Tempe Development Thread

[asugrad]

Updated Sun Devil Stadium renovation rendering.

I think the previous rendering from last year was better, but a renovation is needed nonetheless. Looks like they are making even less seating than before.

New:
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/co...otball-sun-devil-stadium-pac12/24323559/

Last Year:
http://azbex.com/asu-reveals-sun-devil-stadium-renovation-plans/

[TempeSilverFox]

Good morning!
Hey- just wanted to share a couple of things I learned yesterday when the Downtown Tempe Association came to do a presentation for our leadership team at Chase yesterday.

1. USA Basketball is basically dead - for the site it was planned on (SE corner of Mill and University) but there is a possibility it might land elsewhere in downtown (but the rep was basing this on the fact that the head guy (forget his name) is from here and loves downtown Tempe.)

2. There is a project that we will all LOVE in the works for 7th street- across from House of Tricks. The rendering she showed us appears to be somewhat similar to that M7 project we saw ages ago. It includes at least one or two tall towers (more than 10 for sure) that would have apartments, a hotel and conference space. It would extend all the way from 7th Street to University - so YAY! She did not have a timeline- just that it is in the works- and hopefully we will hear more soon. She said it is going to be handled by the same group that created this project "The Nic on Fifth" in Minneapolis. See pictures of Nic on Fifth renderings below- and Google "Nic on Fifth" for more info:





3. Ash and University - What has been holding this up forever is arguments about building heights. Apparently, the developer had wanted to build high- about 20 stories but the latest she had heard was some concerns about the flight path (which I don't understand because DUH West 6th is RIGHT THERE already...) and now they are planing something more along the lines of 6 stories, but allegedly Whole Foods is still in the works (I still wish Trader Joes was coming.)

4. Rio Salado and Mill - Montis - Those buildings should be starting soon according to her! They are a for sure thing!

5. Hayden Flour Mill - Just waiting on the completion of the sale of land to the developer. She quoted that ground-breaking is 5 -6 months out on that project.

8. Marina Heights / State Farm - first employees move in in October.

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by asugrad

Updated Sun Devil Stadium renovation rendering.

I think the previous rendering from last year was better, but a renovation is needed nonetheless. Looks like they are making even less seating than before.

Yeah, I wish they had kept the upper deck curving around toward the middle; the new version makes the upper deck just look awkward, I think.

Overall, though, I think it looks really good and even though I'm not a student anymore, I'm still excited for the "Double Inferno" student sections. Maybe they can bring the "curtain of distraction" over for field goal attempts and goal-line plays...

[DevilsRider]

Wow, thanks for all the updates, TempeSilverFox! Bummer about USA Basketball. If the 7th St development looks anything like that Nic on 5th rendering you posted, I think we'll all be pretty pleased!

The issue with flight paths, particularly for Ash/University, is incredibly stupid. Really, the FAA/City/whoever shouldn't be dictating anything in that corridor that's shorter than W6 based on flight paths. 6 stories would be a huge disappointment there; the Chase garages are 6-7 stories, so this would be shorter even than the adjacent garages.

Rio and Mill, and the flour mill, are both very exciting, and I hope both actually go through and start this year.

As for Marina Heights, October seems right on track. Two of the buildings look like the exteriors are basically finished, and all that's left to take care of is the guts and the exterior access streets, sidewalks, landscaping, etc.

Originally Posted by TempeSilverFox

Good morning!
Hey- just wanted to share a couple of things I learned yesterday when the Downtown Tempe Association came to do a presentation for our leadership team at Chase yesterday.

1. USA Basketball is basically dead - for the site it was planned on (SE corner of Mill and University) but there is a possibility it might land elsewhere in downtown (but the rep was basing this on the fact that the head guy (forget his name) is from here and loves downtown Tempe.)

2. There is a project that we will all LOVE in the works for 7th street- across from House of Tricks. The rendering she showed us appears to be somewhat similar to that M7 project we saw ages ago. It includes at least one or two tall towers (more than 10 for sure) that would have apartments, a hotel and conference space. It would extend all the way from 7th Street to University - so YAY! She did not have a timeline- just that it is in the works- and hopefully we will hear more soon. She said it is going to be handled by the same group that created this project "The Nic on Fifth" in Minneapolis. See pictures of Nic on Fifth renderings below- and Google "Nic on Fifth" for more info:





3. Ash and University - What has been holding this up forever is arguments about building heights. Apparently, the developer had wanted to build high- about 20 stories but the latest she had heard was some concerns about the flight path (which I don't understand because DUH West 6th is RIGHT THERE already...) and now they are planing something more along the lines of 6 stories, but allegedly Whole Foods is still in the works (I still wish Trader Joes was coming.)

