Tempe Development Thread

[combusean]

Ahh, yeah. I was originally responding to another poster who said these apartments were crap, but I think they'll be better for the community than another chunk of even more expensive condos there.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Not a hugely spectacular development, but some infill and a little height along the 101.

October 13, 2015
Widewaters Hotels is putting the finishing touches on initial plans to build a five-story, 228-room, dual branded hotel in Tempe. When completed, Widewaters will operate the facility under both the Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites flags.

The six acre site at 7200 S Price Rd., just south of Guadalupe Road, will be a ground-up build. Construction is planned to begin in December and last 18 months. Plans also call for 5KSF of restaurant space on site.

Widewaters currently operates 12 hotels in eight states.

The hotels will feature separate registration desks and distinct room layouts but will share amenities like the swimming pool and fitness areas.

http://azbex.com/widewaters-to-develop-2-hotels-in-tempe/

[Obadno]

Originally Posted by RonnieFoos

Not a hugely spectacular development, but some infill and a little height along the 101.



http://azbex.com/widewaters-to-develop-2-hotels-in-tempe/

Yes this is part of the Discovery Business campus which is making pretty good progress over the last 2 years.

Even though this and the ASU research park are super suburban they are nice class A offices and are better than the dirt that was there before.

Plus its a suburban area anyway.

[CrestedSaguaro]

More struggles with Southbank. I didn't think this was a bad development and 7 floors was decent height for the location along the lake.

Infighting among property owners at Tempe's undeveloped Southbank project on Tempe Town Lake has apparently sunk plans for more than 1,000 luxury apartments near Rio Salado Parkway and Rural Road.

Texas-based JLB Partners was seeking City Council approval for two mid-rise apartment buildings on the south side of the lake, where plans for a dense, urban mixed-use center have stalled for years.

The developer proposed a seven-story apartment building closest to the water, with a pool area facing the lake and a small amount of retail space on the ground floor. Another six-story apartment building was planned on Rio Salado, also with some retail space and a handful of live-work units with built-in office space.

Plans for more than 1,000 luxury apartments on Tempe Town Lake are dead after a legal protest from an adjacent property owner.

Construction was scheduled to begin around the middle of next year, with the first residents moving in about two years later.

But JLB Partners withdrew those plans last month after an adjacent landowner filed a legal protest, contending that the project failed to meet the underlying vision for Southbank.

Development partner Kevin Ransil, of JLB, sent a letter to Tempe officials in September asking that the zoning case be removed from an upcoming City Council agenda.

"Unfortunately, it is clear that we need more time to examine the site and and to talk with council members about various options for the land," Ransil wrote. "JLB is still a Tempe property owner and we are committed to building something great on our land."

Ransil's letter did not say when development plans might return, stating only that the company will be back "in due time." Land use attorney Charles Huellmantel, representing JLB, declined comment.

Early on, the Southbank apartments appeared on track for city approval when Tempe's Development Review Commission cast its support for the project in June, though the vote was not unanimous.

Developer Robert Fransway, who owns a lot in Southbank adjacent to the proposed JLB project, filed a formal protest on July 2. As a result, a supermajority of the City Council, or six of seven votes, was required to approve the development.

Fransway argued the JLB proposal did not show a "sincere attempt to become an important connected part of a larger district" at Southbank, the largest undeveloped parcel remaining on the lake.

"There are dozens of sites throughout Tempe and the southeast Valley in need of revitalization where such development can and should be built, but it is not worthy of the Southbank vision," Fransway argued.

That vision includes a dense mix of residential units, street-level retail shops, hotels, offices and public plazas. The city owns six lots within the project, while another four are privately owned.

A third developer, Tod Decker of Valhalla Cos., wrote a letter to city officials expressing his interest in developing a 22-story hotel/condo tower at Southbank and casting support for the JLB project.

"We are excited about their project and design and believe it will fit in harmony with the hotel experience we are trying to provide," Decker wrote.

Tempe City Councilman Kolby Granville said he would have supported JLB's plans for the mid-rise apartment building closest to the lake but wanted to see something taller along Rio Salado.

"For Tempe, Town Lake is the best property we will ever have in the next 100 years," Granville said. "It's just outstanding views, outstanding location, a hub of activity. For me, it's got to be made of steel, dense and a building that will stand the test of time."

The lone exception to that rule would be for structures built right on the lake's edge, which should be shorter to avoid blocking views from the towers behind them, Granville said.

On another lot within Southbank, J Mitchell Advisors expects to soon start construction soon on a 17-story senior-living complex, with the first residents moving in by 2017. The tower, which will feature a 17th-floor bistro and cocktail lounge, will bring a dramatic addition to Tempe’s rapidly growing skyline along the lake.

That will likely be the first real development to materialize within Southbank, a project that has been through multiple iterations over the years.

Plans for a complex called Pier 202 came forward in 2006 and featured nine high-rise buildings on 27 acres. That included a 285-room hotel and about 1,500 residential units.

