Tempe Development Thread

[exit2lef]

Great news. Despite being the local favorite, Harkins has a record of neglecting the urban cores of the Phoenix Metro Area in favor of building theaters on the suburban fringe and in car-centric developments like Tempe Marketplace. If Canadian-owned AMC is the theater chain with the vision to invest in established locations such as the Arizona Center, the Esplanade, and now Mill Avenue, then that company may be doing more good for our community than Harkins.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by TempeSilverFox

AWESOME! I hope that they open an Esplanade style theatre - where you can order drinks and food from your seat. How sweet would that be???

Granville's Facebook post indicates they will do that: https://www.facebook.com/tempe.kolby

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Great news. Despite being the local favorite, Harkins has a record of neglecting the urban cores of the Phoenix Metro Area in favor of building theaters on the suburban fringe and in car-centric developments like Tempe Marketplace. If Canadian-owned AMC is the theater chain with the vision to invest in established locations such as the Arizona Center, the Esplanade, and now Mill Avenue, then that company may be doing more good for our community than Harkins.

Yeah, the charm of being the local guys is kinda lost. Although I do really appreciate their will to keep Valley Art open, even if it is at a loss every year. I'm sure there are tax reasons for that move, but that little theater is a really awesome gem within the fabric of Mill Ave.

It is kinda awesome that they are wanting to do a similar thing to Esplanade.

Is AMC really Canadian owned? For some reason I thought they were based out of KC.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Is AMC really Canadian owned? For some reason I thought they were based out of KC.

AMC is a subsidiary and is not Canadian owned...it is headquartered in Kansas City. I'm not sure if it already happened, but AMC planned to move their KC headquarters to nearby Leawood, KS this year (2013). AMC's parent company is the Dalian Wanda Group headquartered in Dalian, China.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

AMC is a subsidiary and is not Canadian owned...it is headquartered in Kansas City. I'm not sure if it already happened, but AMC planned to move their KC headquarters to nearby Leawood, KS this year (2013). AMC's parent company is the Dalian Wanda Group headquartered in Dalian, China.

Interesting. I thought at one point AMC was a subsidiary of CO. I guess that was either incorrect or the circumstances have changed. Whether it's Canada or China, I find the protectionist rhetoric about foreign ownership in some of Harkins' communications to be rather sad.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Interesting. I thought at one point AMC was a subsidiary of CO. I guess that was either incorrect or the circumstances have changed. Whether it's Canada or China, I find the protectionist rhetoric about foreign ownership in some of Harkins' communications to be rather sad.

It was actually the other way around. AMC Entertainment, INC. was the parent company of Cineplex Odeon after a merger with Loews Theaters (headquartered in NYC). Loews owned Cineplex Odeon...the movie theater business has been pretty complex; lots of mergers and buyouts since 2005.

[TempeSilverFox]

More info about the AMC luxury theatre coming to downtown Tempe!



AMC Theatres® Coming to Centerpoint on Mill in Downtown Tempe
Posted Date: 6/7/2013
Tempe, AZ— Spanning three city blocks at the northwest corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive in the heart of downtown Tempe, Centerpoint on Mill will add an AMC Theatres complex to its urban mix of dining, nightlife, offices and shopping this Fall 2013.

AMC Theatres has executed a lease for a 37,645 square-foot space, with plans to renovate the existing movie theater building. According to Mike Burke, vice president of DMB Commercial, “AMC Theatres is destined to become the heart of Centerpoint on Mill, as an iconic entertainment destination enhancing traffic, visitation and guest experience.”

According to the Downtown Tempe Community, since May 2012, 41 new businesses have opened in the Mill Avenue District, including restaurants, offices and retail. “The great news about a new AMC Theatre follows the announcement of new residential units and is in a position to anchor the southern portion of the city’s vibrant downtown,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “With this addition, downtown Tempe is providing new family-friendly entertainment options to Mill Avenue. I know I’m looking forward to taking my family to the new theatre.”

When complete, the theatre will feature state-of-the-art sound and digital projectors, stadium-style seating and guests will watch the newest releases in luxury, as every seat in the theatre will
be a power recliner with footrest. In addition, guests can enjoy an expanded concession menu with more than 120 drink options.