4. Rio Salado and Mill - Montis - Those buildings should be starting soon according to her! They are a for sure thing!

5. Hayden Flour Mill - Just waiting on the completion of the sale of land to the developer. She quoted that ground-breaking is 5 -6 months out on that project.

8. Marina Heights / State Farm - first employees move in in October.

[Jjs5056]

I predicted that the M7 lot would be the next site we'd hear about. As exciting as the project sounds, I have a few concerns:
1) The site has expanded since the original proposal; back during the boom, Jack in the Box wasn't interested in selling, so the development stopped just north of that building. If it is indeed going to stretch all the way to University, that is going to be one massive development! It will take up an entire city block, which has the potential to look extremely out of proportion to the rest of downtown. Superblocks also tend me to be pretty hostile to the pedestrian experience which is super important along Mill Ave. I hope that if this does end up taking over all of 7th-University, Mill-Forest (Myrtle?), that the developers are really conscious of this when it comes to the ground level, setbacks for any of the taller towers, variations in the facade, etc.
2) I question the economics behind the project if it is including a hotel and conference space; maybe it'll work since the ASU project is in limbo, but there's just a TON of existing/proposed hotel space in the immediate area that I can't imagine this site AND University/Rural both adding to the mix.

Sad to hear confirmation of what we already knew re: Ash/University given the height of the project that the City had posted in their construction/development update. That's a prime piece of real estate and could have really set the tone for future projects along Ash that should all be much higher than 6 stories; 6 stories makes sense for Farmer as a step-back before getting into the neighborhoods west of downtown, but Ash is really the only stretch left where high rises are appropriate. I can only hope that once it gets to review that additional height is recommended and that the FAA issue becomes moot. I also hope that maybe, in the end, it will be 6 stories of apartments on top of 1 floor of retail and 2-3 stories of parking since the parking was always planned to be integrated. Otherwise, ~3 stories of apartments sounds like a complete disaster.

[TempeSilverFox]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

I predicted that the M7 lot would be the next site we'd hear about. As exciting as the project sounds, I have a few concerns:
1) The site has expanded since the original proposal; back during the boom, Jack in the Box wasn't interested in selling, so the development stopped just north of that building. If it is indeed going to stretch all the way to University, that is going to be one massive development! It will take up an entire city block, which has the potential to look extremely out of proportion to the rest of downtown. Superblocks also tend me to be pretty hostile to the pedestrian experience which is super important along Mill Ave. I hope that if this does end up taking over all of 7th-University, Mill-Forest (Myrtle?), that the developers are really conscious of this when it comes to the ground level, setbacks for any of the taller towers, variations in the facade, etc.
2) I question the economics behind the project if it is including a hotel and conference space; maybe it'll work since the ASU project is in limbo, but there's just a TON of existing/proposed hotel space in the immediate area that I can't imagine this site AND University/Rural both adding to the mix.

The speaker from the Downtown Tempe Association seemed to indicate that the project was not going to reach Mill Avenue. Instead it would be situated just east of Mill, along 7th Avenue - closer to House of Tricks and Myrtle. If that is the case, then it would still leave a vacant lot between Jack in the Box and Steak and Shake along Mill... to me that doesn't make any sense. The project will be large, there is no question about it, and to your point, I hope they address the street with respect and make the area engaging for pedestrians. The rendering looks cool to me!

[ciweiss]

http://wattcommunitiesaz.com/property/dorsey-lane/


http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/...velopments-slated-for-phoenix-tempe.html

New in-fill developments slated for Phoenix, Tempe

Several new in-fill real estate developments have broken ground or are in the works in Phoenix and Tempe.
Santa Monica, California-based Watt Communities has broken ground on a new 51-unit urban townhome project in Tempe. It is the first of five Phoenix-area developments slated by Watt this year. The in-fill developments will total $25 million.
The Dorsey Lane townhomes are located off Broadway Road in Tempe and a mile from Arizona State University's main campus.
Steve Pritulsky, president and CEO of Watt Communities of Arizona. said the townhomse will have three levels and are slated to be completed by August.
Watt also has a 40-unit townhome project slated for the Biltmore area, 16 single family homes near 16th Street and Ocotillo Road in north central Phoenix, a 31-unit single family development near 32nd Street and Cactus Road and is planning 27 townhomes at Eighth and Roosevelt streets in downtown Phoenix.
Metrowest Development also broke ground today on a new mixed-use development called Union @ Roosevelt.
The project is on vacant lot at Roosevelt and First Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and some city council members were at the groundbreaking.
The Metrowest project is directly on the Metro light rail line.
Metrowest Development is headed by partners Matt Seaman and Doug Gannett.

