Tempe Development Thread - Page 261

Leo the Dog · #**5201** Posted **Sep 20, 2014, 7:17 AM**

I think it should be preserved forever. I wouldn't want to see it turned into some trendy hipster bar/loft douchebaggery place though.

Why not build an awesome Arizona Historical Museum. I mean, a really awesome museum. A must see attraction for a tourist. It would be the perfect setting. Close to modern city conveniences and transportation.

MegaBass · #**5202** Posted **Sep 20, 2014, 2:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo the Dog

I think it should be preserved forever. I wouldn't want to see it turned into some trendy hipster bar/loft douchebaggery place though.

Why not build an awesome Arizona Historical Museum. I mean, a really awesome museum. A must see attraction for a tourist. It would be the perfect setting. Close to modern city conveniences and transportation.

Already have one at Papago Park and the Tempe History Museum reopened in 2010.

nickw252 · #**5203** Posted **Sep 20, 2014, 6:31 PM**

I created a thread in the Highrise Construction forum for the HFL III tower. Feel free to contribute:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=213319

Jjs5056 · #**5204** Posted **Sep 21, 2014, 9:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo the Dog

I think it should be preserved forever. I wouldn't want to see it turned into some trendy hipster bar/loft douchebaggery place though.

Why not build an awesome Arizona Historical Museum. I mean, a really awesome museum. A must see attraction for a tourist. It would be the perfect setting. Close to modern city conveniences and transportation.

Yea, unfortunately, the library and museum are off on Southern/Rural; a library branch was planned for Farmer Arts - if not in the works there any longer, that would be another element that might be nice to add into a development on the mill property. I can't see the park space staying - too valuable if ever sold to a real developer. That pad would generate the most income, so an out of the box building maybe similar to 5c Studios with creative office space, ground level retail and then space for something like a library branch or community center would be great.

I agree with your line of thinking that it should be a community-centric property. I think with a bakery and small exhibit, and being picky about the kind of stores that would move into any additional retail space, you could accomplish an important linkage while paying tribute to its history.

DevilsRider · #**5205** Posted **Sep 21, 2014, 9:41 PM**

Took a couple pictures of The Yard construction this morning. I like the entry Facade off Farmer, with the brick and older-looking hanging lights. However, when I look at the back by the RR tracks, I see a whole lot of driveway/parking lot, and not really any room for a bike/ped path. Unless it's going to be on that slightly elevated area by the fence adjacent to the RR tracks? Still time to see before construction ends, I guess.

DevilsRider · #**5206** Posted **Sep 21, 2014, 9:50 PM**

Also took pics of Hanover and Postino (which opens in a couple weeks!). From a distance, Hanover looks awkwardly short and bulky, but I think up close the scale looks just fine. We'll have to wait for the facade, but this could end up looking decent, and if we can replace the crappy 1-2 story buildings around Mill with more Hanover-height buildings, I think it's a win for downtown.

Similarly, UH2 is looking pretty good. They're building it in seamlessly with the original, and the added density here may help finish filling up the retail in the building. Would be nice to see the aquatic center replaced with a couple slender midrises and a courtyard opening up to the south (allowing e/w pedestrian access from College past the Annex and through to the ASU PV buildings.

As for Postino, this project is looking GREAT. I like the trees planted in the patio area, and it appears there will be planters with some greenery lining the entire patio. College is quickly becoming my favorite corridor in Tempe!

DevilsRider · #**5207** Posted **Sep 21, 2014, 9:54 PM**

I don't have pics for these last couple, but Erbert & Gerbert's looked like they're already open (next to Yoga to the People), and the Revo space in the transportation center is as far along as I've ever seen (looks like they've got a bar or counter space installed, and plenty of work underway). Finally, apparently Argo/Skywater has people moving in, but there is still so much work to be done on that building. It looks like only a small corner is liveable so far. Wonder what's taking them so long to finish things up...

MegaBass · #**5208** Posted **Sep 21, 2014, 11:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilsRider

Would be nice to see the aquatic center replaced with a couple slender midrises and a courtyard opening up to the south (allowing e/w pedestrian access from College past the Annex and through to the ASU PV buildings.

From 2011 master plan, aquatics center along with tennis, track and field and intramurals fields would be at Karsten.

