Tempe Development Thread

[Jjs5056]

Hmm, I'm not sure what the benefit is for Tempe to connect their streetcar to a line that goes into Riverview, especially if Riverview begins adding adding office and other components that directly compete with developments like Hayden Ferry Lakeside. I don't think the ridership numbers, and thus revenue, would change significantly by having a line extend to the Cubs stadium, so I think Tempe would be best served looking inside their own city limits in determining where they want the streetcar line to go, and what - if any - future lines are needed.

The system should eventually connect to Town Lake west of Rural, Papago Park/Zoo/DBG/Phoenix Muni, and Fountainhead at the Broadway Curve. Those are all more important than spending money to drive through undeveloped acres to connect to a barely used spring training stadium, and two 'marketplaces' that are auto-oriented and developed with big box store anchors that aren't really compatible with transit shopping.

In which case, you'd still have football at ASU, baseball at Phoenix Muni (both ASU and A's for a while, right?), an insane amount of amenities from family fun to blackout city, and strong connections to other transit modes and planned ones (like Rural Rd BRT).

I hate to be 'that person,' but any word on USA Place? =/ Also, has Argo wrapped up construction?

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

In which case, you'd still have football at ASU, baseball at Phoenix Muni (both ASU and A's for a while, right?), an insane amount of amenities from family fun to blackout city, and strong connections to other transit modes and planned ones (like Rural Rd BRT).

Muni is just for ASU and the A's work is already underway for a smaller HoHoKam.

[RichTempe]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

I hate to be 'that person,' but any word on USA Place? =/ Also, has Argo wrapped up construction?

The small tower crane at Argo was still up went I went by yesterday and there is still work being done, so it will be a couple months, I'd guess, before it's finished.

[Spitfiredude]

Originally Posted by RichTempe

The small tower crane at Argo was still up went I went by yesterday and there is still work being done, so it will be a couple months, I'd guess, before it's finished.

According to their facebook, some are opening in August, and a few others will be phased.

[DaveInTHX]

There's a large "For Sale / 3 Acres Land" sign at the Northeast corner of University and Myrtle. That's the block where University Square was supposed to go, but they laid down the parking lot instead. Something in the works?

[Jjs5056]

Well, if it's for sale, it's safe to say nothing is planned.

Tempe only recently allowed parking lots as a primary use on land, and I think it came with a time stipulation - perhaps they've run out of time and it's time to develop or sell?

I'm not sure how much more development Tempe can sustain, but it's a prime piece of real estate and I would imagine it will get picked up at a good price. I just hope we don't end up like we did in 2009 when 10 developers promised hotels, and 0 received financing/built. If University/Ash, USA Place, Lofts at HFL, Marina Lofts on the north bank, etc. aren't going to build, that's going to really suck, because a lot like this, for instance, would be ideal for something similar what USA Place proposed and we might've seen a couple of more apt movement had Ash/Uni not announced plans for 21 stories worth of them.

I hope it works out in the end... even with just Hub x2, Hanover (despite its horrible design, it's bringing market rate product downtown) and Marina Heights, Tempe already hit it pretty big. But, a 21 story tower next to W6 and a 14 story tower hotel on Uni/Mill would be really great to see.

[phoenixwillrise]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Well, if it's for sale, it's safe to say nothing is planned.

Tempe only recently allowed parking lots as a primary use on land, and I think it came with a time stipulation - perhaps they've run out of time and it's time to develop or sell?

I'm not sure how much more development Tempe can sustain, but it's a prime piece of real estate and I would imagine it will get picked up at a good price. I just hope we don't end up like we did in 2009 when 10 developers promised hotels, and 0 received financing/built. If University/Ash, USA Place, Lofts at HFL, Marina Lofts on the north bank, etc. aren't going to build, that's going to really suck, because a lot like this, for instance, would be ideal for something similar what USA Place proposed and we might've seen a couple of more apt movement had Ash/Uni not announced plans for 21 stories worth of them.

