Tempe Development Thread

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer16

Anyone else know if there is anything they can really "do" to enforce these new requirements? Also, do we have if downtown tempe is within the 10,000 foot range? what about downtown Phoenix?

A quick Google Earth measurement puts 10,000 feet from the edge of the runway at about Priest Drive, so anything east of Priest should not be impacted, which includes downtown Tempe. To the west, 10,000 feet would be just east of 7th Street.

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

I thought Hayden Hall was renovated around 2006/2007?

The Walk Only Zone site briefly had up what looked to be the next phases on Palm Walk and Tyler Mall between Bateman Physical Sciences Center and Engineering Center.

Arizona State Master Plan Update December 2011 (pdf)

That's awesome. I got my engineering degree from ASU so I'm intimately familiar with the Engineering Center. I used to think it was such a piece of sh!t back in the early 2000s. Glad to see they are going to demolish it and build something new.

[RichTempe]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer16

Anyone else know if there is anything they can really "do" to enforce these new requirements? Also, do we have if downtown tempe is within the 10,000 foot range? what about downtown Phoenix?

Originally Posted by RichTempe

Wouldn't 10,000 feet to the east of the runways at Sky Harbor be somewhere between Priest and Hardy? I'm just doing a rough estimate from Google maps, but it doesn't look like that new rule would impact downtown Tempe or anything along Ash currently proposed. It's a stupid change either way IMO.

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

A quick Google Earth measurement puts 10,000 feet from the edge of the runway at about Priest Drive, so anything east of Priest should not be impacted, which includes downtown Tempe. To the west, 10,000 feet would be just east of 7th Street.

I posted the same thing back on 6/24 and I think DevilsRider is correct.

[PHXFlyer16]

Lot going on!

First, I noticed that the AC Marriott plans for Hayden Ferry are now on the agenda for the Tempe DRC. Very underwhelming if you ask me, but it's a rather small lot and it is a nice win regardless. Just doesn't seem to match the rest of the design of those buildings, but that may actually be a good thing. Maybe there are too many rounded corners and too much blue glass. This could add some straight lines and contrast.

I assume the Lofts at Hayden Ferry will not be happening. I don't think that's a huge loss. With the rate Tempe is going, if that property hits the market it should be swooped up quickly and someone will likely propose something better than the apartments that were planned there (4 stories or 6, I forget?)

In regards to the 26-story planned building for 205 W. 5th, does anyone know if that is the entire lot? Essentially the entire parking lot that currently exists? If so, that is a HUGE lot. I would like to see the curved part of lot that faces 3rd street with light rail as a separate project. I guess we may not know until we see the plans.

I also noticed today that the lot directly North of Encore is all fenced off. It looks like something is to begin there. I don't recall, was there an Encore 2 in the works? I had hoped that with the W 6th and the new proposed 26 story tower at 205 that lots to the north and south of Encore on Farmer would get something more in the rage of 10-14 stories.

[Spitfiredude]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer16

Lot going on!

First, I noticed that the AC Marriott plans for Hayden Ferry are now on the agenda for the Tempe DRC. Very underwhelming if you ask me, but it's a rather small lot and it is a nice win regardless. Just doesn't seem to match the rest of the design of those buildings, but that may actually be a good thing. Maybe there are too many rounded corners and too much blue glass. This could add some straight lines and contrast.

I assume the Lofts at Hayden Ferry will not be happening. I don't think that's a huge loss. With the rate Tempe is going, if that property hits the market it should be swooped up quickly and someone will likely propose something better than the apartments that were planned there (4 stories or 6, I forget?)

In regards to the 26-story planned building for 205 W. 5th, does anyone know if that is the entire lot? Essentially the entire parking lot that currently exists? If so, that is a HUGE lot. I would like to see the curved part of lot that faces 3rd street with light rail as a separate project. I guess we may not know until we see the plans.

I also noticed today that the lot directly North of Encore is all fenced off. It looks like something is to begin there. I don't recall, was there an Encore 2 in the works? I had hoped that with the W 6th and the new proposed 26 story tower at 205 that lots to the north and south of Encore on Farmer would get something more in the rage of 10-14 stories.