Jjs5056 · #**5209** Posted **Sep 22, 2014, 1:51 AM**

Going back to the days of Neil G's mayorship, the Mona Plummer center has always been the talk of redevelopment. ASU has always seemed open to it, and while technically there is already a nice E/W corridor next to the Foundation building, something more prominent and on-scale with the changes to College would be appropriate. Hopefully, a private developer builds something tall on the last Block 12 parcel. I wonder the chances of seeing the bookstore/cornerstore building redeveloped? It's kind of an eyesore now that most of its contemporaries (Arches) have been demolished. Something 3-4 stories would be on-scale and help modernize the southern end. I can't imagine retail not filling up at Hub - that's some serious density! Hope it helps Studios 5c and that the area booms during game days.

Hanover was 2-3 stories away from being a great addition to downtown. As it is, the infill of market rate residents is still a positive. But, at the very least, I wish it were sitting on a retail podium. I'm also nervous for the facade - Hanover has a series of apartments with a real cheap looking brick finish, but they also have ones with a nice luxury feel. Hopefully, Tempe gets the latter. I was chatting with some people from the Mill Ave Assoc. and they realize the surrounding 1-story buildings are a terrible gateway so hopefully, if not developed, the association can work on beautifying them so that they aren't as scary as they are now (looking at you, smoke shop white brick building).

Thank you for the pics!

ciweiss · #**5210** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 2:39 AM**

Montes update

I just got a mail for a public hearing for Montes calling for a 15 & 16 story building. The 16 would also be a 274 guest hotel. The 1st hearing is for 10/9 at Hatton Hall, 7th street. I couldn't get the photo thing to work but put it in a URL below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/9803736@N04/15140856977/

PHXFlyer11 · #**5211** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 2:56 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciweiss

Montes update

I just got a mail for a public hearing for Montes calling for a 15 & 16 story building. The 16 would also be a 274 guest hotel. The 1st hearing is for 10/9 at Hatton Hall, 7th street. I couldn't get the photo thing to work but put it in a URL below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/9803736@N04/15140856977/

Thanks for sharing, this is awesome! The density on Rio is going to be amazing. Almost from Rural to Ash now! Very nice renderings. It's dense but not obscurely tall. I also think it makes this project more realistic. It is going to feel so urban when you are at events at the beach park looking to the south.

A couple of notes from driving around downtown Tempe today... The Lofts at Hayden Ferry most definitely has work going on now. Also, there is continued work on what I presume is Encore 2. Lots of materials have arrived on site. HFL III looks like it could go vertical next week.

Now if we can get USAplace underway!

nickw252 · #**5212** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 3:01 AM**

PHXFlyer11 · #**5213** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 3:09 AM**

I really like the North/South orientation as well. Will be visually interesting next to the American building. Now if we could get 2-3 20-24 story building we'll get a pretty balanced skyline in Tempe.

Jjs5056 · #**5214** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 4:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

I really like the North/South orientation as well. Will be visually interesting next to the American building. Now if we could get 2-3 20-24 story building we'll get a pretty balanced skyline in Tempe.

I think they are oriented East/West; the first photo shows the Gateway building, followed by the new hotel, and finally Monti's before Rio Salado. It's a bit confusing, though.

Are these final renderings? Not in love with the architecture, but I won't be too picky. The hotel podium helps with the scale as it's in proportion to Monti's, but while I enjoy the additional height it bring, the parking podium on the office tower is awfully clunky. Looks like it's almost 50% of the building. Overall- the boxy look is my main issue; just really want to avoid a wall of buildings hitting you when crossing the bridge. I'm also interested in what materials will be used on the hotel - doesn't look like all glass on the north/south facade.

Unless Ash/University surprises, W6 will likely be the southern endcap of the skyline, as I doubt a 14-story Omni will make much of a dent. With these guys on the northern end, we're looking at the usual lots to help will in the gap: the old M7 at Mill/7th, University Square, and Ash/5th. Really wish Hanover had more of an impact; hotel and residential towers there around the 20-story mark would've looked awesome.

