Tempe Development Thread

[nickw252]

Off topic

[Spitfiredude]

@phxSUNSfan
I just want to let you know that I am 100% a minority. I did not once say anything about minorities. You transform what I said to make me seem like I was talking about minorities. I was not. I have plenty of Black and Mexican friends. When I go to Fashion Square I feel WAY less judged than Biltmore. I lived in the Biltmore district and I felt judged all the time. I asked a gentleman if I could take a picture and/or pet his dog, he said no. I felt it was just because I was not his race. Fashion Square is much more diverse since people worldwide visit that center. I've seen all kinds of racial make-up in that building. Yes, white people are still a majority, but I am not going to stereotype all higher income people to be white and all lower income people to be lower income. There are plenty of whites in the lower income category.

@Jjs5056

How is it "horribly ignorant and offensive"? It's factual. People complained about the homeless on Mill and wanted the city to do something about it. Those people are lower income and many use the light rail (in addition to a wide range of other income), but I don't think it's ignorant at all to say the light rail shouldn't go into the city because they would come with it. It's absolutely true.

@nickw252

I did not say all people who rode the system is low income. I said "public transit would bring lower income people into Scottsdale.." You know why? Because 30-50% of the people who ride that system are lower income. 10% are sketchy people or homeless. I would also bet less than 10% who ride make six figures. I rode the light rail in college for 2 years straight. When I lived at 19th ave & Bethany Home (the ghetto) and 16th st & Highland. I am well off, but, unfortunately, I don't make six figures like you. And yes, I lived in the ghetto and was robbed multiple times. Finally made my way out so I don't have to deal with that anymore. I understand why people in Scottsdale don't want the 10% in their city, it's not in its character.



If I sound narrow minded, sure. But hear me out it is not in Scottsdale's interest to add light rail. The corridor on Scottsdale road from Apache to Fashion Square (6.4 miles) would hardly be useful for developmental property until Thomas. We're having trouble building density in Tempe/DT Phoenix, Rio Salado, Apache, etc., but everyone wants a line to Scottsdale. It hardly has any uses. It would not build density along Scottsdale (at least not until Thomas), it would not transfer many people into downtown phoenix (unless you want to commute for an hour on the light rail one way), it would not bring the people into Scottsdale that the city or people their want. Folk there complain about the clubs in downtown-can you imagine a light rail train. The only use for a light rail would be to connect Skysong with ASU or Mill Ave with Old Town nightlife. I do not think very many in north scottsdale would ride it and there is not enough density along Scottsdale for people to ride. My clarification would be to say that 25% of the problem would be the low income people. I do not think its offensive or ignorant to say. I have lived in a very low income neighborhood and rode the light rail daily for commute. I didn't mean to sound "ignorant" or "offensive". If you think I still do, get over it. Spending millions of dollars on a line to Scottsdale is worthless for that city. They aren't helping the residents and its a waste of taxpayers money.

[PHXFlyer11]

Who cares about all the garbage. Can we get back to actually talking about development?

[MegaBass]

Steve Patterson, Vice President for University Athletics from today's Twitter chat mentioned solar panels being installed over Farrington Stadium (softball). No further words on Sun Devil Stadium.

They're also allowing gameday grass parking again at Lot 59 East (south of Dickey Dome) to make up for Marina Heights.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Steve Patterson, Vice President for University Athletics from today's Twitter chat mentioned solar panels being installed over Farrington Stadium (softball). No further words on Sun Devil Stadium.

They're also allowing gameday grass parking again at Lot 59 East (south of Dickey Dome) to make up for Marina Heights.

Nice to see ASU adding even more solar. We should be hearing more about Sun Devil Stadium renovations as the season rolls along. They are allowing parking on the new soccer practice field (old band practice field)? Hopefully it isn't damaged given that it only has enough room for a few hundred cars, if that. It is slightly smaller than a full football field. What they should be encouraging is more transit use and more imbibing.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

Nice to see ASU adding even more solar. We should be hearing more about Sun Devil Stadium renovations as the season rolls along. They are allowing parking on the new soccer practice field (old band pratice field)? Hopefully it isn't damaged given that it only has enough room for a few hundred cars, if that. It is slightly smaller than a full football field. What they should be encouraging is more transit use and more imbibing.

