Tempe Development Thread

[builder03]

The crane for Astria went up this past weekend. I am curious how it will look logistically if the College & 7th project gets started this year as well, given the small footprint of both sites and the high traffic nature of the area. Would be tough to put another tower crane in there.

[combusean]

They usually install Luffing tower cranes when space is constrained/cant get air rights/etc.

Been a while since we've seen one of those in Phoenix, not even sure if one has ever been in Tempe.

[CBar]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

Im hoping ASU will begin another big project in the Tempe area soon. Could be ISTB9 on the SE corner of University and McCallister? Really its just been awhile since ASU has actually broke ground on a big Tempe project and Im looking forward to what they do next.

New ASU constructions may slow down as there is worry about the reduction in indirect costs from federal research grants and contracts. NSF, NIH and DOD have all tried to reduce it to 15%. Though those reductions have been on hold, the uncertainty due to that may slow down new ASU constructions that are done through ASU funds. There is also some concern about enrollment growth projections.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by CBar

New ASU constructions may slow down as there is worry about the reduction in indirect costs from federal research grants and contracts. NSF, NIH and DOD have all tried to reduce it to 15%. Though those reductions have been on hold, the uncertainty due to that may slow down new ASU constructions that are done through ASU funds. There is also some concern about enrollment growth projections.

Do you have inside knowledge at ASU? This is what they recently published as coming up next.

2026 projects

The McCain Library and Museum, honoring the late U.S. Sen. John McCain: The project, to be built on the Tempe campus, also will include a community center and an Arizona home for the McCain Institute, a resilience hub and a convening center for global leaders.

Construction of the ASU Health headquarters in downtown Phoenix. The headquarters will include the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, the School of Technology for Public Health and ASU Health Observatory. It will feature classrooms, study spaces, laboratories, clinical exam/documentation and debrief rooms, and faculty/staff/administrative offices.

Modernization of the Music Building, constructed in 1971, on the Tempe campus. This project will include the replacement of the roof, windows and storefront entrances; and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. New finishes, acoustical improvements and interior repairs also are planned to support the success of the university’s music programs.

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by locolife

Do you have inside knowledge at ASU? This is what ASU has recently published as coming up next.

2026 projects

The McCain Library and Museum, honoring the late U.S. Sen. John McCain: The project, to be built on the Tempe campus, also will include a community center and an Arizona home for the McCain Institute, a resilience hub and a convening center for global leaders.
Construction of the ASU Health headquarters in downtown Phoenix. The headquarters will include the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, the School of Technology for Public Health and ASU Health Observatory. It will feature classrooms, study spaces, laboratories, clinical exam/documentation and debrief rooms, and faculty/staff/administrative offices.
Modernization of the Music Building, constructed in 1971, on the Tempe campus. This project will include the replacement of the roof, windows and storefront entrances; and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. New finishes, acoustical improvements and interior repairs also are planned to support the success of the university’s music programs.

LOL right?

Also let’s not forget the most important project of all (jk), the much-awaited renovation of The Bank (Desert Financial Arena) starting in May 2026. The AD confirmed as much and will begin after commencement ceremonies.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by ASU Diablo

LOL right?

Also let’s not forget the most important project of all (jk), the much-awaited renovation of The Bank (Desert Financial Arena) starting in May 2026. The AD confirmed as much and will begin after commencement ceremonies.

Oh yeah, good point on the arena. They also announced a new track and field facility to replace Sun Angel stadium.

Doesn't seem like momentum has stalled, at least anything we can see publicly. Wouldn't mind some inside scoop if someone on here has it. But if it's just speculation, I'll take it accordingly. HAH

[phoenixwillrise]

Originally Posted by locolife

Do you have inside knowledge at ASU? This is what they recently published as coming up next.

2026 projects

The McCain Library and Museum, honoring the late U.S. Sen. John McCain: The project, to be built on the Tempe campus, also will include a community center and an Arizona home for the McCain Institute, a resilience hub and a convening center for global leaders.

Construction of the ASU Health headquarters in downtown Phoenix. The headquarters will include the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, the School of Technology for Public Health and ASU Health Observatory. It will feature classrooms, study spaces, laboratories, clinical exam/documentation and debrief rooms, and faculty/staff/administrative


Modernization of the Music Building, constructed in 1971, on the Tempe campus. This project will include the replacement of the roof, windows and storefront entrances; and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. New finishes, acoustical improvements and interior repairs also are planned to support the success of the university’s music programs.

Though close to the main campus I believe the McCain Library is a rebuild of the old sanatorium off of Curry Rd. in Papago Park.