In 2008, Scottsdale-based Wolff Co. proposed 3.6 million square feet of residential, office, retail and hotel space — along with a central plaza, boardwalk and pier. Wolff had purchased the land in 2007 from Pier 202 for $43 million. Construction was to start in 2009 and last about eight years, but work never progressed beyond the half-dozen crater-like pits that still remain.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loca...-lake-apartments-housing-plans/73527422/

[combusean]

I think the problem with this wasn't so much the 7 story lakefront project but the 6 story Rio Salado project.

Developers want shorter heights along the lake to allow for towers further behind.

[Obadno]

Originally Posted by combusean

I think the problem with this wasn't so much the 7 story lakefront project but the 6 story Rio Salado project.

Developers want shorter heights along the lake to allow for towers further behind.

that makes sense that means the lake units and the lake-view units across the street can both be premium instead of lake towers and then regular old apartments without views behind.

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by Obadno

that makes sense that means the lake units and the lake-view units across the street can both be premium instead of lake towers and then regular old apartments without views behind.

OR you stagger the towers! What a concept! Overall, happy though. Right now some may be OK with 7 stories, but there is very little lakefront land available for high-rise and demand seems to be growing. In 10 years this will be a great decision to block this project.

[azsunsurfer]

With the flight path I think that area is probably the only portion of the lake that could realistically allow taller buildings (20ish stories). I really think there, the projects that have been approved around Mill and the ASU District are the only areas in Tempe where would you get away with a "tower".

Speaking of the ASU District, I thought they were going to announce the first phase this fall to start construction next year? I believe it was the corner of Rural and University? No new on it?

[CrestedSaguaro]

Originally Posted by combusean

I think the problem with this wasn't so much the 7 story lakefront project but the 6 story Rio Salado project.

Developers want shorter heights along the lake to allow for towers further behind.

Ah. I just skimmed over the article and didn't catch the 6 story apartments on Rio Salado. Yea, that needs to be WAY taller. I think the 7 floor proposal would be OK on the lakefront since any high rise proposed behind it would be in the 250' to 300'+ range. That should be more than enough height to overlook the 7 floor apartment complex. I just don't want them to scrap the 7 floors and be forced into something silly like 4 floors. Doubt that would happen, but this is Arizona!

[azsunsurfer]

Couple of interesting things I read from October's Tempe Development Report

-There is some proposal for the lot right west of Argo/ Skywater (whatever its called this week). 90' tall mixed use residential/ retail. I thought a brewery was going in here? Maybe a different lot? Anyway it hasn't been discussed before/ no renderings yet.

-Broadstone on the Lake was approved.

-The Grove (1000 west Apache) is finally in permitting. This will make an impact on the skyline near the end of Apache where the Vue is. Glad to see it break ground soon after being proposed for years and years...

-Across the street, the old Chamber of Commerce building is getting knocked down for a CVS. We'll see if it's as pedestrian friendly as the one on Mill is. Being so close to the University and those residences I am sure it will emulate it.

-Also the Chase Complex is asking for an expansion of the garage...not sure how that is going to turn out or how many floors it will be.

-Looks like work finished up on the first phase of the Discovery Center (Northern Trust Building(s)) and building two is in permitting.

-Amazon signed a leased for HFL III. Don't think it was brought up before? Good to see them land there.

-Also as much as people despise the Liberty Center Development, there are a lot of TI projects going forward meaning it's doing well with leasing. It's good for the region to have jobs come here especially what it means for multi-family in Tempe.

[Obadno]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Couple of interesting things I read from October's Tempe Development Report


-Also as much as people despise the Liberty Center Development, there are a lot of TI projects going forward meaning it's doing well with leasing. It's good for the region to have jobs come here especially what it means for multi-family in Tempe.

Liberty trust isn't that bad, its a suburban office complex in an area of suburban office complexes, its under the runway so it was never going to be tall, the neighborhood there doesn't call for it.

And despite that it actually is closer to the street than the other similar projects you would find along the 101/Price and most of the parking is in garages instead of surface parking.

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Couple of interesting things I read from October's Tempe Development Report

-There is some proposal for the lot right west of Argo/ Skywater (whatever its called this week). 90' tall mixed use residential/ retail. I thought a brewery was going in here? Maybe a different lot? Anyway it hasn't been discussed before/ no renderings yet.

-Broadstone on the Lake was approved.

So I know Cartel Brewery is opening 2nd location at 922 W. 1st Street. Is this it??

more news about Broadstone on the Lake
http://azbex.com/design-continues-for-broadstone-lakeside/

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Couple of interesting things I read from October's Tempe Development Report

-There is some proposal for the lot right west of Argo/ Skywater (whatever its called this week). 90' tall mixed use residential/ retail. I thought a brewery was going in here? Maybe a different lot? Anyway it hasn't been discussed before/ no renderings yet.

-Broadstone on the Lake was approved.

-The Grove (1000 west Apache) is finally in permitting. This will make an impact on the skyline near the end of Apache where the Vue is. Glad to see it break ground soon after being proposed for years and years...