Reported about a month ago about the lot north of Encore. No activity since. Honestly from my point of view, it looks like just temporary parking for July 4th or something. IDK. I think a proposed 4-6 story retirement building was suppose to go there.

The East 5th St project is suppose to include only the green building and covered parking. As in the lot stuck between the small covered lot and Hayden condos + north lot (are both owned by Tempe) are not included. That's as far as my understanding.

Hanover's parking garage is about 90% complete. Should be finished by Friday, but they obviously still have some facade work and interior garage work to do. I wouldn't be surprise if they open the parking garage portion by August.

HFL3 has a giant hole. No tower crane site yet.

I read an article that Skywater is renting their 1600 SF 3 bed 3 bath for $4300. Good luck with that. With that money you can get a 3 bed/3 bath penthouse at West 6th on the 20-29 floor. What a joke of a price. Way overpriced.

[PHXFlyer16]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

The East 5th St project is suppose to include only the green building and covered parking. As in the lot stuck between the small covered lot and Hayden condos + north lot (are both owned by Tempe) are not included. That's as far as my understanding.

I am really glad to hear that. No superblock! Ultimately Tempe will end up RFPing the land around that building out for development (of course to include public parking). This is probably the prime remaining lot West of Mill.

[Jjs5056]

The lot north of Encore is definitely for a sequel - 1 story shorter but with ground level retail. If Ash/University ever happens, hopefully the remainder are closer to 6-10.

Really hope the 5th street tower is for real, though it only makes buildings like Hanover, Encore, 5th/Maple (both sides- gray deadzone and smoke shop) stand out as poorly planned. Retail stretching to the tracks - and maybe further depending on Farmer - along 5th would've been great, and along with Ash/University could've formed the densest part of Tempe with the greatest heights.

[MegaBass]

The Memorial Union Starbucks is expanding into a whole new hang-out this summer as it is under construction to switch into the northwest corner, where Einstein Bros. Bagels now resides.

[MegaBass]

The installation of the structure for SDS sponsor signage is nearly complete h/t Sun Devil Athletics Senior Vice President Rocky Harris



Marina Heights h/t 12 News reporter Gia Vang

[MegaBass]

College Avenue Commons



Culinary Dropout

h/t Tom Tokoph of Urban Realty

[Jjs5056]

Some good news and some bad news. The city has a list of projects broken into phase from review through occupied.

http://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=25688
I'm not sure how accurate and active all the info is, but:

The Good
1) This may been posted, but TMP submitted plans for two, 4-story hotels on the eastern end of the site.
2) The Shops at Fountainhead are under review; even if they're developed to suburban standards, I admire the developer's efforts in creating a mixed use project in place of what was likely originally intended to be just another generic office park.
3) Hanover is listed as mixed use; I'll eat my hat if this project ends up including retail, but their garage or leasing office are probably being considered.
4) Apache continues to densify... 5-story project under review at Terrace/Apache and another adjacent to Grigio that looks like it would be similar in height given the acreage and dwelling units.
5) Possibly the first sign of investment spurred by ASU baseball's move? A StayBridge Suites is planned for the lot just S/E of SRP just before Mill turns to Van Buren.
6) "Snooze" is listed as the second restaurant moving to The Annex. Glad s tenant was found.

The Bad
Of course, I'm really critical, but I can't be alone in thinking/expecting more out of these sites:
1) Ash and University shows a mixed use res/retail under review; not sure what happened to the 21 stories discussed, because the max height is listed as 85' - same as Hanover, so 5 stories of residential over retail.
2) University Square submitted plans for a mixed use res/retail called "the Alec Warren;" no idea where the name came from, but I'm sure you can guess the height: 85' - 3.22 acres are listed, so I'm not sure if this is the whole site, or just a piece, but what a buzz kill if this is table is correct.