I hope it works out in the end... even with just Hub x2, Hanover (despite its horrible design, it's bringing market rate product downtown) and Marina Heights, Tempe already hit it pretty big. But, a 21 story tower next to W6 and a 14 story tower hotel on Uni/Mill would be really great to see.

AC by Marriott to build 6 story hotel at Hayden Ferry.
Heading for a public hearing later this summer, the AC Hotel by Marriott Tempe is the final piece in the Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex. Situated east of the Lakeside parking garage, the 159 room hotel is undergoing a design modification before the application is final.

Standing six stories tall, the hotel is smaller than Lakeside’s trio of office towers, but taller than the adjoining condominiums. HKS Architects, Inc. out of Denver, is handling the design for the project. A general contractor has not been selected. Woodbine Development Corporation is the project developer

[dtnphx]

I had not heard of AC Hotels by Marriott brand before. Turns out there's 51 in Spain, 10 in Italy, one in Portugal and apparently, one planned for Tempe! Hilarious!

http://www.marriott.com/ac-hotels/di...sign-hotels.mi

[PHXFlyer16]

Originally Posted by dtnphx

I had not heard of AC Hotels by Marriott brand before. Turns out there's 51 in Spain, 10 in Italy, one in Portugal and apparently, one planned for Tempe! Hilarious!

http://www.marriott.com/ac-hotels/di...sign-hotels.mi

That is unbelievable news!!! Not as tall as I'd like, but it will be a wonderful addition! I knew if someone built there they'd likely get most of State Farm's business. Big win for Tempe!

I believe I some something on this brand in the Tucson thread of all places. Seems this expansion in the southwest by this Marriot brand is part of their strategy.

Now, who wants to bet that AC is finished before USAPlace even breaks ground?

[TempeSilverFox]

Originally Posted by phoenixwillrise

AC by Marriott to build 6 story hotel at Hayden Ferry.
Heading for a public hearing later this summer, the AC Hotel by Marriott Tempe is the final piece in the Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex. Situated east of the Lakeside parking garage, the 159 room hotel is undergoing a design modification before the application is final.

Standing six stories tall, the hotel is smaller than Lakeside’s trio of office towers, but taller than the adjoining condominiums. HKS Architects, Inc. out of Denver, is handling the design for the project. A general contractor has not been selected. Woodbine Development Corporation is the project developer

I Found a link to a cool article about it:

http://azbex.com/ac-by-marriott-temp...kefront-hotel/

Heading for a public hearing later this summer, the AC Hotel by Marriott Tempe is the final piece in the Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex. Situated east of the Lakeside parking garage, the 159 room hotel is undergoing a design modification before the application is final.
Standing six stories tall, the hotel is smaller than Lakeside’s trio of office towers, but taller than the adjoining condominiums. HKS Architects, Inc. out of Denver, is handling the design for the project. A general contractor has not been selected. Woodbine Development Corporation is the project developer.
Situated in Hayden Ferry Lakeside East, 100 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., the AC Hotel by Marriott is the second in Arizona with that nameplate. The AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson received its first major approval with the development agreement sign-off by the city council. AC Hotel Tucson is proposed downtown near the Tucson Convention Center (AZBEX, Jun. 10).
The AC Hotel brand is the first European import by Marriott. Founded in Spain, the hotel provides a better environment for the select business traveler. It fits between Courtyard by Marriott and the full-service Marriott hotels. Woodbine’s Phoenix representative, Kristopher Harman says the nameplate has a European ambience that is found in its lobby, 24 hour lounge and urban contemporary styling.
It will have a small meeting room, media salons and a library common space providing guests with an opportunity to work / gather. The hotel has a rooftop pool and exercise area. One of its unique features is a collaborative work space replacing the staid business center found in many hotels.
“It’s a hotel for urban spirits,” says Harman. They’re looking for late 2014 or early 2015 groundbreaking.

