Tempe Development Thread

[Spitfiredude]

I haven't seen a tower crane west of that intersection, but if your talking crane then yes. I'll double check tomorrow.

Seriously though, does anyone have an opinion on the $5 million price tag for less than an 1/8 of a mile roadway? Even if this includes the remodel of the art annex, I still can't believe it.

[Spitfiredude]

Sites that we can still see 100'+ developments in downtown Tempe (excluding lake):

Southwest corner of Mill Ave/Rio Salado (Monti's site) original plans had 2 300' towers. This site is far from development considering the stall of HFL 3. Although, this would have huge potential for a condo site considering that market revives itself in the next half decade. I like the original concept, it reminds me of the Veer Towers in Vegas (except blue), and those condos look awesome.

Northeast corner of Mill/3rd St. (Mill redevelop site) I see a lot of potential in this site, but I think if Monti's were developed it would be nice to see 4 story town-home residences and offices. Or a boutique hotel redeveloped with the Mill would be VERY cool.

Southeast corner of Mill/3rd St. I think this site is more practical for the town-home idea, or a work/live concept. Probably not a real desirable site.

Northeast corner of Ash Avenue/5th St I think this site isn't very desirable as of now too. I hope we see some real height on this lot. I think its going to end up being two office buildings like US Airways or Gateway in design.

Southeast corner of Mill/7th St This lot has lots of potential. I think it is one we will see development plans with soon. Its going to be in prime location with USA Place opening soon nearby. I can see this as a multi use site.

University Square, I don't think we will see this site developed for a long time, especially with the development of USA Place.

Does anyone know height limitations on these sites. I know its a long shot, but is there potential to see a building taller than W6 T2 (345'). It would be nice to have a super tall building (for the area) (400'+). I think there is some potential in the Mill/5th St area with a couple buildings that could be demolished. Such as the building behind GB and Starbucks (to the West).

Also, this wasn't reported on here, but Tempe is in the running again for Google Fiber. Damn this would be a great tool to drive development. Keeping fingers crossed that we get it.

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

Sites that we can still see 100'+ developments in downtown Tempe (excluding lake):

Southwest corner of Mill Ave/Rio Salado (Monti's site) original plans had 2 300' towers. This site is far from development considering the stall of HFL 3. Although, this would have huge potential for a condo site considering that market revives itself in the next half decade. I like the original concept, it reminds me of the Veer Towers in Vegas (except blue), and those condos look awesome.

Northeast corner of Mill/3rd St. (Mill redevelop site) I see a lot of potential in this site, but I think if Monti's were developed it would be nice to see 4 story town-home residences and offices. Or a boutique hotel redeveloped with the Mill would be VERY cool.

Southeast corner of Mill/3rd St. I think this site is more practical for the town-home idea, or a work/live concept. Probably not a real desirable site.

Northeast corner of Ash Avenue/5th St I think this site isn't very desirable as of now too. I hope we see some real height on this lot. I think its going to end up being two office buildings like US Airways or Gateway in design.

Southeast corner of Mill/7th St This lot has lots of potential. I think it is one we will see development plans with soon. Its going to be in prime location with USA Place opening soon nearby. I can see this as a multi use site.

University Square, I don't think we will see this site developed for a long time, especially with the development of USA Place.

Does anyone know height limitations on these sites. I know its a long shot, but is there potential to see a building taller than W6 T2 (345'). It would be nice to have a super tall building (for the area) (400'+). I think there is some potential in the Mill/5th St area with a couple buildings that could be demolished. Such as the building behind GB and Starbucks (to the West).

Also, this wasn't reported on here, but Tempe is in the running again for Google Fiber. Damn this would be a great tool to drive development. Keeping fingers crossed that we get it.

What about the lots along Farmer? I know they are slated more towards the 5-6 story developments, but I wonder if that could change now that the University & Ash tower will be 20+ stories. I could see that University & Farmer lot having a nice midrise in the 10-12 story range, it is a very nice lot. Any idea who owns it?

Also, I believe the city owns the lots on 5th and Farmer (currently parking lot) and 5th and Ash. I could see them putting out RFPs for developments that include a public parking component in the future.

Just my $.02.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Originally Posted by KevininPhx

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.

Grand Willshire will be along the lines of the Petronis Towers, Taipai 101, about anything built in Dubai or even the Freedom Tower. This is unfortunately the way the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat classifies building height. Spires...yes, antennae...no.

At least U.S. cities are learning how to cheat overall building height like the rest of the world. lol

Back to topic

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

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.

Agreed. And there are plans for additional retail to be built adjacent to this patio, which will help in filling in the street from end to end. I've heard the city is trying to solicit upper scale retail for thse areas.