Mike Polachek, Brian Polachek, and Scott Ellsworth with SRS Real Estate Partners represented DMB, the landlord in the transaction, while Greg Laing with Phoenix Commercial Advisors represented AMC Theatres as the tenant.

About AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres® delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 344 theatres and 4,988 screens throughout the United States. AMC operates 25 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the United States, including four of the top five. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content to an engaged audience in state-of-the-art buildings. AMCTheatres.com

About Centerpoint on Mill
Covering 22-acres, starting at the northwest corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive, Centerpoint on Mill has become a landmark to Tempe residents, students and visitors alike. The mixed-use commercial property is home to Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, Churchill's Fine Cigars, Devil's Diner, Fat Tuesday, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Great Clips, The Handlebar Tempe, Jimmy John's, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Mellow Mushroom, Poppa Maize, Rita's Italian Ice, Robbie Fox's Public House and Sitewire. Zipps Sports Grill and Pita Pitt will be opening soon. For more information about dining, working and shopping at Centerpoint on Mill, visit www.centerpointonmill.com.

About DMB DMB Commercial specializes in strategically shaping and developing properties within DMB’s portfolio of planned communities featuring retail, office, hospitality and other mixed-use components. Current DMB Commercial properties include Market Street at DC Ranch, and Canyon Village (all within DC Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ), Centerpoint on Mill (Tempe, AZ), Eastmark (Mesa, AZ), The Shops at Kukui’ula, (Kauai, HI), Main Street at Verrado, (Buckeye, AZ), and One Scottsdale (Scottsdale, AZ). For more information, visit www.dmbinc.com.

DMB, an Arizona-based real estate company, creates enduring places that capitalize on location and climate, shaping life for generations. For nearly thirty years, DMB has earned a national reputation for creating some of the most iconic communities in the West, including Centerpoint on Mill in Tempe, DC Ranch in Scottsdale and Verrado in Buckeye, just to name a few. DMB strives to achieve enduring business success by creating extraordinary new environments that enrich people’s lives, are appreciated and rewarded in the market and have a positive impact on the larger community of which they are part.

About SRS Real Estate Partners
SRS Real Estate Partners is the largest real estate company in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to retail services. Headquartered in Dallas with more than 20 offices worldwide, SRS’ strong reach and international presence provide the company with unparalleled knowledge both globally and domestically. As a result, clients of SRS have a competitive edge through a full range of offerings including brokerage services, corporate services, development services, investment services and management services. Since its inception in 1986, SRS has built a strong foundation in the retail real estate world and grown into one of the industry’s most influential and respected leaders. Our success is measured in the achievement of our clients’ objectives, satisfaction and trust. For more information, please visit www.srsre.com.

Here is the link from the City of Tempe:
http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=31&recordid=1555

[ASUSunDevil]

Theaters, housing coming to Tempe's Mill Avenue



By Dianna M. Náñez
The Republic | azcentral.com
Sun Jun 9, 2013 9:18 PM
Downtown Tempe’s steady climb out of the economic hole left by the recession has received yet another boost.

On Friday, city officials announced that AMC Theatres will open a movie complex on Mill Avenue and that a high-profile developer has tapped the city center for a six-story apartment complex.

The news comes just two weeks after plans were unveiled to build a $600 million commercial development north of Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium that will be anchored by an 18-story headquarters for State Farm. That project is being touted as Arizona’s largest office development.

The movieplex and 341-unit apartment complex will be part of the 22-acre Centerpoint on Mill development, which marks downtown Tempe’s southern gateway.

Mayor Mark Mitchell said the two projects are further proof that Tempe is recovering from a recession that derailed development projects and sucked some life out of the Mill Avenue District. The theaters, he said, will give downtown another entertainment draw.

“This addition to downtown Tempe will help us provide new family-friendly entertainment options to Mill,” he said of the movie complex. “This theater is in a great position to anchor the southern portion of our city’s vibrant downtown.”