I'm surprised we haven't heard anything yet. I remember that when the Athletics district info was released, they had a deadline to chose and announce the developer by April. But I bet we can almost guarantee that there be at least some solar in the new stadium.

Talking about solar, the solar parasol next to the Memorial Union is going up at the moment. The structure looks pretty impressive. At this pace, they probably will finish installing the panels by the time classes start back up.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

I'm surprised we haven't heard anything yet. I remember that when the Athletics district info was released, they had a deadline to chose and announce the developer by April. But I bet we can almost guarantee that there be at least some solar in the new stadium.

Talking about solar, the solar parasol next to the Memorial Union is going up at the moment. The structure looks pretty impressive. At this pace, they probably will finish installing the panels by the time classes start back up.

Great to hear about the parasols. I am going to have to make a trip soon to the center of campus to check it out. Isn't there work also going on at Hayden Library?

A developer for Sun Devil Stadium has already been selected. If you are an alumnus or member of the Sun Devil Club or an alumni association you should be receiving plenty of emails regarding the goings-on and fund raising functions. Things are moving quickly. One example related to football is that ASU has sold out of its allotment of tickets to the ASU v Notre Dame road game in Dallas. The "largest ever road game crowd" is expected. Just goes to show you the level of support and interest in Tempe.

The developer for SDS is Future Cities. The same developer for Comerica Theatre, Vegas Fashion Show, Georgia Tech Coliseum, Pauley Pavilion (UCLA), US Airways Center, Staples Center and the recently announced USA Place. They are still considering design elements since many fans do not want a roof that completely encloses the stadium. Solar is already part of the stadium. The Carson Student Athlete Center (the structure where Sparky's Stadium Shop, box offices, sports hall, Lawrence Strength and Conditioning Center, etc. are all located) has roof top solar. You can see solar panels on top of Wells Fargo Arena and Sun Devil Stadium in this photo:


Not sure if the skybox/media press box has solar on its roof.

[PHX31]

The skybox/media box doesn't have solar on it.

If you look at a google earth (or maps) aerial of ASU it's pretty cool to see all of the buildings with roof-top solar.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by PHX31

The skybox/media box doesn't have solar on it.

If you look at a google earth (or maps) aerial of ASU it's pretty cool to see all of the buildings with roof-top solar.

Aren't the Google maps a little old? As in a year or two in age? I doubt solar was added, but I do know the skybox was renovated last year and renamed MidFirst Bank Press Box @ Sun Devil Stadium: "MidFirst Bank also has entered into a comprehensive sponsorship program supporting ASU Athletics, including the naming rights for the Sun Devil Stadium press box." Would have been nice if they had added some panels up there.

There is so much solar on campus: https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl...i=p9YCUoDVIOO1iwLr4oHIDQ&ved=0CCwQ8gEwAA

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

Talking about solar, the solar parasol next to the Memorial Union is going up at the moment. The structure looks pretty impressive. At this pace, they probably will finish installing the panels by the time classes start back up.

Gammage Parkway one started already right? From the sign posted on the MU one it says it won't be done till November. Last month when I was on campus Lot 19 (by ASU Police) was near completion and Lot 11 (Lyceum Theatre) and Lot 41 (Law) were underway.

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

Isn't there work also going on at Hayden Library?

Yes lower level is already completed and a snippet of the overall plan.

Originally Posted by phxSUNSfan

Aren't the Google maps a little old? As in a year or two in age? I doubt solar was added, but I do know the skybox was renovated last year and renamed to MidFirst Bank Press Box @ Sun Devil Stadium: "MidFirst Bank also has entered into a comprehensive sponsorship program supporting ASU Athletics, including the naming rights for the Sun Devil Stadium press box." Would have been nice if they had added some panels up there.

There is so much solar on campus: https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl...i=p9YCUoDVIOO1iwLr4oHIDQ&ved=0CCwQ8gEwAA

Here's a map of the solar system installations at the Tempe campus. I wonder if the press box is even staying after SDS makeover. Couldn't really tell from the initial renderings.