Spitfiredude · #**5215** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 4:26 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Unless Ash/University surprises, W6 will likely be the southern endcap of the skyline, as I doubt a 14-story Omni will make much of a dent. With these guys on the northern end, we're looking at the usual lots to help will in the gap: the old M7 at Mill/7th, University Square, and Ash/5th. Really wish Hanover had more of an impact; hotel and residential towers there around the 20-story mark would've looked awesome.

There are still lots in the area of south-east downtown. Between College, University, Mill, and 6th street.

On another note, as far as super high (for Tempe standards), I don't think we will ever see anything higher than West 6th. I'm sure I"m saying an obvious statement, but damn it would be nice to see one 400 footer. Fortunately, as long as most high rises stay between 100-300' West 6th will look higher than it actually is. At least its visually appealing. If the project on Ash/5th plays out, it can help balance it out a little bit.

Downtown Tempe needs another high rise residential competitor!

PHXFlyer11 · #**5216** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 4:30 AM**

Does anyone know what plans are for the land around the Tempe Center for the Arts? I assume the city owns the land and that any height would be severely limited by the flight path directly overhead. I don't even know if 5-6 stories would fly there, but it would sure be nice.

Jjs5056 · #**5217** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 4:51 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

There are still lots in the area of south-east downtown. Between College, University, Mill, and 6th street.

On another note, as far as super high (for Tempe standards), I don't think we will ever see anything higher than West 6th. I'm sure I"m saying an obvious statement, but damn it would be nice to see one 400 footer. Fortunately, as long as most high rises stay between 100-300' West 6th will look higher than it actually is. At least its visually appealing. If the project on Ash/5th plays out, it can help balance it out a little bit.

Downtown Tempe needs another high rise residential competitor!

Aside from University Square and M7, which lots are you referring to in southeast downtown? Any others would require redevelopment/are slated for ASU projects.

300' has long been the established height maximum for Tempe. The following doc contains a height map. Tempe has done a lot of work in terms of outlining the uses it wants to see and where, which is why it is disappointing when one of the few prime lots designated for 300' like Hanover is wasted. As you mentioned, a quality high rise competitor to W6 would be good for all involved: it would balance the skyline, promote fair pricing, and force W6 to keep up with proper maintenance and high standards.

http://documents.tempe.gov/sirepub/cache...kd0raw1gn3/1865673309222014093200191.PDF

Quote:

Does anyone know what plans are for the land around the Tempe Center for the Arts? I assume the city owns the land and that any height would be severely limited by the flight path directly overhead. I don't even know if 5-6 stories would fly there, but it would sure be nice.

The intent for this land was always to create space for outdoor recreation, along with artist housing, galleries, etc. 5-6 should be okay - proposals in the boom were much higher. A mix of 3-4 story live/work artist housing and 5-7 story market rate/mixed use apartments spread amongst open park space, basketball courts, trails, etc. would look great.

PHXFlyer11 · #**5218** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 2:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

The intent for this land was always to create space for outdoor recreation, along with artist housing, galleries, etc. 5-6 should be okay - proposals in the boom were much higher. A mix of 3-4 story live/work artist housing and 5-7 story market rate/mixed use apartments spread amongst open park space, basketball courts, trails, etc. would look great.

Interesting, were any renderings ever done?

It looks like the web site for The Grand at Papago Park Center continues to be updated wit the progress on the relocation of the canal (http://www.thegrandatpapagoparkcenter.com/index.html). I know many are not a fan of this project, but if it gets us another 3-4 8-10 story buildings in a location that will never be urban anyways, I am good with it. I just have a hard time believing that any or most of this will come to fruition.

MegaBass · #**5219** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 5:14 PM**

University Drive improvement medians with palm trees. h/t Tom Tokoph of Urban Realty

Spitfiredude · #**5220** Posted **Sep 23, 2014, 6:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

I know many are not a fan of this project, but if it gets us another 3-4 8-10 story buildings in a location that will never be urban anyways, I am good with it. I just have a hard time believing that any or most of this will come to fruition.

I love this project. The parking garages suck, but that is Phoenix. That's never going to end and companies don't want to spend the extra money for underground parking. This complex is on the outline of downtown Tempe anyway. The buildings look great. I hope it does happen. Can you imagine driving from Phoenix and seeing the freeway lined with mid rise and high rise buildings. Ahh...