The apartments will be developed by Houston-based Hanover Co. The company purchased the 2.76 acres near Fifth Street and Maple Avenue for an estimated $7 million.

Mitchell, a Tempe native, said it’s the next step in the district’s evolution into a thriving urban hub.

“I remember as a kid it used to be all neighborhoods (downtown); now it’s coming back as a neighborhood again, (but) it’s just as a different form,” he said, referencing the growing number of multifamily residences in the district.

The new complex will be built immediately north of West 6th Tempe, a high-rise housing development that caters to Arizona State University students and people seeking to live downtown.

Friday’s news thrilled some Tempe residents, who said they have missed the convenience of having a full-size movieplex on Mill.

Harkins closed its downtown Tempe theater several years ago and moved to Tempe Marketplace.

While Valley Art, a historic one-screen Harkins movie house built in 1940, shows independent films and remains a staple on Mill, the new AMC complex is expected to be a big draw for moviegoers who want more options.

AMC has leased a 37,645-square-foot space, which housed the former Harkins and more recently was home to the short-lived MADCAP theater, a community-based venue for local art and entertainment.

AMC spokeswoman Sun Dee Larson said an opening date for the new theaters had not been finalized.

But the developer of Centerpoint on Mill, DMB Associates Commercial, said it was told to expect a late fall or winter opening.

Roy Wilson is among the small-business owners who have toughed it out on Mill.

He called the AMC complex a godsend for his Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn shop, which he opened two years ago next to where the AMC will expand.

“It means a lot; anything opening down there means a lot,” he said. “We’re the only business down there in this little cul-de-sac.”

DMB President Charley Freericks said residential development is the key to attracting new entertainment venues and retail on Mill, which has long been thought of as too bar- and restaurant-heavy.

“When West 6th happened, it was sort of a big confidence booster for the marketplace,” he said. “We really felt that on Mill, all of the sudden, the shops and restaurants got busier.”

He expects Hanover’s apartments to attract more young professionals and empty-nesters. “They are an urban developer. ... We’ve seen their work in San Francisco ... it’s higher-quality residential.”

The apartments will replace an existing parking lot but will include a nine-level parking structure, with seven levels above ground and two levels below.

Construction is expected to start this year and take about 21 months to complete.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

Theaters, housing coming to Tempe's Mill Avenue



By Dianna M. Náñez
The Republic | azcentral.com
Sun Jun 9, 2013 9:18 PM
Downtown Tempe’s steady climb out of the economic hole left by the recession has received yet another boost.

On Friday, city officials announced that AMC Theatres will open a movie complex on Mill Avenue and that a high-profile developer has tapped the city center for a six-story apartment complex.

The news comes just two weeks after plans were unveiled to build a $600 million commercial development north of Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium that will be anchored by an 18-story headquarters for State Farm. That project is being touted as Arizona’s largest office development.

The movieplex and 341-unit apartment complex will be part of the 22-acre Centerpoint on Mill development, which marks downtown Tempe’s southern gateway.

Mayor Mark Mitchell said the two projects are further proof that Tempe is recovering from a recession that derailed development projects and sucked some life out of the Mill Avenue District. The theaters, he said, will give downtown another entertainment draw.

“This addition to downtown Tempe will help us provide new family-friendly entertainment options to Mill,” he said of the movie complex. “This theater is in a great position to anchor the southern portion of our city’s vibrant downtown.”

The apartments will be developed by Houston-based Hanover Co. The company purchased the 2.76 acres near Fifth Street and Maple Avenue for an estimated $7 million.

Mitchell, a Tempe native, said it’s the next step in the district’s evolution into a thriving urban hub.

“I remember as a kid it used to be all neighborhoods (downtown); now it’s coming back as a neighborhood again, (but) it’s just as a different form,” he said, referencing the growing number of multifamily residences in the district.

The new complex will be built immediately north of West 6th Tempe, a high-rise housing development that caters to Arizona State University students and people seeking to live downtown.

Friday’s news thrilled some Tempe residents, who said they have missed the convenience of having a full-size movieplex on Mill.

Harkins closed its downtown Tempe theater several years ago and moved to Tempe Marketplace.