-Across the street, the old Chamber of Commerce building is getting knocked down for a CVS. We'll see if it's as pedestrian friendly as the one on Mill is. Being so close to the University and those residences I am sure it will emulate it.

-Also the Chase Complex is asking for an expansion of the garage...not sure how that is going to turn out or how many floors it will be.

-Looks like work finished up on the first phase of the Discovery Center (Northern Trust Building(s)) and building two is in permitting.

-Amazon signed a leased for HFL III. Don't think it was brought up before? Good to see them land there.

-Also as much as people despise the Liberty Center Development, there are a lot of TI projects going forward meaning it's doing well with leasing. It's good for the region to have jobs come here especially what it means for multi-family in Tempe.

- The 1st Street project has been discussed. It's called Crescent and will be a mix of residential and live/work units. The brewery - Dog and Pony - is still planned nearby, though residents appealed its use permits and it won't have food trucks anymore (but, luckily, was able to keep the business, and add a front patio).
- I'd be surprised if the Apache CVS is modeled after Mill's. IIRC, Mill is one of 2 or 3 nationwide with two separate entrances. I don't see them spending that money in an area that Tempe isn't anywhere near as picky when it comes to urban design. It'd be nice, though.
- Not surprised Chase is adding floors considering they wanted to use the old Mosaic site for more parking. IMO, two small office buildings aren't worth the land being wasted on those two monstrous garages along Ash. Considering how little of Ash is actually developable with the curve, tracks, etc., redeveloping the land where the garages are (into mixed use garages at the very least) was important if Ash was going to take advantage of the streetcar route. This makes the lame 6-story apartment proposal for Ash/University even lamer, as the garage will actually be taller.

Originally Posted by combusean

Ahh, yeah. I was originally responding to another poster who said these apartments were crap, but I think they'll be better for the community than another chunk of even more expensive condos there.

Yes, The Jefferson is denser, but no way does Tempe prefer an apartment filled with students vs. a less-dense one with older homeowners. Hanover, 7S, and other market rate apartments are very upfront about the barriers they are putting up to ensure residents are 21+ (which is getting Hanover in trouble); and, Tempe is in the middle of developing a set of standards for giving apartments "condo quality" recognition in hopes that more developers will build high quality products that are converted in the future.

It's funny how much resistance was put up against the Southbank proposals. I'm not sure what the obsession is with this development property, when it is so far from downtown and disconnected from any mass transit, etc. 4-story SALT and 5-story AC Marriott were approved without any concerns in much more urban locations. I'm glad the development was split up, yet the roads are already in place. It'll prevent what's happened at HFL - an awkward dead-end at the property line adjacent to SALT. SALT, Marina Heights, and HFL should have all been connected to each other.

The owner of 2 parcels from the old M7 on Mill/7th St has put them up for sale. That's a shame since they were the more ambitious landowner and were actively trying to pursue a joint venture with the owner of the middle parcel. Unless that developer purchases these, there's little chance of a decent-sized project being built there. While superblocks suck, it'd suck to see that entire block filled with 1-2 story retail buildings.

[CrestedSaguaro]

An obstruction evaluation was submitted on the 15th for a 310' tower called "the Tempe Towers" for the corner of Ash and 5th with a construction start date of Jan. 2017. Does anyone have more information on this project?

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by RonnieFoos

An obstruction evaluation was submitted on the 15th for a 310' tower called "the Tempe Towers" for the corner of Ash and 5th with a construction start date of Jan. 2017. Does anyone have more information on this project?

Interesting... I think there was a recent article that this land was purchased by Bob Parsons (GoDaddy Founder).

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

Interesting... I think there was a recent article that this land was purchased by Bob Parsons (GoDaddy Founder).

If that's the land he owns, it's probably all entitlements/investment action. No way he builds.

[azsunsurfer]

Originally Posted by PHX31

If that's the land he owns, it's probably all entitlements/investment action. No way he builds.

Agreed. He's going to shop it around to developers once he can entitle it (maximum height/ density) and just flip the property.

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by azsunsurfer

Agreed. He's going to shop it around to developers once he can entitle it (maximum height/ density) and just flip the property.

I agree as well. As far as I know, he's never built anything. It'd be great if he wanted to actually become a developer, but seems to just be an investor.

[ciweiss]

More good news for Tempe.

Home Depot is opening a 111,000-square-foot, 800-worker customer service center in Tempe.

The Tempe back office center will provide customer support for products bought on HomeDepot.com. The Atlanta-based retailer already has 9,000 employees and 56 stores in Arizona.

The center is located near Broadway Road and Interstate 10 in Tempe.

The home improvement retailer recently opened a 1.6 million-square-foot center in northwest Ohio as well as others last year near Atlanta and Riverside, California.

Home Depot had annual revenue of $83.2 billion in its most fiscal year, according to Google Finance.

http://m.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2015/10/22/home-depot-opening-800-worker-online-customer.html

[asugrad]

There is movement on the empty lot on the corner of Terrace and Rural. Anyone know what's going on? I know there was previous plans for some towers, is that still a go?