Are we really not at the point in Tempe where land and demand downtown supports the greater construction costs associated with pushing past 5 stories? If not now, then obviously never, as the market factors can't get any better - lack of inventory, incoming influx of business, high number of students, retail nearing 100% occupancy - and the lots have essentially dried up.

I can't find info on Ash/Uni or Uni Square, so I hope that it's true that plans were submitted, but that the rest is placeholder info or something?

The "Too Good to be True"
With that said, two of the remaining lots have big plans:
1) 5th/Ash is listed as under review for its 300' tower; at .77 acres, that brings over 300 units per acre to the core. I wish the guy wasn't a proven whack with a track record of poor decisions and failed projects.
2) "Rio+Mill" at 3 W Rio Salado shows a mixed use res/office/hotel at 191' - no idea if this is just a technicality and a holdover from the old 100 Mill days or what the legitimacy is, especially since I can't imagine another hotel really being built. But, 9-11 stories would be a nice break in the sea of 5 story building, while still allowing views and not overwhelming the streetscape.

[Spitfiredude]

The development at 230 W 5th is not by the same guy. The people who bought the site after he went bankrupt about 12-18 months ago were people who co-owned the site with him. They did not have a hand in the development. Once he went bankrupt (they were included with the bankruptcy of the site), they bought the remaining site off him. I'm not sure if they then sold it to a developer or planning development themselves, but we will find out.

As far as Ash/Mill. What a disappointment if true. That site deserves at least 100'. I don't think something above 250' is necessary, but jeez.

As far as Ash/Mill and University Square...if developed into 80-100' buildings, it wouldn't be the end of the world. There would still be USA Place, the 7th St/Mill lots, and two remaining lots at Ash/5th (next to the new tower). Plus all of Farmer and what not. But it is still disappointing without a doubt.

[azsunsurfer]

If you read JJ's link the Lofts at Hayden Ferry are happening (as I reported earlier). They are in the process of pulling permits. JJ I know im usually hard on you but thanks for the link. Anyone find some of the proposed projects interesting? There is one titled "Rio + Mill"- Mixed use/ hotel. I wonder which corner that is...im guess the Marquee theater site? Would be cool to see it redeveloped (and maybe incorporate a new live theater venue into the site?).

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

If you read JJ's link the Lofts at Hayden Ferry are happening (as I reported earlier). They are in the process of pulling permits. JJ I know im usually hard on you but thanks for the link. Anyone find some of the proposed projects interesting? There is one titled "Rio + Mill"- Mixed use/ hotel. I wonder which corner that is...im guess the Marquee theater site? Would be cool to see it redeveloped (and maybe incorporate a new live theater venue into the site?).

Rio + Mill has the address 3 W Rio Salado Pkwy, which Google maps places at the Tempe Beach Park parking lot. More likely, it's for 3 W 1st St, which is the Monti's/parking lot site, which I believe has had different proposals bandied about for years...Marquee is 730 N Mill Ave, and at Mill + Washington rather than Rio + Mill. Would love to see that site redeveloped too, while incorporating a venue as you mentioned, but it's probably not this one.

[azsunsurfer]

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

Rio + Mill has the address 3 W Rio Salado Pkwy, which Google maps places at the Tempe Beach Park parking lot. More likely, it's for 3 W 1st St, which is the Monti's/parking lot site, which I believe has had different proposals bandied about for years...Marquee is 730 N Mill Ave, and at Mill + Washington rather than Rio + Mill. Would love to see that site redeveloped too, while incorporating a venue as you mentioned, but it's probably not this one.

You're right Devil. I think its for that one story building on the western corner as well? It could also be for the Monti's complex?

[rocksteady]

I would love to see some of these old "Future Tempe Condos" on the bottom right come back to life.

http://www.weknowurban.com/Tempe/#Tempe-Lofts-and-Tempe-High-Rise-Condos

[Jjs5056]

"Rio + Mill" has to be the parking lot between Monti's and US Airways, if it is a real project. Given the community outcry last time around with developers trying to encroach upon the Monti's building and the slower economy, it wouldn't make sense for anyone to ruffle feather by messing with the historic site, especially after the recent upgrades.