While Valley Art, a historic one-screen Harkins movie house built in 1940, shows independent films and remains a staple on Mill, the new AMC complex is expected to be a big draw for moviegoers who want more options.

AMC has leased a 37,645-square-foot space, which housed the former Harkins and more recently was home to the short-lived MADCAP theater, a community-based venue for local art and entertainment.

AMC spokeswoman Sun Dee Larson said an opening date for the new theaters had not been finalized.

But the developer of Centerpoint on Mill, DMB Associates Commercial, said it was told to expect a late fall or winter opening.

Roy Wilson is among the small-business owners who have toughed it out on Mill.

He called the AMC complex a godsend for his Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn shop, which he opened two years ago next to where the AMC will expand.

“It means a lot; anything opening down there means a lot,” he said. “We’re the only business down there in this little cul-de-sac.”

DMB President Charley Freericks said residential development is the key to attracting new entertainment venues and retail on Mill, which has long been thought of as too bar- and restaurant-heavy.

“When West 6th happened, it was sort of a big confidence booster for the marketplace,” he said. “We really felt that on Mill, all of the sudden, the shops and restaurants got busier.”

He expects Hanover’s apartments to attract more young professionals and empty-nesters. “They are an urban developer. ... We’ve seen their work in San Francisco ... it’s higher-quality residential.”

The apartments will replace an existing parking lot but will include a nine-level parking structure, with seven levels above ground and two levels below.

Construction is expected to start this year and take about 21 months to complete.

21 months to complete construction! They weren't kidding when they said this will be higher quality. With that much time, they better have great quality control.

[ASUSunDevil]

Tempe continues to kick ass with a little help from Phoenix savior, Jerry C.


Sources: USA Basketball plans to relocate to Tempe



By Jeff Metcalfe and Anne Ryman
azcentral sports
Mon Jun 10, 2013 3:20 PM
USA Basketball, the national governing body responsible for choosing the U.S. Olympic teams, plans to relocate to Tempe as part of an Arizona State development project, multiple sources told azcentral sports.

Currently located in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Basketball is expected to announce its plan soon to be part of a 10-acre project adjacent to the ASU campus, sources said.

This is the second time that USA Basketball, whose chairman/president is former Suns chairman/CEO Jerry Colangelo, has chosen to relocate to the Valley. A plan to move to Glendale in 2008, with a private developer building a $53.8 million training campus as part of a larger development near Camelback Ranch, fell through because the developer could not complete financing during the economic downturn.

As part of a partnership with the city of Tempe, ASU's plan is to build a hotel and conference center and other development on university-owned land at the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive. This project is separate from ASU's planned athletic facilities district.

On Thursday the university will ask the Arizona Board of Regents for approval to enter into a lease-option agreement with a private corporation, USA Place LLC. Plans call for a four-star hotel with at least 300 guest rooms and a minimum of 30,000 square feet of conference facilities. The hotel and conference center would be constructed no later than the end of 2015, according to regents documents. The land lease would stretch from 65 to 99 years.

The timetable for relocation of USA Basketball is unclear. The senior national teams could continue to train elsewhere. The men's team trained in Las Vegas before the 2012 London Olympics.

ASU has owned the land, where a Chili’s restaurant and parking lots now stand, for a number of years.

USA Place LLC is a domestic corporation, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Susan Eastridge of Scottsdale is the contact. Eastridge is one of the founders of Concord Eastridge, Inc., a company that develops facilities for corporations, educational entities and government agencies. Eastridge was not immediately available for comment. The company was the master developer for the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel at George Mason University, a $52 million project that opened in 2010, according to the company's website.

Colangelo is in his second term as USA Basketball's chairman/president. He is the first to serve back-to-back terms since the organization was formed in 1972.

Colangelo began working with USA Basketball in 2005 as managing director of the men’s senior national team, a position he still holds. Under Colangelo’s direction, the U.S. men are 62-1 with two Olympic and one World gold medal.

The U.S. women’s senior team has won five consecutive Olympic titles, not losing in Olympic play since the 1992 semifinals.