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by RonnieFoos

Grand Willshire will be along the lines of the Petronis Towers, Taipai 101, about anything built in Dubai or even the Freedom Tower. This is unfortunately the way the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat classifies building height. Spires...yes, antennae...no.

At least U.S. cities are learning how to cheat overall building height like the rest of the world. lol

Back to topic

I agree, I hate that rule. The Sears (Willis) Tower is still the tallest in the US to me.

BTW- it looks like the Chicago Spire may be back on. The original plan was for 2,000 feet and I don't think it had a significant spire or anything.

[azsunsurfer]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Agreed. And there are plans for additional retail to be built adjacent to this patio, which will help in filling in the street from end to end. I've heard the city is trying to solicit upper scale retail for thse areas.

Huh?? The Arizona Board of Regents owns that entire block where the pavilion is going. It's part of the long term Block 12 Development. Where did you hear about the City being involved in recruiting "upscale retail?"?!??

[azsunsurfer]

I drove by the Camden? (Scottsdale and Curry) It appears they are going vertical, about on the third floor on some of the buildings already. I believe some of the buildings will be four floors.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Huh?? The Arizona Board of Regents owns that entire block where the pavilion is going. It's part of the long term Block 12 Development. Where did you hear about the City being involved in recruiting "upscale retail?"?!??

Yes, I guess it is more correct to say ASU, not Tempe, though I think the University is surely working closely with the city.

If you feel like doing the amount of research I did in finding these bits of information, you can feel free. Or, you can take my word on the fact that other renderings show retail buildings on the plaza, and that "upscale retailers" were being sought for Block 12 and the Annex. We've already seen this prove true with The Vig coming on board and grabbing the first spot within the Annex.

[combusean]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Huh?? The Arizona Board of Regents owns that entire block where the pavilion is going. It's part of the long term Block 12 Development. Where did you hear about the City being involved in recruiting "upscale retail?"?!??

ABOR owns all University property on paper. ASU can enter into development agreements with ABOR's consent on their property. Tempe, as posted above, has considerable interest in recruiting high end retail as they live off retail sales taxes.

[phoenixwillrise]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

What about the lots along Farmer? I know they are slated more towards the 5-6 story developments, but I wonder if that could change now that the University & Ash tower will be 20+ stories. I could see that University & Farmer lot having a nice midrise in the 10-12 story range, it is a very nice lot. Any idea who owns it?

Also, I believe the city owns the lots on 5th and Farmer (currently parking lot) and 5th and Ash. I could see them putting out RFPs for developments that include a public parking component in the future.

Just my $.02.

Speaking of USA PLACE. Were they not suppose to break ground in February?
Has anybody seen any construction gear over there and or has the old Chili's been leveled yet?

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

If you feel like doing the amount of research I did in finding these bits of information, you can feel free. Or, you can take my word on the fact that other renderings show retail buildings on the plaza, and that "upscale retailers" were being sought for Block 12 and the Annex. We've already seen this prove true with The Vig coming on board and grabbing the first spot within the Annex.

Maybe some more research is needed? It's Postino not The Vig

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

I drove by the Camden? (Scottsdale and Curry) It appears they are going vertical, about on the third floor on some of the buildings already. I believe some of the buildings will be four floors.

Yeah, some of them will be four floors. It looks like they've already got their website up and will be open in the fall: http://camdenhayden.com/

Anybody know what's up with those weird vertical white rectangles?

Also, although Camden is traditionally very suburban, and this is definitely a more suburban-type development, I am glad that they are at least putting most of the parking in garages underneath the units, instead of having all of the parking be detached like they seem to prefer, which allows for greater density and less asphalt.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

Yeah, some of them will be four floors. It looks like they've already got their website up and will be open in the fall: http://camdenhayden.com/

Anybody know what's up with those weird vertical white rectangles?

Also, although Camden is traditionally very suburban, and this is definitely a more suburban-type development, I am glad that they are at least putting most of the parking in garages underneath the units, instead of having all of the parking be detached like they seem to prefer, which allows for greater density and less asphalt.

I've noticed this trend towards faux-urbanism a lot lately. The Residence at University Center next to Chompies is another one of these. They have the majority of their development close to the street, appearing to be very dense, but the middle of the project is a parking lot (that added to a large amount of garages). It almost reminds me of a donut or a fortress. I'm still going back and forth about how I feel about these developments. Its good that they are trying to be more urban, and at least from the street they will look a lot better, but I also think that they are just trying to profit by appearing t be something they are not. I'm leaning more towards not liking them.

