Phoenix Development News (3)

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Wow that's pretty great. Also had no idea that it would be 14 stories high...how tall is the current Portland Place?

Yes, Portland on the Park is an amazing project. The mix of options available between the 3 towers is extremely smart and creates a really urban-feeling look to the development. There is also ground level retail along Portland that will add to the vibe already set by FEZ and Fair Trade Coffee across the way.

This rendering is stunning: http://www.portlandparkcondos.com/

Portland Place is 7 stories, IIRC.

[Jjs5056]

And, the south Roosevelt Row area between Garfield and McKinley continues to improve and take shape. I hope the momentum continues and if this project is any precedent, that there are some new construction projects in addition to the reuse ones.

801 N 2nd St (south of FilmBar, fronting Monroe) will not only house Next Level arcade bar as mentioned previously, but also Antique Sugar - a vintage clothing store - and an architectural firm.
http://www.downtownphoenixjournal.com/2015/02/25/wire-antique-sugar-moves-roro/

If anyone is in the area, I'd love to see a construction update, as they're set to open April 1.

In other south Roosevelt Row news, The Velo bike shop is adding liquor to their already-existing coffee bar, and has plans for a massage parlor as well. Sounds like an awesome place, and the diversity of uses should help it stay profitable.

[PHX31]

What is happening to the old Schlotzky's at Central & Virginia? Looks like either Switch is expanding into the space, or someone else is doing a major renovation to the great old brick building. I really wish that billboard wasn't smack dab against the south wall of the building, it totally hides it.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by PHX31

What is happening to the old Schlotzky's at Central & Virginia? Looks like either Switch is expanding into the space, or someone else is doing a major renovation to the great old brick building. I really wish that billboard wasn't smack dab against the south wall of the building, it totally hides it.

It will be home to a new place called Corduroy under the same ownership of Switch and Fez.

[PHXFlyer11]

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loca...-home-super-bowl-climbing-wall/24027377/

Good.

[exit2lef]

Concerns over historic preservation and gentrification on Roosevelt Row are the cover story of the New Times this week:

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2015/02/roosevelt_row_gentrification_art_district.php

I don't agree with everything written, but the article is far more balanced than anything I've seen from the Save Roosevelt Row movement.

[nickw252]

12th St and Washington. The tower crane is pretty tall and it's already at 4 floors. How tall is this supposed to be? Should bring good density to the area and plenty of light-rail riders.

[azsunsurfer]

If you paid attention to the elevator cores it appears to be 5 stories....

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

If you paid attention to the elevator cores it appears to be 5 stories....

4 stories over 1 level parking. Not everyone knows how to judge a project by an elevator core.

Thank you for your photo, Nick. While it's a big downgrade from the 12-story mixed use apartments originally planned, it'll still add a bit of density to a part of the light rail that has little demand.

[combusean]

An article about the Fillmore acreage that's going under RFP is in the paper today doesn't have much news about that project, but a little more about Alta Fillmore is shared.

[N]ational developer Wood Partners will build its Alta Fillmore project south of Fillmore Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

The project includes two four-story buildings and two three-story buildings on about 4 acres, according to preliminary site plans. Roughly 230 units, a clubhouse and pool will replace buildings currently on the site, including a vacant school.

Another building on part of the site — formerly a car dealership — has an interesting backstory but is not eligible for historic designation in its current state, said Historic Preservation Officer Michelle Dodds.

Wood Partners will focus on an urban, pedestrian project that is one of several similar projects in the Valley under the "Alta" name, said Phoenix Director Todd Taylor.

Alta Fillmore will be primarily studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments targeted at younger professionals — likely the type who would grab dinner or a drink at The Vig after work, Taylor said.

"We think that area has tremendous potential for what the Generation Y cohort is looking for," he said.

The company has yet to determine how much apartments will rent for, Taylor said.

Members of the Roosevelt Action Association, representing neighbors near the project, support infill and growth in the area, President Karl Obergh said. Many are especially interested in the possibility of a school and retail space included in the vision for the city's part, he said.

Neighbors will continue to work with the Alta Fillmore developers, Obergh said, on potential concerns about that complex — especially plans for large walls surrounding the site. The association will look for connectivity between the development and what the city approves for its site, he said.

"We just want to make sure it fits our community," Obergh said.

Alta Fillmore will be gated without a pathway cutting through the block for public use, Taylor said, but will still be active along the street. The company plans to begin renting in mid-2016.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loca...ed-development-fillmore-street/24066615/

I'm not quite sure how something can have walls and be activated. I also thought Urban Form was so we didn't build 1990s-style gated crap downtown, but I suppose complaining about that has progressed to the point of beating the mushy remains of the dead horse. =/

[PHX31]

Groundbreaking for the Union at Roosevelt is tomorrow finally! http://www.sustainablecommunitiescollaborative.com/

Hopefully the groundbreaking for Portland at the Park in "the Spring" will mean earlier rather than later.