USA Basketball also chooses rosters for the world championships and other international competitions and holds tryouts and training camps for national teams of various ages.

In an unrelated deal, Colangelo and partners through their real-estate company, JDM Partners LLC, recently reached agreement to purchase the State Farm Operations Center at Southern Avenue and Priest Drive in Tempe.

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

Sources: USA Basketball plans to relocate to Tempe

If this actually goes through, it will be another great project for Tempe. ASU has so much vacant space that's just being used for surface parking lots right now, and the more of that we see turned into productive space, the better.

However, it seems we've had dozens of proposals and false starts for this lot over the years. I'll finally believe it when I see the walls rising up!

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

Tempe continues to kick ass with a little help from Phoenix savior, Jerry C.


Sources: USA Basketball plans to relocate to Tempe



By Jeff Metcalfe and Anne Ryman
azcentral sports
Mon Jun 10, 2013 3:20 PM
USA Basketball, the national governing body responsible for choosing the U.S. Olympic teams, plans to relocate to Tempe as part of an Arizona State development project, multiple sources told azcentral sports.

Currently located in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Basketball is expected to announce its plan soon to be part of a 10-acre project adjacent to the ASU campus, sources said.

This is the second time that USA Basketball, whose chairman/president is former Suns chairman/CEO Jerry Colangelo, has chosen to relocate to the Valley. A plan to move to Glendale in 2008, with a private developer building a $53.8 million training campus as part of a larger development near Camelback Ranch, fell through because the developer could not complete financing during the economic downturn.

As part of a partnership with the city of Tempe, ASU's plan is to build a hotel and conference center and other development on university-owned land at the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive. This project is separate from ASU's planned athletic facilities district.

On Thursday the university will ask the Arizona Board of Regents for approval to enter into a lease-option agreement with a private corporation, USA Place LLC. Plans call for a four-star hotel with at least 300 guest rooms and a minimum of 30,000 square feet of conference facilities. The hotel and conference center would be constructed no later than the end of 2015, according to regents documents. The land lease would stretch from 65 to 99 years.

The timetable for relocation of USA Basketball is unclear. The senior national teams could continue to train elsewhere. The men's team trained in Las Vegas before the 2012 London Olympics.

ASU has owned the land, where a Chili’s restaurant and parking lots now stand, for a number of years.

USA Place LLC is a domestic corporation, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Susan Eastridge of Scottsdale is the contact. Eastridge is one of the founders of Concord Eastridge, Inc., a company that develops facilities for corporations, educational entities and government agencies. Eastridge was not immediately available for comment. The company was the master developer for the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel at George Mason University, a $52 million project that opened in 2010, according to the company's website.

Colangelo is in his second term as USA Basketball's chairman/president. He is the first to serve back-to-back terms since the organization was formed in 1972.

Colangelo began working with USA Basketball in 2005 as managing director of the men’s senior national team, a position he still holds. Under Colangelo’s direction, the U.S. men are 62-1 with two Olympic and one World gold medal.

The U.S. women’s senior team has won five consecutive Olympic titles, not losing in Olympic play since the 1992 semifinals.

USA Basketball also chooses rosters for the world championships and other international competitions and holds tryouts and training camps for national teams of various ages.

In an unrelated deal, Colangelo and partners through their real-estate company, JDM Partners LLC, recently reached agreement to purchase the State Farm Operations Center at Southern Avenue and Priest Drive in Tempe.

This would be a huge win for the EcoDistrict. First adding State Farm, and then securing USA Basketball would bring two huge recognizable faces to the project; and without a doubt make it easier to sell to other companies. I hope this solidifies.

I also am excited to see the size of the proposed hotel and conference center. 300 rooms is pretty large. And the fact that it would be 4 stars is awesome.

[Arquitect]

Two interesting projects on tomorrow's Development Review Comission's agenda.

First, an addition to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. It is nothing special, but it would add a two story building against the sidewalk along Broadway (close to the 101). Any time a sidewalk facing parking lot is replaced by a building, I count it as a win.

