks (40 and up) starting to go to the breweries more now as well. The good thing about Mill Ave is that new residential buildings are built away from the street which means that resident complaints about noise is a non-issue. Streets like Ash and College will likely be the residential base for the district, keeping Mill a vibrant place where noise is to be expected. I just wish there were more places with live music. I remember reading about an old club where local musicians would go to play but that building was razed in like 2007 or 2008.

[Spitfiredude]

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

You might be onto something here; because of the new apartments and condos being built in Old Town Scottsdale, residents are starting to fight new bars and nightclubs...so many owners might be looking to Mill Ave as a new base for their bars/nightclubs. I had a friend renting a condo near Scottsdale Rd and a lot of new residents are getting fed up with the crowds that cause issues into the early morning hours. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing for Tempe.

There will be a mix of offerings, unique places along with the "Scottsdale" crowd would keep Mill Ave extremely busy. I've noticed older folks (40 and up) starting to go to the breweries more now as well. The good thing about Mill Ave is that new residential buildings are built away from the street which means that resident complaints about noise is a non-issue. Streets like Ash and College will likely be the residential base for the district, keeping Mill a vibrant place where noise is to be expected. I just wish there were more places with live music. I remember reading about an old club where local musicians would go to play but that building was razed in like 2007 or 2008.

I would totally agree with you, but I will not since Scottsdale is currently constructing the new entertainment complex where Myst & Suede used to be (and addition of 6+ bars/clubs). There are plans and current developments in Scottsdale that are trying to add even more bars. Triyar Ent seems to be the prime developer/investor. I think some of the Scottsdale clubs are coming to Mill because they know they can provide a market in both cities. We see bars such as El Hefe & Firehouse come to Tempe because they're more of a college type of bar. I feel these owners know they will have more success in Tempe or additional success in Tempe. You won't see a club like Axis/Radius come to Tempe because its not as thrashy like a college club-its a pure Scottsdale club. Although, I think a club like Axis/Radius at Mill & 7th street would produce good results and help diversify the areas clubs and options. I do see that Mill is trying to diversify their clubs (the new country one where Blondie's was). That is good . It would be nice to see a full grocery store and maybe some more shopping options though. A small theater would be nice too. Also, I think 6th street & 5th street are going to soon see more development and you will begin to see these vacancies decline.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

I would totally agree with you, but I will not since Scottsdale is currently constructing the new entertainment complex where Myst & Suede used to be (and addition of 6+ bars/clubs). There are plans and current developments in Scottsdale that are trying to add even more bars. Triyar Ent seems to be the prime developer/investor. I think some of the Scottsdale clubs are coming to Mill because they know they can provide a market in both cities. We see bars such as El Hefe & Firehouse come to Tempe because they're more of a college type of bar. I feel these owners know they will have more success in Tempe or additional success in Tempe. You won't see a club like Axis/Radius come to Tempe because its not as thrashy like a college club-its a pure Scottsdale club. Although, I think a club like Axis/Radius at Mill & 7th street would produce good results and help diversify the areas clubs and options. I do see that Mill is trying to diversify their clubs (the new country one where Blondie's was). That is good . It would be nice to see a full grocery store and maybe some more shopping options though. A small theater would be nice too. Also, I think 6th street & 5th street are going to soon see more development and you will begin to see these vacancies decline.

That is true, but a fight has been brewing for years in Scottsdale with residents and the planning commission. The new development you speak of was "grandfathered" in because of existing zoning laws...but as more and more residents move in along Scottsdale Rd look for things to change and for things to "calm down". Scottsdale also adopted a new, strict noise ordinance in 2011 that may eventually force clubs to close...here is a news report about the issue from last year.

http://www.bing.com/videos/browse?mkt=en...v5:share:sharepermalink:&from=dest_en-us

[Spitfiredude]

Yeah, kind of upsetting because I like Scottsdale's clubs a lot. That entire district is pretty awesome. Interestingly enough, Mill Ave District & COT has also passed noise ordinances and will be passing further ones for Mill Ave. No more amplified music, panhandlers are next!

[ciweiss]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Hmm El Hefe looks similar to the concept of Canteen. Plus Loco Patron is way too close to Macayo's and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. I wish Mill Avenue would be a little more receptive in not having a huge slew of restaurants with concepts that already exist. Otherwise we see examples of Red Mango (froyo), Cookiez (dessert), Blondie's Sports Bar (bar) and Blondie's (hot dogs) close.

So let me get this straight - Macayo's, Fuzzy's, Local Patron, Restaurant Mexico, El Hefe's, Canteen..... seriously?... what this area really needs is a couple more Mexican restaurants... I kid. I really hope there is more variety coming down the pipe.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

Yeah, kind of upsetting because I like Scottsdale's clubs a lot. That entire district is pretty awesome. Interestingly enough, Mill Ave District & COT has also passed noise ordinances and will be passing further ones for Mill Ave. No more amplified music, panhandlers are next!

I don't mind panhandlers, they don't really bother me if they aren't aggressive; I probably have a little more tolerance having grown up in regions with real homeless problems...it seems ridiculous to complain about it here relatively speaking. The noise ordinance for Tempe and Mill Ave is different than the ordinances in Scottsdale; amplified music will need a permit from Tempe (e.g. outdoor concerts and performances). However, they aren't restricting noise from nightclubs.

