Tempe Development Thread

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by rocksteady

Bring on more cranes! I think this project would look great if the former Hayden Harbor/Onyx site gets developed with the original heights that were proposed. At this point I just want the shores developed.

How is it the the former Onyx tower was able to have so much height right next door but this project and the office complex getting built on the other side of Grigio seems to be concerned about the power lines and flight path? Or am I just reading peoples assumptions on the limited heights of those buildings?

The power lines are basically adjacent to the freeway, on the north side of the properties on the north side of the lake. So proposals like Onyx, which would go south of the powerlines, don't have to worry about them. Also why this current proposal is shorter beneath the powerlines than as it approaches the lakefront

[rocksteady]

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

The power lines are basically adjacent to the freeway, on the north side of the properties on the north side of the lake. So proposals like Onyx, which would go south of the powerlines, don't have to worry about them. Also why this current proposal is shorter beneath the powerlines than as it approaches the lakefront

That's what I figured. Thanks for confirming. Cursed power lines and flight path.

[MegaBass]

Aztec Smurf - Tempe's Largest Mural (Vimeo)

The largest mural in Tempe is now being created by muralist and local artist, Aztec Smurf.
Smurf is painting a giant Gila Monster, a lizard native to the valley, across a 50 x 55 ft. wall of The Mark, an apartment complex on the corner of Lemon St. and Terrace Rd. As a local who grew up in Tempe and attended ASU before becoming a full-time artist, Smurf was thrilled to be selected out of many other artists to work on the project. The entire mural is being painted with regular paint and paintbrushes, and will be covered with a clear coat to be better protected from the sun.
The apartment complex was recently acquired by Sundance Bay, a Utah based company. This mural is the first of many improvements promised at The Mark.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Aztec Smurf - Tempe's Largest Mural (Vimeo)

I recently saw the remodel they have done to that place. They didn't change much, mostly added some vibrant colors and this mural, but it looks a lot better. It will compliment the Lemon Street project that will be built next door really nicely.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

http://www.tempe.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=23304'

Opinions?

90' maximum height, freeway is 25'. 3-4-5 story buildings in one complex. Multi story parking garage covered with facade. Looks like with planned 8 reps present at the meeting, the team is serious about development. THIS IS NOT THE SITE OF HAYDEN HARBOR, but right next to the site. Some retail facing College Ave. Infinity pool facing the lake. Developer says they will not rent to anyone under 21.

I think the design hits the spot. I think it can be a successful project. I had hoped for something in the 100-150' range. Considering this is not a part of the Hayden Harbor development, I think it would look fine once that development is built. I am kind of neutral on this project. I am happy they are putting a facade on the parking garage though. I don't know what it can be compared to. I'm assuming maybe North shore is this high? 65' above freeway isn't too bad. The power lines are around 110', so nearly as tall as those.

I think this is a fantastic project and really like the attitude of the developer. You can tell they really thought about every single piece of the property and surroundings when designing it, which is refreshing when so many projects seem to be cut and paste - this project took a challenging site and turned it into what should be a fantastic gateway/transition from the lake, marina, and pathway into the shore developments.

It almost makes me wish that the lakefront sites were all smaller, so developers didn't have acres of land to construct the massive master-planned projects that end up cold and detached from pedestrians on both sides, and with retail added only to serve those living/working within the site, rather than serving the lake's visitors.

I just love how the retail opens up right to the path and how the developer envisions the retail being businesses that complement the lake. I also love how the backhanded shade being thrown at the owner of Hayden Harbor throughout. I think his statement on the importance of this project, being on a small site with so many obstacles with the potential to be forgotten once larger developments fill in, to be spot on.

Lastly, you can tell they would've loved to have had more height, but were limited by the power lines, and surrounding infrastructure.

Really hope this gets built!