Gotta say - for all the bitching we do here, there really is a lot going on downtown. We've got several 10+ story buildings under construction or relatively imminent, quite a few smaller residential projects in line, and a lot of little renovation and reconstruction projects and small businesses opening.

I can remember being here years and years ago. I remember discussing the original Phelps Dodge building being built, which was a HUGE event, but I also remember nothing even being close to being built or even proposed downtown.

Where we are now is incredible progress. Be thankful and enjoy what is going on and what is on the horizon.

[ASU Diablo]

So not sure if this is new news or not...but spoke to one of the MetroWest developers about Union. Apparently, there is A LOT of interest already for the ground-level retail and they are trying to determine what will be the best mix to really activate the area. Also, the ugly power lines behind the lot will also be buried. He also expressed a lot of the ideas and interest around the surrounding properties which makes me quite excited as a future resident. I definitely agree w/ PHX31's comments, it's an exciting time.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Originally Posted by PHX31

Gotta say - for all the bitching we do here, there really is a lot going on downtown. We've got several 10+ story buildings under construction or relatively imminent, quite a few smaller residential projects in line, and a lot of little renovation and reconstruction projects and small businesses opening.

I am in the CBD today enjoying my Panera Bread and was thinking the same exact thing when I took a spin around to check out everything going on. The number of projects going on or getting ready to happen is really quite a lot.

Since living here, I've always been amazed at the amount of bashing Phoenix gets even though I myself consider this to be a large amount of development. When I lived in Dayton, we were lucky to get a retail store to open downtown once per year...if even that. Cincinnati can't even claim this many projects and it's going through a large downtown renaissance currently.

I think the problem with Phoenix is there is just a much LARGER area of land to cover with these projects, and you just don't grasp the amount of projects going on because of the amount of space in between. If all these projects were happening in 1 square mile, it would be incredible! Portland on the Park, Union @Roosevelt, UofA Bio Center, ASU Lawschool, Luhrs Renovations/Marriott Hotel, Central Station, quite a few multi-family unit projects and from what I see, a ton of renovations, additions, etc. are really starting to amount to quite a bit.

IMO, I really think this is just the tip of the berg. I feel like Phoenix is getting ready for a big surge heading towards 2020.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Originally Posted by airomero83

So not sure if this is new news or not...but spoke to one of the MetroWest developers about Union while contemplating to buy a unit at TownHomes at 3rd (which I am btw, very impressed). Apparently, there is A LOT of interest already for the ground-level retail and they are trying to determine what will be the best mix to really activate the area. Also, the ugly power lines behind the lot will also be buried. He also expressed a lot of the ideas and interest around the surrounding properties which makes me quite excited as a future resident of Roosevelt. I definitely agree w/ PHX31's comments, it's an exciting time.

Ahh, power lines. My BIGGEST gripe about the Phoenix area. I swear if I won the Powerball, I would donate it to Phoenix/Tempe/Arizona to bury all these damn lines. Creates such an eysore and gets in the way of a lot of potential developments

[soled]

Originally Posted by airomero83

Also, the ugly power lines behind the lot will also be buried.

Did he say by any chance anything about the huge steel utility pole right in front of the property?

I imagine I'm probably asking this in vain, because it seems like this one in particular would be prohibitively expensive to remove.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Looks like Bank of America is getting a paintjob...

[azsunsurfer]

If there is so much interest for Union then explain why is it that Roosevelt Point can't lease their retail space?

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by soled

Did he say by any chance anything about the huge steel utility pole right in front of the property?

I imagine I'm probably asking this in vain, because it seems like this one in particular would be prohibitively expensive to remove.

Not 100% sure about the steel one, but the ugly brown wooden ones for sure, those than line up against the alley in the back.

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

If there is so much interest for Union then explain why is it that Roosevelt Point can't lease their retail space?

Couldn't tell ya...just relaying what they said

[doppelbanger]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

If there is so much interest for Union then explain why is it that Roosevelt Point can't lease their retail space?

My guess is location. Union is next to the light rail and Central and 1st ave get much more foot traffic than 3rd or 4th. Union also will have several other apartment complexes directly across the street that have well established retail creating more of a hub.

[HooverDam]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

If there is so much interest for Union then explain why is it that Roosevelt Point can't lease their retail space?

Go stick your face against the window of Roosevelt Point's retail space and tell me if you can't figure out why it's unleased.

Don't have time? I'll give you a hint: It's completely unfinished! There are no floors, no pipes, nothing! If you want to put anything in there, you have to do 100% of the TI yourself. The "retail" in Roosevelt Point was built to meet the letter of the zoning ordinance but certainly not the spirit.

I had a friend who wanted to move her Yoga studio from Arcadia to Downtown and looked at Roosevelt Point. Usually the TI for a yoga studio is some mirrors and not much else. But at Roosevelt Point she would've had to pour concrete floors, finish the walls, etc and it was way too costly.

So let's not condemn the idea of ground floor retail and use moronoically designed places like Roosevelt Point or Tapestry on Central as examples.