Check out this rendering!!!
http://azbex.com/wp-content/uploads/...D-AC-Tempe.jpg

[CrestedSaguaro]

Too bad it's not about 10 floors, but I like the design. Love the lake overlook. Would be a great spot for a bar! :-)

Originally Posted by TempeSilverFox

I Found a link to a cool article about it:

http://azbex.com/ac-by-marriott-temp...kefront-hotel/

Heading for a public hearing later this summer, the AC Hotel by Marriott Tempe is the final piece in the Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex. Situated east of the Lakeside parking garage, the 159 room hotel is undergoing a design modification before the application is final.
Standing six stories tall, the hotel is smaller than Lakeside’s trio of office towers, but taller than the adjoining condominiums. HKS Architects, Inc. out of Denver, is handling the design for the project. A general contractor has not been selected. Woodbine Development Corporation is the project developer.
Situated in Hayden Ferry Lakeside East, 100 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., the AC Hotel by Marriott is the second in Arizona with that nameplate. The AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson received its first major approval with the development agreement sign-off by the city council. AC Hotel Tucson is proposed downtown near the Tucson Convention Center (AZBEX, Jun. 10).
The AC Hotel brand is the first European import by Marriott. Founded in Spain, the hotel provides a better environment for the select business traveler. It fits between Courtyard by Marriott and the full-service Marriott hotels. Woodbine’s Phoenix representative, Kristopher Harman says the nameplate has a European ambience that is found in its lobby, 24 hour lounge and urban contemporary styling.
It will have a small meeting room, media salons and a library common space providing guests with an opportunity to work / gather. The hotel has a rooftop pool and exercise area. One of its unique features is a collaborative work space replacing the staid business center found in many hotels.
“It’s a hotel for urban spirits,” says Harman. They’re looking for late 2014 or early 2015 groundbreaking.

Check out this rendering!!!
http://azbex.com/wp-content/uploads/...D-AC-Tempe.jpg

[Jjs5056]

You'd think the ROI for building this at least 12 stories to match the highest buildings - HFL2 and Bridgeview. This is the perfect lot where building high wouldn't have impacted the views of any other building within the development; why willingly give up an infinite amount of lake-viewing units?

Not sure why the article says it will be taller than the condos; Edgewater is 8 stories, Bridgeview is 12. This hotel will have no views of the lake.

I guess it's good for that part of Rio Salado to get some activity with that balcony which I assume is the pool level? Even more reason HFL shouldn't have been able to get out of the retail annex proposed for the garage.

[PHXFlyer16]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

You'd think the ROI for building this at least 12 stories to match the highest buildings - HFL2 and Bridgeview. This is the perfect lot where building high wouldn't have impacted the views of any other building within the development; why willingly give up an infinite amount of lake-viewing units?

Not sure why the article says it will be taller than the condos; Edgewater is 8 stories, Bridgeview is 12. This hotel will have no views of the lake.

I guess it's good for that part of Rio Salado to get some activity with that balcony which I assume is the pool level? Even more reason HFL shouldn't have been able to get out of the retail annex proposed for the garage.

Don't get me wrong... I'd love for this to have been taller, but what does 12 stories have to do with ROI for this project? If they are fitting 150 rooms into 6 stories, then they probably have done their math and determined that more rooms would equal higher expenses and not maximize the ROI.

The hotel is a bit disconnected from Mill and will likely serve mainly the surrounding businesses on Rio Salado. That probably doesn't justify more rooms/floors.

[BA744PHX]

Originally Posted by dtnphx

I had not heard of AC Hotels by Marriott brand before. Turns out there's 51 in Spain, 10 in Italy, one in Portugal and apparently, one planned for Tempe! Hilarious!

http://www.marriott.com/ac-hotels/di...sign-hotels.mi

New York, Miami, Charlotte, New Orleans and Kansas City all have an AC hotel in the works
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new...k=MW_news_stmp

[MegaBass]

The north endzone loge sections of SDS has a new roof. h/t Sun Devil Tickets

[ciweiss]

I just got a letter in the mail talking about a proposal for 230 W. 5th st. as the site. It 'imagines' a single rise tower with a 26 floor building (255 units) on top of 4 floor parking podium. Minimum 100' max 300'. It also mentions ground floor retail. Meeting will be at the Courtyard Marriott July 7th 5:30 - 7pm.