Link:
http://www.tempe.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18549

Second, and most important! The conceptual design for Marina Heights (State Farm), with all 12 buildings that make up the complex. three 16-story towers, one 10 story, two 8 story parking garages, one six story building, and a slew of 1 story structures. Plus three levels of underground parking.I'm sure it will change a lot in the forthcoming months, but it seems like a decent proposal.

Link:
http://www.tempe.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18547

[Sepstein]

Wow that will diffently add to the buildings at the Lake now! Going to look great! But 2 million square feet of office space can't help but to think rather see it in downtown Phoenix maybe that lot at 1st and Fillmore! With that much square feet could be a 1000 feet tower plus another 600 footer! Plus put all retail under two parking garages for two 100 feet towers!

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Second, and most important! The conceptual design for Marina Heights (State Farm), with all 12 buildings that make up the complex. three 16-story towers, one 10 story, two 8 story parking garages, one six story building, and a slew of 1 story structures. Plus three levels of underground parking.I'm sure it will change a lot in the forthcoming months, but it seems like a decent proposal.

Link:
http://www.tempe.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18547

That...is a ton of parking. And definitely look more like buildings you'd find alongside a freeway in a generic office park, and not on prime lakefront property. Loving the height, though!

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

That...is a ton of parking. And definitely look more like buildings you'd find alongside a freeway in a generic office park, and not on prime lakefront property. Loving the height, though!

It is a ton of parking, but it makes sense. The project is replacing a ton of regional offices, so it makes sense that many (if not the majority) of people working there will be driving in from outside of Tempe. It would be ideal if they all moved within walking or mass transit distance from the project, but also very unlikely. Hopefully as the many residential projects that are being planned get developed, more and more people switch from driving to living in downtown.

As for the genericness, I am sure they will become a little more developed as the design gets straightened out. This is still very conceptual, so there will be many changes by the time it is finalized.

[Spitfiredude]

Originally Posted by Sepstein

Wow that will diffently add to the buildings at the Lake now! Going to look great! But 2 million square feet of office space can't help but to think rather see it in downtown Phoenix maybe that lot at 1st and Fillmore! With that much square feet could be a 1000 feet tower plus another 600 footer! Plus put all retail under two parking garages for two 100 feet towers!

I'd hate to say it, but I really do agree. I would have love to seen a couple or single 500-1000 ft towers in DT Phoenix to buff up the skyline. On the brightside though, this will spur much more development on the lake and provide an increased skyline for Downtown Tempe. The proposed max heights are: 253' 250' and I believe one said 220'. As a result, these towers will be the size of tower 1 at W6 (258'). That's some good height.

Also, if that hotel at University and Mill is 10-15 stories, it will help expand the skyline south which would be awesome. Now if only we could see a building or two (100-250 ft) between HFL and W6, it would connect it all together. Sadly, the Hanover project is only about 85' tall>which will provide height, but it could have been 100+

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

I'd hate to say it, but I really do agree. I would have love to seen a couple or single 500-1000 ft towers in DT Phoenix to buff up the skyline. On the brightside though, this will spur much more development on the lake and provide an increased skyline for Downtown Tempe. The proposed max heights are: 253' 250' and I believe one said 220'. As a result, these towers will be the size of tower 1 at W6 (258'). That's some good height.

Also, if that hotel at University and Mill is 10-15 stories, it will help expand the skyline south which would be awesome. Now if only we could see a building or two (100-250 ft) between HFL and W6, it would connect it all together. Sadly, the Hanover project is only about 85' tall>which will provide height, but it could have been 100+

There is always hope for the lot north of Hanover. But it is true, that area of downtown is quickly being filled (which is not necessarily a bad thing). My guess is that 20 years from now, the true skyline will be along the lake and the EcoDistrict, while downtown will be more patchy, with a few more highrises, but mostly composed by midrise development.

Apache is gaining height though. There are a couple more proposals on the drawing boards that will add some tall buildings on some of the vacant lots closest to ASU.

