Tempe Development Thread

[Obadno]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Uh oh. I think criticizing the parasols at Gammage are a no-no. In other words, I completely agree, expressed concern when the renderings were first released, and most responses indicated it wasn't anything worth discussing.

Both these and the ones installed at the MU were terrible- the idea and the execution. Why would it be appropriate to install parasols over an existing shade structure that serves as a public art piece (MU)? Or, to rip out landscaping and install them along a parkway that leads to the most iconic building on an otherwise cheaply built, beige infected campus (Ganmage)?

These brutalist panels should be saved for the tops of buildings and parking structures. For malls/parks/ground level, they really need to turn to more artistic design. Even the ones at Civic Space, while basic, are more aesthetic than these scifi monstrosities.

I agree. These power plants... that's what they are... are horrific and make parts of campus look terrible.

Solar panels are "green" compared to coal power plants, but they are still industrial and are extremely unpleasant. Making electricity, no matter how environmentally friendly, is not meant to be placed among living space like this.

Why they chose to do this I will never understand. And I fully predict they will be taken down once the novelty of going green wares out.

[ASUSunDevil]

The gravel under the parasols looks terrible compared to what was previously there. Hopefully they man up and landscape it.

In better news, demo started at The Yard this morning! They took out the southernmost part of the warehouse. I'm assuming the rest will stay.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

The gravel under the parasols looks terrible compared to what was previously there. Hopefully they man up and landscape it.

In better news, demo started at The Yard this morning! They took out the southernmost part of the warehouse. I'm assuming the rest will stay.

Yes, from the plans that were posted on here earlier, you can see that they will be keeping the northern part of the warehouse.

[rocksteady]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Yes, from the plans that were posted on here earlier, you can see that they will be keeping the northern part of the warehouse.

This place is going to make an absolute killing during the school season. Even in the off season the local residents will come here in droves. I bet they are seeing $$$ in their sleep.

[Jjs5056]

I hadn't ever been west of Farmer (north of University), but took myself on a walking tour via GoogleEarth the other day to try and visualize The Yard and get a sense of the empty lot still needing development between it and Encore, and wow- that has to be one of the most interesting and urban neighborhoods in the metro area. I always loved the west side of Farmer itself, but didn't realize that infill development had spilled over so much.

I wish a lot of the projects were visible from major streets, or better yet- built on the immediate perimeter of downtown. I'd read about the Roosevelt Townhomes, but never imagined it to be so large! Are they owner occupied, or mainly investors/ASU rentals? Imagine if those lined several of the empty streets between College and Mill? And, The Vale was built on Mill/3rd parking lot? And, Merrion Square the corner of Farmer/Uni? You get the point.

I think it's been made clear that Tempe will build out its core sooner rather than later, I just hope the projects are as diverse (especially with regard to offering a wide range of owner occupied units in varying heights and architectural styles) and pedestrian-oriented as these ones from "the boom" were. I also hope that a focus on infill soon follows the "mega project" wave that seems to be occurring, especially within the 5th-University, College-Mill area, before ASU's campus builds out adjacent to Mill. Hopefully, The Yard will be the catalyst for that as W6 was for larger projects.

Just a random rant; to end with yet another irrelevant thought: this project from Hanover looks almost identical to Tempe's. As if I wasn't already enraged by the design, what I thought were going to be higher-end exterior finishes look incredibly cheap. I don't think I will ever stop ranting about this project. Shit design, underutilization of the lot, cheap materials, drawn out construction schedule... At least it isn't fenced in...

http://www.hanoverco.com/portfolio/2691/2188/

Aside from the minimal setback, there ain't a thing about this I want in my downtown.

[Jjs5056]

A quick update on the University Streetscape Project. I've been in contact with the PM whose been really helpful and happy to answer any/all questions. I had raised some concern regarding the lack of shade and provided some alternatives, but while he definitely understands and has heard similar disappointment, the budget obviously was the major constraint when taking into consideration the two new crossings being installed at Farmer and Roosevelt. He liked all of my ideas for including shade that wouldn't require lane reduction, or acquiring additional ROW for huge shade trees, and mentioned that he feels the City will continue to make phased improvements along the corridor. Not sure how much of that is real, or just to shut me up, but there you have it.

Public Art - Arquitect, I believe it was you who had a question on the public art; that's still part of the project, and will be presented during an April meeting. Once it's narrowed down, the options should make their way online.

Ash Ave Crossing - While not officially part of this scope, he believes that the city will indeed be reviewing and making modifications to this crossing for this project. Not sure whether that means through traffic will be allowed, or better signage and enforcement of the current rule will be added, though.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

A quick update on the University Streetscape Project. I've been in contact with the PM whose been really helpful and happy to answer any/all questions. I had raised some concern regarding the lack of shade and provided some alternatives, but while he definitely understands and has heard similar disappointment, the budget obviously was the major constraint when taking into consideration the two new crossings being installed at Farmer and Roosevelt. He liked all of my ideas for including shade that wouldn't require lane reduction, or acquiring additional ROW for huge shade trees, and mentioned that he feels the City will continue to make phased improvements along the corridor. Not sure how much of that is real, or just to shut me up, but there you have it.