[Leo the Dog]

I moved from Scottsdale and rented a 2bed/2bath apartment in Camden Copper Square. I worked in DT Phoenix and got tired of the commute, I went from a 20-40 minute drive to a ten minute walk...it was great.

Camden is an awesome property management company with good brand standards. The physical property did feel like a fortress though because the surrounding neighborhood was sketchy at best. I went back to Boston for a week in the summer, when I came home I found my vehicle was heavily vandalized in the garage...that was the 4th time and last time my car was vandalized.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

What about the lots along Farmer? I know they are slated more towards the 5-6 story developments, but I wonder if that could change now that the University & Ash tower will be 20+ stories. I could see that University & Farmer lot having a nice midrise in the 10-12 story range, it is a very nice lot. Any idea who owns it?

Also, I believe the city owns the lots on 5th and Farmer (currently parking lot) and 5th and Ash. I could see them putting out RFPs for developments that include a public parking component in the future.

Just my $.02.

The land along the eastern side of Farmer has been set for midrises since back when the boom was attracting proposal after proposal for 300' footers all around Mill. This was to create a bit of a buffer and step down between that western edge of downtown and the beginning of the low-rise neighborhoods. The goal was to develop several housing projects, rental and owner-occupied, that were more on the 'affordable housing' end of the spectrum, which Encore has fit well with, as the only project within the "Farmer Arts District" thus far to be completed.

The 2nd senior project, slated to go just north, Residences on Farmer, is still alive, but there's no schedule for breaking ground. On the other side, Sam Fox is renovating the warehouse into The Yard, Culinary Dropout and coffee house, so hopefully some affordable non-senior housing is developed next door sometime. There was also talks of a Tempe library branch going on this strip, which is still a great idea, maybe around 5th street so it is easily-accessed. Otherwise, 5-7 story projects will be the norm, and I hope some open space/parkland as well.

I think this makes plenty of sense. Even though we never got the mass wave of skyscrapers that were on deck, it's still clearly prudent planning to go no higher than ~7 stories at that location; that'll create a nice, dense neighborhood block as it is, without the odd 200'+ project looming over the rest of town, while the core has plenty of lots available for more intensive uses.

In terms of height, 300' has been designated as the height limit for downtown Tempe. I am sure if a developer wanted to, he could seek a variance and maybe win depending on the project, but I think it makes sense, given how small the downtown area is. Anything taller would start creating caverns and start blocking some of the great vistas of the city. A few towers connected by midrise density of the right usage and intensity will create a fabulous, active urban core.

[poconoboy61]

Originally Posted by phoenixwillrise

Speaking of USA PLACE. Were they not suppose to break ground in February?
Has anybody seen any construction gear over there and or has the old Chili's been leveled yet?

Chili's is still there and there is no construction equipment. I thought I recently read that construction is scheduled to begin in March though. I don't see a need to rush into construction. Once it starts, Mill and University is going to be a mess with sidewalk and maybe lane closures for probably over a year.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

I've noticed this trend towards faux-urbanism a lot lately. The Residence at University Center next to Chompies is another one of these. They have the majority of their development close to the street, appearing to be very dense, but the middle of the project is a parking lot (that added to a large amount of garages). It almost reminds me of a donut or a fortress. I'm still going back and forth about how I feel about these developments. Its good that they are trying to be more urban, and at least from the street they will look a lot better, but I also think that they are just trying to profit by appearing t be something they are not. I'm leaning more towards not liking them.

I made note of this trend in earlier threads, and it is one that we shouldn't want to see continuing much further. Almost every apartment project underway right now is following this form of development: "urban" via little setback, but still situating the apartments around a central garage or parking lot, making the automobile the clear choice when it comes to transportation. In many cases, there is merely a small front door that connect the development to the street, and this is gated most of the time.

These developments are also being called "mixed use" since their leasing office and fitness centers are being placed on the ground level. This is clearly not the intention of "mixed use," which is to combine a variety of uses together for the purposes of civic and community building, sustainability, etc.

I get so frustrated when I hear about how projects shouldn't include retail because it hasn't succeeded in other projects... when the true mixed use projects are surrounded by these monstrosities that make it nearly impossible to create a true neighborhood or community. All of these residents are going to hop in their cars and go shopping where it's convenient.

We need projects that promote walkability and encourage residents to get out and explore their community. That's how retail will survive, and how we can build momentum.

[azsunsurfer]

Originally Posted by airomero83

Maybe some more research is needed? It's Postino not The Vig

Thanks Airomero, you proved my point...

[azsunsurfer]

I thought the Camden was suppose to encompass the northern portion of the block where the Goodwill is? Is that going to be a 2nd phase?