Spitefire- thanks for clarification on 5th street; didn't mean to spread false info. Glad to hear that guy has no affiliation with the project.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by rocksteady

I would love to see some of these old "Future Tempe Condos" on the bottom right come back to life.

http://www.weknowurban.com/Tempe/#Tempe-Lofts-and-Tempe-High-Rise-Condos

Yes, the ones listed were probably the most important in balancing the city's mix of owner-occupied condos with investors, renters and students. Mosaic at Ash/Uni, Landsource at College/Veterans Way, Farmers Arts (midrise step-down with affordable housing and library amenities)... 100 Mill Ave/Monti's and University Square were, IMO, overbuilt, but still important parcels - the Monti's area to continue connecting the lake with downtown, and University Square to continue mixing uses of education, office, residential, etc. throughout downtown.

[dtnphx]

If something seemed like it was up...this is why....

Financing plans change for $350M USA Basketball/Omni Hotel project in Tempe

Financing plans have changed for the proposed $350 million USA Place development in downtown Tempe, and that is pushing back the timetable for the project.

Developers say they still are moving forward with the project.

The Tempe development is slated to be the new home of USA Basketball as well as a 330-room, 13-story Omni Hotel at Mill Avenue and University Drive.

Original plans called for the USA Basketball — the Jerry Colangelo-chaired group that puts together American national teams for the Olympics and other tournaments — to relocate its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Tempe in 2015. The Omni Hotel was also tentatively scheduled to open in 2015.

Now, developers and USA Basketball are looking at the fall of 2016 for construction to be completed and the sports group’s relocation to Arizona.

The USA Basketball move would also happen after 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, instead of before, as originally planned.

Susan Eastridge, CEO of Scottsdale-based Concord Eastridge and a principal of USA Place LLC, said financing for the project is going in a different direction than originally planned.

“Nothing is ‘delayed,” she said in statement to the Phoenix Business Journal.

Eastridge said original plans called for separate financing for the various components of the project including the hotel, apartment, commercial space and parking. “While this would have been an effective way to get the entire project financed, we had the opportunity to re-evaluate our financing approach and engage one large equity investor to finance the entire project,” Eastridge said. “We are completing that transaction now.”

The development sits on 10.5 acres of Arizona State University-owned land at the southeast corner of Mill and University. ASU has long sought to redevelop the parcel. A Chili’s restaurant at the corner of the parcel has been closed to accommodate the project.

The USA Place will lease the land from ASU. The school will get a 1,000-square-foot boardroom in a planned conference center next to the Omni hotel. Office space, 540 apartments, as well as a parking garage and underground parking are also part of the project.

Eastridge said development partners and Omni are still on board with the project.

Tempe business and real estate officials have been wondering about the status of the project and whether financing was delayed.

“It’s definitely not dead. People are talking about,” said Kate Borders, president of Downtown Tempe Community Inc.

Borders notes that Tempe has the lowest office vacancy rate in the state and there are number of commercial and residential developments in the works along Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake.

Colangelo — the former Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks owner — has been the chairman of USA Basketball since 2005. He was part of an effort in 2008 to move the basketball program to Glendale and the Main Street Glendale development. Main Street failed and went into foreclosure and USA Basketball canceled its Glendale plans in 2010.

Roughly three years later, the Colangelo group announced it was working with Eastridge and Los Angeles developer Michael Hallmark on the Tempe/ASU development.

Mike Sunnucks writes about politics, law, airlines, sports business and the economy.

[TempeSilverFox]

Originally Posted by dtnphx

If something seemed like it was up...this is why....

Financing plans change for $350M USA Basketball/Omni Hotel project in Tempe

Here is the link to the article. This is VERY exciting! So glad that this project is still alive! I'm also wondering if they are now able to obtain financing for the entire project through one source, I would think this bodes well for the entire project actually coming through? With the other method of piece by piece financing, I would think they would run the risk of parts of the project losing financing and then we end up with a project that looks nothing like what we were hoping for...

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/...lans-change-for-350m-usa-basketball.html