Public Art - Arquitect, I believe it was you who had a question on the public art; that's still part of the project, and will be presented during an April meeting. Once it's narrowed down, the options should make their way online.

Ash Ave Crossing - While not officially part of this scope, he believes that the city will indeed be reviewing and making modifications to this crossing for this project. Not sure whether that means through traffic will be allowed, or better signage and enforcement of the current rule will be added, though.

Ash will be dealt with once the street car comes in. That is what my colleague at the city of Tempe told me. The street car project will in itself be a streetscape project, since they are going to be adding a lot of improvements in the areas that are already going to be shut-down for the street-car's construction.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Ash will be dealt with once the street car comes in. That is what my colleague at the city of Tempe told me. The street car project will in itself be a streetscape project, since they are going to be adding a lot of improvements in the areas that are already going to be shut-down for the street-car's construction.

Oh, okay. Maybe there will be some temporary solution, then, seeing how far off the streetcar is (2017)? Would it be that harmful to simply allow through traffic? I haven't a clue, and I'm sure there is a reason for the current rule.

The recommended streetcar route should be presented to the City Council this spring. While they're focusing on the 2 alternatives previously released, they aren't necessarily set in stone. I go back and forth with what I hope happens; all I know is Apache should be left off entirely. I'd almost rather see a phased out plan before they select an initial line, as there are so many areas beyond downtown that could benefit from streetcar: Fountainhead at Priest/Alameda; South Shore Lake Developments (West); South Shore Lake Developments (East); Tempe Marketplace + Cubs Extension; Papago Park Region...

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Uh oh. I think criticizing the parasols at Gammage are a no-no. In other words, I completely agree, expressed concern when the renderings were first released, and most responses indicated it wasn't anything worth discussing.

Both these and the ones installed at the MU were terrible- the idea and the execution. Why would it be appropriate to install parasols over an existing shade structure that serves as a public art piece (MU)? Or, to rip out landscaping and install them along a parkway that leads to the most iconic building on an otherwise cheaply built, beige infected campus (Ganmage)?

These brutalist panels should be saved for the tops of buildings and parking structures. For malls/parks/ground level, they really need to turn to more artistic design. Even the ones at Civic Space, while basic, are more aesthetic than these scifi monstrosities.

Well they wouldn't dare install one on Gammage's rooftop yet I don't get why they haven't place on atop the MU addition (southeast corner). Like I said before it would have been better suited to relocate the Studio Ma shade canopy elsewhere on campus like on Forest Mall by Art Building or between Psychology Buildings by McAllister Mall.

Speaking of Gammage's past landscaping...



In related news

Tempe Set To Complete Solar Panel Project

Tempe will install the final solar panel at its South Water Treatment Plant this Friday. It will flip the switch for a partnership with the city, SRP and panel installer Solar City. Tempe Vice Mayor Onnie Shekerjian said this is just the start for other solar projects around the city.

“We’ve got some other really neat solar projects were going to be looking at in the future. In order for us to think of ourselves as being on the cutting edge, and we like to think of ourselves that way as a city,” Shekerjian said.

About 3,000 solar panels will generate more than 1.6 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, supplying 15 percent of the plant’s power needs. A similar project is in the works to put solar panels on Tempe’s police and courts building and another waste water treatment plant.

[Spitfiredude]

Looks like construction is going to start on USA Place soon. They have blocked over half the parking lot off at this point and look like they're moving eastward with blocking it off. More progress than I've seen before.

Also, the intersections of Rural/Apache and Rural/University now have pavers marking the crosswalks at the intersections. It looks pretty good. They look like the ones at univ/Mill or Mill/5th st, but probably 1'X1' pavers.

[ASUSunDevil]

Apparently The Lodge could end up across the street from The Yard, Madison Improvement and Lolo's Coffee? Curious to see how this all ends up getting developed....

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2014/03/the-sail-inn-tempe-closing.php

[Jjs5056]

That's kind of a shame. Part of the charm of that development, and that neighborhood, is how eclectic it is. Great places happen when people of different interests come together in one area. Live, rock performances across from the semi-yuppy Yard sounded like urban heaven. Tempe is also a market oversaturated with bars and clubs; yes, the Madison is different, but losing a live music venue is a negative regardless. Too bad it couldn't somehow be moved south of the new development.