[TempeSilverFox]

By any chance- are any of you subscribers to the Phoenix Business Journal? There is an article there - I think more of an op piece- but it's about the Whole Foods / Ash and University site. It's under the subscriber only area of their website.
Here is what I was allowed to read - not being a subscriber:

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/print...why-whole-foods-would-be-a-good-fit.html

Why Whole Foods would be a good fit for Tempe high-rise

Kristena Hansen
Reporter-
Phoenix Business Journal
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Google+
Last week, I reported that a Denver developer paid $6.1 million for less than 2 acres in the heart of downtown Tempe, where it plans to erect an apartment tower that will include a ground-level grocery store. The estimated development cost is $80 million to $100 million.
Blueprints are similar to a project previously planned for the site at the northwest corner of University Drive and Ash Avenue that was to include a Whole Foods. That project failed after the bankruptcy of its lender, Mortgages Ltd., which now is defunct.
Sources close to the new deal tell me Whole Foods ...

And that's as far as I can go. Would love to see the rest of the article if any of you are able to kindly post it

[mdpx]

Why Whole Foods would be a good fit for Tempe high-rise

by Kristena Hansen

Last week, I reported that a Denver developer paid $6.1 million for less than 2 acres in the heart of downtown Tempe, where it plans to erect an apartment tower that will include a ground-level grocery store. The estimated development cost is $80 million to $100 million.

Blueprints are similar to a project previously planned for the site at the northwest corner of University Drive and Ash Avenue that was to include a Whole Foods. That project failed after the bankruptcy of its lender, Mortgages Ltd., which now is defunct.

Sources close to the new deal tell me Whole Foods still is in the works via a letter of intent. The developer, Alberta Development Partners LLC, declined to name the grocer, and Whole Foods representatives say there is “nothing on our dockets for now with regard to a Tempe site.”

Local retail expert Jeff Green said a grocery store would be a major bonus for the Mill Avenue area, which does not have one. Whole Foods, he said, is the absolute best pick.

“I actually think that Whole Foods is perfect for that market,” Green said. “You wouldn’t think students would be a big draw for Whole Foods, but they are.”

Students — or, rather, their parents — usually are flush with disposable income, he said. The grocer’s array of prepared meals also appeals to the younger consumer.

The area’s mix of college faculty and thousands of white-collar workers also are plausible Whole Foods shoppers, he said.Don Provost, founding principal of Alberta Development, declined to say how large the retail space would be or whether it would be occupied entirely by a grocer.

Green said Whole Foods initially built stores in the 35,000-square-foot range, but nearly doubled that size in the years leading up to the recession. Recently the grocery chain has been downsizing back to the 35,000-square-foot format in an effort to drive up its sales per square foot. The Tempe site in question could definitely support a store of that smaller size, he said.

Kristena Hansen covers residential and commercial real estate.

[RichTempe]

Originally Posted by rocksteady

It was so exciting driving in to work this morning and seeing FIVE cranes along the south side of the lake. Can't wait for some of these other projects to get off the ground to see a lot more.

Where is the 5th crane? I know of the 3 at Marina Heights and the one at Argo, but wasn't aware of a 5th one. Or are you referring to one that will be rising soon?

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by RichTempe

Where is the 5th crane? I know of the 3 at Marina Heights and the one at Argo, but wasn't aware of a 5th one. Or are you referring to one that will be rising soon?

Guessing rocksteady was referring to the fourth crane at Marina Heights that is not of the tower variety.

[TempeSilverFox]

Originally Posted by mdpx

Why Whole Foods would be a good fit for Tempe high-rise



Last week, I reported that a Denver developer paid $6.1 million for less than 2 acres in the heart of downtown Tempe, where it plans to erect an apartment tower that will include a ground-level grocery store. The estimated development cost is $80 million to $100 million.

Blueprints are similar to a project previously planned for the site at the northwest corner of University Drive and Ash Avenue that was to include a Whole Foods. That project failed after the bankruptcy of its lender, Mortgages Ltd., which now is defunct.

Sources close to the new deal tell me Whole Foods still is in the works via a letter of intent. The developer, Alberta Development Partners LLC, declined to name the grocer, and Whole Foods representatives say there is “nothing on our dockets for now with regard to a Tempe site.”

Local retail expert Jeff Green said a grocery store would be a major bonus for the Mill Avenue area, which does not have one. Whole Foods, he said, is the absolute best pick.