[PHX31]

Not sure about Google maps, but the aerial on Google earth is from march of this year. I'd assume they are the same.

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Here's a map of the solar system installations at the Tempe campus. I wonder if the press box is even staying after SDS makeover. Couldn't really tell from the initial renderings.

No, if they completely demo the upper bowl and remodel the stadium they will be removing the skybox/press box and incorporate them into the center of the stadium. I actually hope they keep the stadium as is and do extensive renovations including enclosing the ramps and drink kiosks/concession/vending areas. They need to add more bathrooms as well. I don't want capacity reduced; especially now that the team is expected to do extremely well under the current coach. I do hope they add shade structures, but I love the grandstand horseshoe. I wouldn't mind them completely closing the lower tier to complete the lower bowl.

[Spitfiredude]

Would be nice if the press box did have solar on it, but it presents its challenges (I work for SDA) and know that the roof is in fact used a lot for game day. This includes staffs from both teams and security purposes. I suppose they could raise the panels, but idk if panels would have any impact on those working. Would be nice to see them on there though.

[ASUSunDevil]

The dirt is being leveled where the frat houses used to be. Does anyone know if that will be a temporary parking lot for tailgating (lot 59 now unavailable) or if they are breaking ground on something? It seems that they are leaving the palm trees in place...

[Arquitect]

I might have spoken too soon on phase 2 of the Hub being a long-ways away. I recently learned from a friend that is involved in the project that the new owner is working on getting the second phase underway (must mean that the first phase must be renting out rather quickly). From what I understand, the second phase will be a single 19 story tower on the Eastern edge of the property. It will be pretty small compared to the rest of the project, but it is a pretty great sign for the densification of the area.

Unfortunately, it seems like they will be using the same general contractor from the first phase. Many of the issues most of us have about the project (the fact that it looks cheaply built) were caused by their decisions rather than the former owner's.

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

The dirt is being leveled where the frat houses used to be. Does anyone know if that will be a temporary parking lot for tailgating (lot 59 now unavailable) or if they are breaking ground on something? It seems that they are leaving the palm trees in place...

Probably the case seeing that most of the football surface lots are sold out. Wow they're even allowing parking on the new band field now. That field is going to be so beat by the third game with the band, soccer, intramural activities and now parking.

[MegaBass]

Cady/Orange PowerParasol installation between the MU and Hayden. (source)

[phxSUNSfan]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Probably the case seeing that most of the football surface lots are sold out. Wow they're even allowing parking on the new band field now. That field is going to be so beat by the third game with the band, soccer, intramural activities and now parking.

Are they calling the area where the frats used to be "Sparky's Lawn?" Does that mean they will be laying sod or planting grass, then allowing parking on it? Hopefully there is no damage to the lawns. There will only be 7 home games between early September and late November.

[ASUSunDevil]

Originally Posted by Arquitect

I might have spoken too soon on phase 2 of the Hub being a long-ways away. I recently learned from a friend that is involved in the project that the new owner is working on getting the second phase underway (must mean that the first phase must be renting out rather quickly). From what I understand, the second phase will be a single 19 story tower on the Eastern edge of the property. It will be pretty small compared to the rest of the project, but it is a pretty great sign for the densification of the area.

Unfortunately, it seems like they will be using the same general contractor from the first phase. Many of the issues most of us have about the project (the fact that it looks cheaply built) were caused by their decisions rather than the former owner's.

Hoping the new building hides the giant slab of dark grey stucco that coats the eastern side of the building. I hate that there is any stucco on the building, but that section is by far the worst. Having no windows to break up the stucco looks really inconsistent and cheap.

[Arquitect]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

Hoping the new building hides the giant slab of dark grey stucco that coats the eastern side of the building. I hate that there is any stucco on the building, but that section is by far the worst. Having no windows to break up the stucco looks really inconsistent and cheap.

It will definitely hide it... from the parking garage. Other than that, we are stuck looking at it from pretty much everywhere. My guess is that the new tower will also be covered in similar stucco. Hopefully they go with all green, that grey stuff does really make it look unfinished.