[RichTempe]

Originally Posted by TempeSilverFox

3. Ash and University - What has been holding this up forever is arguments about building heights. Apparently, the developer had wanted to build high- about 20 stories but the latest she had heard was some concerns about the flight path (which I don't understand because DUH West 6th is RIGHT THERE already...) and now they are planing something more along the lines of 6 stories, but allegedly Whole Foods is still in the works (I still wish Trader Joes was coming.)

How on earth are there concerns about flight paths for this development, but not any about the Monti's project which is even closer to those paths and just as tall? Makes absolutely no sense at all.

[DevilsRider]

Something to keep an eye on... I didn't realize the arena was over 40 years old, but having been inside there many times, it's not really that surprising

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/co...ons-for-aging-basketball-arena/24394305/

By this time next season, ASU athletics officials hope to have a plan in place to renovate or replace the aging basketball arena.

Right now, the university is focused on Sun Devil Stadium, which is undergoing a $256 million makeover that will not be completed until summer 2017. ASU also is exploring venue options for its hockey program, recently elevated from a club to varsity sport.

[TempeSilverFox]

Originally Posted by RichTempe

How on earth are there concerns about flight paths for this development, but not any about the Monti's project which is even closer to those paths and just as tall? Makes absolutely no sense at all.

RIGHT????? Yeah, I have given up all hope that there is a consistent and logical approach to building height in our city. That particular parcel (Ash and University) is probably about as far away from the actual flight path as you can get in Downtown Tempe. Seems like the PERFECT place to go tall!

[PHXFlyer11]

Looks like we will get to see detailed plans very soon: http://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=31491

[DevilsRider]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

Looks like we will get to see detailed plans very soon: http://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=31491

The other two projects on there, though much more small-scale, are also intriguing. A brewery a block and a half away from TCA would be cool (and the name is awesome). I imagine development will only continue moving west from Skywater, so eventually that brewery will have apartments/condos on either side.

And replacing a single vacant house on a one-acre lot with 19 apartment units (and tandem parking to minimize pavement space) will continue the trend of higher-density projects in that neighborhood. Not too high, but for that location, I think it could be perfect.

[TempeSilverFox]

Looks like Sun Devil Stadium has yet another new look in the works. It sounds like the newest change is to loose the video ribbon that was planed and to further open things up. Check it out!

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/co...otball-sun-devil-stadium-pac12/24323559/

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by TempeSilverFox

Looks like Sun Devil Stadium has yet another new look in the works. It sounds like the newest change is to loose the video ribbon that was planed and to further open things up. Check it out!

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/co...otball-sun-devil-stadium-pac12/24323559/

Still some questions about the SDS Project:

• If the north end Student Athlete Center is a go, will the Football team's locker move there? What happens to the possible open space at Carson Student Athlete Center?
• As a former member, I wish there would be some needed rehearsal/storage space for the band.
• Hope there's a shade canopy of some sorts. When ESPN/Fox/PAC-12 start issuing more afternoon games for national audience fans will be griping.
• I don't mind the upper deck reduction since the ticket demand is not there at the moment. Sure as initial reactions are comparing it now to Arizona Stadium but it was called for in 2007 to demo the upper deck due to corrosion. Don't know why they've left that out during this how renovation process.

[azsunsurfer]

Drove by Discovery this weekend. The first building is a steel framed one and is already topped out at 3 stories. Looks like they are moving fast on the site.

[ASUSunDevil]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Still some questions about the SDS Project:

• If the north end Student Athlete Center is a go, will the Football team's locker move there? What happens to the possible open space at Carson Student Athlete Center?
• As a former member, I wish there would be some needed rehearsal/storage space for the band.
• Hope there's a shade canopy of some sorts. When ESPN/Fox/PAC-12 start issuing more afternoon games for national audience fans will be griping.
• I don't mind the upper deck reduction since the ticket demand is not there at the moment. Sure as initial reactions are comparing it now to Arizona Stadium but it was called for in 2007 to demo the upper deck due to corrosion. Don't know why they've left that out during this how renovation process.