“I actually think that Whole Foods is perfect for that market,” Green said. “You wouldn’t think students would be a big draw for Whole Foods, but they are.”

Students — or, rather, their parents — usually are flush with disposable income, he said. The grocer’s array of prepared meals also appeals to the younger consumer.

The area’s mix of college faculty and thousands of white-collar workers also are plausible Whole Foods shoppers, he said.Don Provost, founding principal of Alberta Development, declined to say how large the retail space would be or whether it would be occupied entirely by a grocer.

Green said Whole Foods initially built stores in the 35,000-square-foot range, but nearly doubled that size in the years leading up to the recession. Recently the grocery chain has been downsizing back to the 35,000-square-foot format in an effort to drive up its sales per square foot. The Tempe site in question could definitely support a store of that smaller size, he said.

Kristena Hansen covers residential and commercial real estate.

You ROCK MDPX!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[KevininPhx]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

Guessing rocksteady was referring to the fourth crane at Marina Heights that is not of the tower variety.

There's a 5th crane close by at the apts by TCA.

[ciweiss]

Nice to see Tempe make a national list:

http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-skyline-changing-buildings-under-construction-this-year/

I do wish after I look at the finished project they would have had a lawn/park from the stadium to the lake for tailgating etc. And then had Rio Salado go underneath it. It would have been cool to see the stadium through the State Farm development from the freeway.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by ciweiss

Nice to see Tempe make a national list:

http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-skyline-changing-buildings-under-construction-this-year/

I do wish after I look at the finished project they would have had a lawn/park from the stadium to the lake for tailgating etc. And then had Rio Salado go underneath it. It would have been cool to see the stadium through the State Farm development from the freeway.

Unfortunately the article is very poorly written, how dare they confuse ASU with that horrible community college in Tucson!

[ciweiss]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Unfortunately the article is very poorly written, how dare they confuse ASU with that horrible community college in Tucson!

That is true. And the mention that this is in Phoenix. Of course CBS like yahoo news I have pretty low expectations....

[KevininPhx]

Originally Posted by ciweiss

That is true. And the mention that this is in Phoenix. Of course CBS like yahoo news I have pretty low expectations....

That Grand Wilshire in LA is really pissing me off. You stick a stick on a building and suddenly it's the tallest in the West? It's not even the tallest in LA. And the building in SF will be significantly taller at the roof than the Grand Wilshire. And even that Stratosphere to its top is taller. Don't get it.

[MegaBass]

Ike's Love & Sandwiches (Bay Area based) is coming soon to Brickyard on Mill (h/t Urban Realty)

Man V Food San Francisco Ike's Place

[MegaBass]

College Avenue Streetscape

College Avenue Streetscape will create a dynamic pedestrian plaza and gathering space on College Avenue between 6th Street and 7th Street in Tempe.

In collaboration with the city of Tempe and community stakeholders, the project is planned to energize College Avenue between University Drive and Sun Devil Stadium by transforming College Avenue into a destination for student and civic events. College Avenue Streetscape will serve as a venue for school spirit events, pre- and post-game sports celebrations, art festivals and other community gatherings. The space is envisioned as a front door to Arizona State University, anchored by the new College Avenue Commons building on the west, and the restaurants at the newly-renovated ASU Art Annex building and College Avenue Marketplace to the east.

The College Avenue Commons Streetscape project will enable the full closure of the plaza to vehicles, and will encompass the entire city block, providing landscaping, pavers, benches, and a 4,000 square-foot outdoor canopy with seating and tables. The project forwards ASU towards its goals of enhancing local impact and social embeddedness, by embracing the University's cultural, socioeconomic and physical setting.

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

College Avenue Streetscape

That's really the best picture they chose to share? I've seen other renderings that look cool, that one just looks awful. I'm sure it will be better than that, they just chose a poor rendering.

[Spitfiredude]

There is not a fifth tower crane. There is only 1 at Argo, 3 at Marina Heights.

$5 MILLION PRICE TAG!?

Are you kidding me? This thing better be very impressive.

[rocksteady]

Is that not a crane on the west side of Priest and Rio? I was counting that one along with the 3 at Marina Heights and the other at Argo.