There does seem to be a fill of Mexican restaurants but we are in the Southwest so it is to be expected...however, I would like something different altogether and something more than restaurants.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

I don't mind panhandlers, they don't really bother me if they aren't aggressive; I probably have a little more tolerance having grown up in regions with real homeless problems...it seems ridiculous to complain about it here relatively speaking. The noise ordinance for Tempe and Mill Ave is different than the ordinances in Scottsdale; amplified music will need a permit from Tempe (e.g. outdoor concerts and performances). However, they aren't restricting noise from nightclubs.

There does seem to be a fill of Mexican restaurants but we are in the Southwest so it is to be expected...however, I would like something different altogether and something more than restaurants.

The panhandlers on Mill are generally passive. Pass them by and that's the end of it. In Old Town Scottsdale, however, I've been subject to panhandling so aggressive that I felt I had to find a different route back to my car later in the evening.

I agree that Mill does need more variety both in terms of types of food and types of businesses.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

The panhandlers on Mill are generally passive. Pass them by and that's the end of it. In Old Town Scottsdale, however, I've been subject to panhandling so aggressive that I felt I had to find a different route back to my car later in the evening.

I agree that Mill does need more variety both in terms of types of food and types of businesses.

That's interesting, I have NEVER seen a panhandler in Old Town Scottsdale...I thought there was an ordinance against it in Scottsdale.

More information was released today about Sun Devil Stadium. Renovations would start after the 2013 season and depending on the level of renovation, could end in 2015/2016. If they just do structural upgrades and a facelift, it would cost $90 million but the stadium capacity would remain. I am leaning toward that route; I don't think they should take out 5,000-9,000 seats or add that awful canopy.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/20121214asu-stadium-face-lift-may-last-year.html

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

That's interesting, I have NEVER seen a panhandler in Old Town Scottsdale...I thought there was an ordinance against it in Scottsdale.

More information was released today about Sun Devil Stadium. Renovations would start after the 2013 season and depending on the level of renovation, could end in 2015/2016. If they just do structural upgrades and a facelift, it would cost $90 million but the stadium capacity would remain. I am leaning toward that route; I don't think they should take out 5,000-9,000 seats or add that awful canopy.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/20121214asu-stadium-face-lift-may-last-year.html

Well isn't the awful canopy their solution to day game naysayers? Day games flexibility is part of the PAC12 tv agreement. If they except to compete with rest of the conference which all but LA Coliseum and Autzen either has gone under renovations or expansions in the last decade.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Well isn't the awful canopy their solution to day game naysayers? Day games flexibility is part of the PAC12 tv agreement. If they except to compete with rest of the conference which all but LA Coliseum and Autzen either has gone under renovations or expansions in the last decade.

If done right, the canopy could look quite nice. The first renderings of it looked hideous, but the second version that came out with the Rio Salado EcoDistrict was much more elegant and, I believe, would make the stadium a lot nicer. Not all stadium roofs are ugly, the ones being explored by Qatar for their stadiums for the 2022 World Cup or the ones by Frei Otto for the Munich Olympics are great examples of how a roof can actually be a beautiful architectural element that can be iconic and functional.

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

If done right, the canopy could look quite nice. The first renderings of it looked hideous, but the second version that came out with the Rio Salado EcoDistrict was much more elegant and, I believe, would make the stadium a lot nicer. Not all stadium roofs are ugly, the ones being explored by Qatar for their stadiums for the 2022 World Cup or the ones by Frei Otto for the Munich Olympics are great examples of how a roof can actually be a beautiful architectural element that can be iconic and functional.

I think that Rio Salado EcoDistrict rendering has been around for awhile. I've seen it before Patterson's hiring.

From reading that article sounds like the golf is staying on or near campus. It would be a big deal for the programs. I wonder what will happen with the baseball program whether they end up at Phoenix Muni. I've heard Wells Fargo Arena is either will be replaced or they'll reduce seat capacity. I would also guess that with the recent demolition of Alpha Drive has the University and Athletics revising the District plan.

Speaking of ASU sporting venues...



Phoenix FC Stadium Rendering; club partners with Univision to reach Hispanic audience

Any word on Block 12 construction?

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

If done right, the canopy could look quite nice. The first renderings of it looked hideous, but the second version that came out with the Rio Salado EcoDistrict was much more elegant and, I believe, would make the stadium a lot nicer. Not all stadium roofs are ugly, the ones being explored by Qatar for their stadiums for the 2022 World Cup or the ones by Frei Otto for the Munich Olympics are great examples of how a roof can actually be a beautiful architectural element that can be iconic and functional.

Agreed...I just don't like that maxi pad with wings look of the original rendering. And that original rendering is what is still being displayed everywhere and it is hideous. Some nice canopies and shade structures exist for sure, and I hope it is a partial canopy to allow the open air feel to remain.

Love the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium rendering...I think the partnership with Phoenix FC is an excellent endeavor. Wells Fargo Arena needs a facelift as well, but reducing capacity to one of the smaller PAC-12 venues would be shortsighted.

[MegaBass]

Found this on ASU's CFO site:

The University is offering six acres at the southeast corner of Mill Ave & University Drive to be developed as a hotel and conference center facility. (doc download)

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Found this on ASU's CFO site:

This is great. That is such an important corner.

[ASUSunDevil]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Found this on ASU's CFO site:

That is brilliant. Wonder if Chili's will get demo'd?