I also have one of my first memories of Arizona there. On my first trip out there, my sister took me on an excursion to try and find... herbs. Having no luck at Circle K or outside The Hippie Gypsy, she tried The Sail Inn and was finally successfully. Later spending 7 years there, I realize what a dumb idea what was, but it was definitely an experience!

[ciweiss]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/...anding-into-downtown-tempe-with-new.html


NYPD Pizza expanding into downtown Tempe with new restaurant

Phoenix-based NYPD Pizza has inked a lease deal to open a new restaurant in downtown Tempe.
The New York-style pizzeria chain will open its 11th location in at 222 S. Mill Ave. Suite 127 on the northwest corner of Third Street and Mill. The restaurant will open this summer inside the Tempe Gateway building.
NYPD’s new Mill Ave. restaurant will be the chain’s 11th. The company will hire 50 to staff the 2,200-square-foot restaurant.
The move brings the local pizza chain to the heart of Tempe, directly across from the Mill Ave./Third Street Metro Light Rail stop, just blocks from Arizona State University.
With approximately 140,000 corporate workers within a 3-mile radius, the location is highly sought-after real estate.
“Tempe is a dining and entertainment destination unlike any other in town,” said NYPD CEO Rich Stark. “Mill Avenue is bustling like it never has before and we are excited to be part of the neighborhood’s renaissance.”
Mill has seen a resurgence in recent years following the trough of the economic downturn, with a number of new restaurants and other businesses opening up along Tempe’s main urban drag.
“NYPD Pizza makes a great product – I know that from personal experience,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “They will be a terrific addition to downtown Tempe.”
Founded in 1996, NYPD has been expanding over the past two years, opening a franchised location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4 as well as a company-owned store at Seventh Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. The chain also remodeled its Biltmore location at Camelback Road and 20th Street in December.
NYPD is continually looking for expansion opportunities, Stark said, adding that his chain recently received approval for a new store at Sky Harbor's Terminal 2.

[PHXFlyer16]

Nice! I never saw that PitaPit on Mill until yesterday. I noticed Zips is open and PACKED!

Also, Hanover is going vertical, but nothing still on USA Place

[Spitfiredude]

I will soon be posting Hanover photos. USA Place is ticking me off. As soon as I spoke about them blocking more off they reopened it. Jeez...I hope this one actually lifts off and isn't a bust.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

I will soon be posting Hanover photos. USA Place is ticking me off. As soon as I spoke about them blocking more off they reopened it. Jeez...I hope this one actually lifts off and isn't a bust.

Peeps... relax! USA Place is a reality, it will happen. Yet, it is a very complicated project since they are dealing with both city of Tempe bureaucracy and ASU bureaucracy, plus the issues of having to do such a large project. It takes a lot of prep-work. I can also guarantee that due to the sheer size of the development, it will be well-over a year and a half from site work to opening. My best guess is that construction will start in the summer and it will probably open in earl 2016.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Peeps... relax! USA Place is a reality, it will happen. Yet, it is a very complicated project since they are dealing with both city of Tempe bureaucracy and ASU bureaucracy, plus the issues of having to do such a large project. It takes a lot of prep-work. I can also guarantee that due to the sheer size of the development, it will be well-over a year and a half from site work to opening. My best guess is that construction will start in the summer and it will probably open in earl 2016.

Can't blame all the angst; we've been promised many grand projects for that intersection over the years. Original articles also indicated that the hotel was required to be operational by the end of 2014, so I think people just want an update.

I agree that it's happening- without USA Basketball, I would have doubts. I suppose Omni could pull out as Tempe has continually lost higher end brands it briefly attracts, but I think we're set.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Can't blame all the angst; we've been promised many grand projects for that intersection over the years. Original articles also indicated that the hotel was required to be operational by the end of 2014, so I think people just want an update.

I agree that it's happening- without USA Basketball, I would have doubts. I suppose Omni could pull out as Tempe has continually lost higher end brands it briefly attracts, but I think we're set.

End of 2014 was being too optimistic, even when it was proposed. However, it does seem like certain elements will open before others. The hotel is going to be the first piece to be built, and will probably open around summer time next year. The residential component will probably be the last portion to open.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

End of 2014 was being too optimistic, even when it was proposed. However, it does seem like certain elements will open before others. The hotel is going to be the first piece to be built, and will probably open around summer time next year. The residential component will probably be the last portion to open.

Thanks. That's disappointing re: the residential component. The initial plans were for the hotel and pieces of the retail and residential to be completed in the first phase. There was quite a bit of retail planned, including a grocer, which really need the built-in residential support.

I also just happen to love the style of residential they've designed; the streets lined with retail and residential on top. I'd be very disappointed if that part of the project never pans out. Mill also needs to continue adding to its stock of non-student/senior residential, and this will (hopefully) be a great gateway to an even more vibrant downtown.

[MegaBass]

Marina Heights Update h/t Urban Realty

live video stream of the construction site