The north end Student Athlete Center will house strictly football. Lockers and the Tillman Tunnel will be moved to the north side.

I read that the Carson Center would then house other athletes like track & field, volleyball etc. Basketball and baseball would not use Carson as they already have their own facilities.

The SDS renderings look nice overall. I wish they could have kept the video ribbon, I felt like that was especially unique and futuristic.

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

The north end Student Athlete Center will house strictly football. Lockers and the Tillman Tunnel will be moved to the north side.

I read that the Carson Center would then house other athletes like track & field, volleyball etc. Basketball and baseball would not use Carson as they already have their own facilities.

The SDS renderings look nice overall. I wish they could have kept the video ribbon, I felt like that was especially unique and futuristic.

I am sure the video ribbon was cut out solely due to cost, which is a shame. Most modern stadiums have video ribbons now, so we'll already be behind the times. Not to say it can't be added later but...

[Spitfiredude]

Originally Posted by MegaBass

Still some questions about the SDS Project:

• If the north end Student Athlete Center is a go, will the Football team's locker move there? What happens to the possible open space at Carson Student Athlete Center?
• As a former member, I wish there would be some needed rehearsal/storage space for the band.
• Hope there's a shade canopy of some sorts. When ESPN/Fox/PAC-12 start issuing more afternoon games for national audience fans will be griping.
• I don't mind the upper deck reduction since the ticket demand is not there at the moment. Sure as initial reactions are comparing it now to Arizona Stadium but it was called for in 2007 to demo the upper deck due to corrosion. Don't know why they've left that out during this how renovation process.

Yes the football portion of the athletic center will completely move to the new athletic center. It will also serve some training facilities for other sports, but not really many other offices. Football takes up the entire 3rd floor at the current ICA, but that space will become space for other sports offices and administration. The focus of this new athletic center is football. This includes coaches offices, position meeting rooms, staff meeting rooms, offensive/defensive rooms, team room, training table, new football locker room, new equipment room, new recruiting/video offices, trainer's rooms, strength offices, strength training room (gym). As of now, there will also be a 40-50 yard field house. The ultimate goal is to move the practice fields and indoor to the northern part of the stadium. Obviously, financials dictate this, so it may not happen immediately with the renovation. The practice fields would extend from the facility west to the buttes, with some parking.

In terms of football facilities ASU lags the rest of the PAC-12 (personal rankings based off touring 7 other facilities and watching videos on others):


OREGON (1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xSlBX32jx0
WASHINGTON (8) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFtbJowjGzs
WASHINGTON STATE (11)
UTAH (6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcLrED68g6M
ARIZONA (2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k1EnANQ664
CALIFORNIA (9)
USC (5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtSj_tPX4Jw
STANFORD (7)
ARIZONA STATE (4)
UCLA (3)
OREGON STATE (10)
COLORADO (12)
(Ranking to right is final PAC-12 Standings)

Colorado, UCLA, and Arizona State are all looking at new football facilties in the next 5 years. I believe the new facility could bump us up to top 3. It is nice that ASU took the time to wait to build a new facility because it gives the opportunity to mock based off other facilities.

No shade canopy over stadium...it was stupid idea, no one liked it, so it was scrapped. The networks won't issue afternoon games unless we ask for it. Obviously, its easier for them to play PAC-12 games at night and play other conferences throughout the day. Why the big networks typically take 2 at night (FOX/ESPN), and 1 during day (either FOX/ESPN/ABC/FS1). Then Pac-12 networks take 1 or 2 depending on what is left over from bigger networks

[dtnphx]

On Sunday, I was driving around Downtown Tempe and it was hopping with a festival going on at Tempe Beach Park, people out and about and just a great destination on a great spring day. What really took my breath away is how FRIGGIN' MASSIVE the Hanover project is. NY, Philly, Baltimore? That thing is as dense a flowerless chocolate cake. That is going to really add to the body count downtown. Game changer, perhaps?

[MegaBass]

Originally Posted by Spitfiredude

The networks won't issue afternoon games unless we ask for it. Obviously, its easier for them to play PAC-12 games at night and play other conferences throughout the day. Why the big networks typically take 2 at night (FOX/ESPN), and 1 during day (either FOX/ESPN/ABC/FS1). Then Pac-12 networks take 1 or 2 depending on what is left over from bigger networks

Pac-12 football: Fewer night games, more regional broadcasts and the negotiations with ESPN and Fox Sports 1