Development review Commission hearings July 22nd
City Counsel hearings 'Intro' Aug 14
2nd Sept 4th

Letter said they represented 'JAH Ventures, LLLP

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by ciweiss

I just got a letter in the mail talking about a proposal for 230 W. 5th st. as the site. It 'imagines' a single rise tower with a 26 floor building (255 units) on top of 4 floor parking podium. Minimum 100' max 300'. It also mentions ground floor retail. Meeting will be at the Courtyard Marriott July 7th 5:30 - 7pm.

Development review Commission hearings July 22nd
City Counsel hearings 'Intro' Aug 14
2nd Sept 4th

Letter said they represented 'JAH Ventures, LLLP

WOW. Tempe continues to amaze. Every day driving into work from the 202 I look at Tempe and all you see are cranes. It sounds like that will continue to be the case for years to come!

The density around Ash could be really great if that project on Ash/University and this project on 5th/Ash get built! It'd be nice to see more retail in that area, but it will be difficult with the train tracks essentially making one side of Ash unusable, and the huge garages creating a dead zone.

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

I hate to be 'that person,' but any word on USA Place? =/

Tempe Rising: The Valley College Town Is Exploding with Development

An online rendering of what may be the finished project, seen at www.usaplace.us, looks somewhat like a block of Coruscant, the over-developed planet where the Jedi High Council meets in the Stars Wars prequels.

When news broke of the potential development last July, media reports focused on USA Basketball, not the less-exciting (from the public's point of view) conference center, hotel, and office space. The reports claimed groundbreaking would take place by the end of 2013. As of mid-June this year, it hasn't happened.

Denise Resnik, spokeswoman for the project, acknowledges that some setbacks have occurred in obtaining land-use agreements from various business partners.

But the partners in the group, including ASU, sports-venue architect Michael Hallmark, Omni Hotels and Resorts, and Key Bank (serving as the lead underwriter for the project) are said to be moving forward.

USA Place has a lease for the development's land. ASU obtained approval for the project from the Arizona Board of Regents in January 2014. Tempe has agreed to delay collecting sales tax from revenue generated at the site, sweetening the deal for developers.

The financing isn't locked down yet, though, meaning it's possible the deal could fall through.

"The reality of financing a large project on state-owned land is that the private sector is not able to finalize project financing until all public-sector issues and approvals have been settled," Resnik says. She adds, optimistically, that "we are where we should be, really ahead of our own expectations, as far as pulling the capital together for a multi-use project on state-owned land."

The hoped-for 2013 groundbreaking was scheduled so that USA Basketball would be in Tempe before the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Now, Resnik says, with the groundbreaking scheduled for this summer, the complex would open in mid- to late 2016.

ASU President Michael Crow declined comment about the project.

Ivan Morrow, owners of Sacks' four Valley locations, says he was told by ASU officials this month that his Tempe Center restaurant might be able to stay open until December.

[PHXFlyer11]

If Crow is declining to comment, and Sacks was told they can stay until December, this does NOT look good.

[Spitfiredude]

Damn. This doesn't look good whatsoever. It sounds like she's stretching the truth a little bit. She's making excuses as to why they haven't locked down financing, but in reality, if a financial institution was confident in a project - they would invest. This is disappointing. But doesn't completely surprise me with AIA, Omni, and USA basketball being the only primary tenants. With more than half the project being "not leased", banks could be weary to actually provide financing. Which could mean this is just turning into a HFL3 situation.

I did some research on who JAH Ventures is. From what I could find through bankruptcy documents of Continental Group, JAH Ventures had owned 50% of the site on 230 W Mill which Continental Group had their offices and wanted to develop into that 40 story tower. They had an agreement with Continental. Once Continental would not develop, they filed bankruptcy (together?) and then resold the tower to themselves basically. With Continental not involved. Is this common practice? JAH Ventures is represented by two brothers out of Canada. I hope this turns out legit.

http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastor...%2013-1291.pdf