[phoenixwillrise]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

I'd hate to say it, but I really do agree. I would have love to seen a couple or single 500-1000 ft towers in DT Phoenix to buff up the skyline. On the brightside though, this will spur much more development on the lake and provide an increased skyline for Downtown Tempe. The proposed max heights are: 253' 250' and I believe one said 220'. As a result, these towers will be the size of tower 1 at W6 (258'). That's some good height.

Also, if that hotel at University and Mill is 10-15 stories, it will help expand the skyline south which would be awesome. Now if only we could see a building or two (100-250 ft) between HFL and W6, it would connect it all together. Sadly, the Hanover project is only about 85' tall>which will provide height, but it could have been 100+

Hard to find someone who has done more for Downtown Phoenix and for the Phoenix area in general. They definitely need to name a downtown street after Jerry now while he is still living. How about 2nd Street from Jefferson to McDowell? Call it Colangelo Way.

[Jjs5056]

Looks like I finally get to say some positive things about Tempe development. Lots to be excited about! Comments and questions below.

Mill and University

The Good
4-stay hotel with great height and density is a huge score. downtown needs the permanent traffic hotels and apartments bring, especially on the south side. A more upscale customer base is also another huge plus that will help balance out the senior and student housing that has seemed to dominate.
The Bad and Questions:
Nothing but good things from my end! Only questions would be how serious this proposal is given the lot's history? The article made it sound like USA Basketball was also part of this development; is that correct? Others are posting as if it is part of the EcoDistrict. If it is part of this development, even better! That's more density, visitors and from the sounds of it, the talks seem pretty legit.

Centerpoint:

The Good
Finally, downtown is getting a mix of entertainment other than bars. Bringing in the dining model is even better, as once again, it will help attract a wealthier consumer base. This is another shot in the he arm to southern downtown- that area has taken the longest to recover, but the visitors of this theater will bring so much more foot traffic to that plaza area that I can't imagine vacancies won't fill up ASAP!
The Bad and Questions
I was really hoping the former hotel proposal would go through. This would have been a great spot for increased height and the design was beautiful and modern. Any chance the renovations will cover the exterior, or should I not get greedy?

Hanover

The Good
A pattern seems to be forming: higher-end consumer base that is desperately needed to diversify the city. Additionally, residential (along with hotel secondary) is absolutely the most important thing downtown needs. 341 units is a huge addition, especially given that they will be marketed toward graduates.

The Bad and Questions
I can't believe this project was approved in its proposed state. This should have, without doubt, been higher and included retail. Given the size of the lot, they could have gone with a combination of a tower (even just combining the garage with the residential floors for 13-stories) to the west, with town home-style units to the east (3-story units above retail). Having a parking garage with more height than the apartment building in the center of downtown is depressing, especially given the future streetcar's proximity. Finally, with the anti-urban Hayden Square to its north, the lack of retail all but eliminates the extension of downtown's core westward. Was certainly hoping Ash/Farmer would mark the transition toward midrise residential neighborhoods.

State Farm

The Good
Great heights for the lake! We were seeing heights slowly dwindling recently, so I am glad that we will be getting heights over 200 feet. Additionally, I am impressed with the amount of retail spread throughout that will help keep the cold, office campus vibe from creating a dead zone along our greatest amenity in town. I also can't imagine that this won't have major impacts on the Eco/Stadium District and SouthBank. I am most interested in SouthBank since I think there is an obvious need now for residential and hotel development in the immediate area.

The Bad and Questions
I will take other's word for it and assume there will be some tweaks to the designs, as the main structures are awfully boxy. Lakefront development should really have more of an upscale feel to it, which this certainly doesn't. I am also a bit disappointed in the orientation, as it looks like Rio Salado has once again been largely ignored. Obviously, it is challenging seeing as the lake frontage is equally important, but that is a challenge the architects should have met. The parking is also just insane. The garage at HFL is bad enough, but two more 8 story structures is unreal. I appreciate that the office and retail has been incorporated into parta but there is still a huge amount of each in the north and south elevations that is complete dead space. I really wish they had made at least one of these subterranean, and I also question the sheer amount with the streetcar coming through.

Lastly, I am a bit disappointed in the "lakefront plaza." Hopefully, I missed something, but all I see are trees and paths?