[muertecaza]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

Some Tempe development updates from this past week:

Lastly, a new PSPR for Dorsey Station, a planned mixed use multifamily development on the SW corner of Dorsey and Lemon Street (the former Apache & Dorsey station park and ride). This parcel is included in the Apache Blvd Affordable Housing plan, which is interesting because you don't hear about this nearly as much as some of the other projects in this plan and I didn't realize it was that far along. The Apache Blvd plan called for the construction of at least 68 units here. I would definitely hope for something much denser than that, but no details have been provided yet. Looking forward to seeing more on this one.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...73F&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

Red zoning signs are up and do indeed indicate a bigger, denser project.

[CBar]

Originally Posted by locolife

Do you have inside knowledge at ASU? This is what they recently published as coming up next.

2026 projects

The McCain Library and Museum, honoring the late U.S. Sen. John McCain: The project, to be built on the Tempe campus, also will include a community center and an Arizona home for the McCain Institute, a resilience hub and a convening center for global leaders.

Construction of the ASU Health headquarters in downtown Phoenix. The headquarters will include the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, the School of Technology for Public Health and ASU Health Observatory. It will feature classrooms, study spaces, laboratories, clinical exam/documentation and debrief rooms, and faculty/staff/administrative offices.

Modernization of the Music Building, constructed in 1971, on the Tempe campus. This project will include the replacement of the roof, windows and storefront entrances; and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. New finishes, acoustical improvements and interior repairs also are planned to support the success of the university’s music programs.

Don't have that level of inside knowledge. But know some general difficulty that is being faced and anticipated. How it will impact on new construction is speculative on my part. The above mentioned projects may not be impacted. But projects that depend on the indirect cost to grants and contracts and on student tuition could be be impacted, unless alternative funding source is found for them.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by CBar

Don't have that level of inside knowledge. But know some general difficulty that is being faced and anticipated. How it will impact on new construction is speculative on my part. The above mentioned projects may not be impacted. But projects that depend on the indirect cost to grants and contracts and on student tuition could be be impacted, unless alternative funding source is found for them.

Yeah, that's fair, I wasn't trying to be a d*ck in any way, just curious if you happened to have direct knowledge. It feels like it's still full steam ahead from progress reports and continued public announcements. But I do see how the current political environment would challenge any budgets built off of what you mention above.

Fingers crossed that ASU stays innovative and continues to make huge progress on development all around the valley. I would have a hard time betting against it based on the many years of success. Could it impede a bit, sure, but completely stopping feels like a really bad situation.

[DesertRay]

Originally Posted by locolife

Oh yeah, good point on the arena. They also announced a new track and field facility to replace Sun Angel stadium.

Doesn't seem like momentum has stalled, at least anything we can see publicly. Wouldn't mind some inside scoop if someone on here has it. But if it's just speculation, I'll take it accordingly. HAH

I can confirm that the people that I know at ASU are slowing things down because of uncertainty. ASU usually has all sorts of contingencies baked in, but with the changes coming seemingly every minute, the tone has definitely shifted. No definitive information, but the stuff connected to the academic side of the house may certainly be delayed. Not sure about any of the athletic stuff, however. Haven't heard a word about that.

[Forrester1998]

Crossover episode for Tempe development: In a tweet, Ryan Johnson (Culdesac CEO) announced that the Culdesac office on 7th Street is closed due to apparently imminent demolition in preparation for the 7th Street Residential project (the one that will also be demolishing part of the First Congregational Church and relocating the Harry Walker House). Posted screenshot of the notice was from ~May and stated that the developers planned to begin demolition work during the week of July 7th. Seems like this dev is not messing around. FWIW, we do have a current example of a big project that did not immediately start construction after demolition (955 E. University) but I believe their holdup was that they were looking to decrease their parking allotment, and they just had the first of two required city council meetings to get that approved (unfortunately next city council meeting isnt until late August so we will still be waiting on a groundbreaking until the Fall). To be crystal clear, this post from Johnson was nostalgia posting and did not contain any ire for this dev, and Im sure they have been anticipating this for a long time. I assumed they would be moving their office to the actual Culdesac Tempe site but he didn't say.

https://x.com/ryanmjohnson/status/1940595614162801030

Speaking of the 7th Street Residential project, they are apparently applying for a GPLET agreement. Im personally pretty eh on the use of GPLETs in general but this project IS the most ambitious single structure residential project that Tempe has had so far, so if any project should get one I guess it should be this one. And, they are already starting work!

[Forrester1998]

Originally Posted by muertecaza

Red zoning signs are up and do indeed indicate a bigger, denser project.

Okay, so based on this screenshot and the acreage it looks like this includes the actual Apache Center plat as well as the two addresses listed on the sign. In that case, 400 units is the same as the previously planned density. I hadn't realized that all of these parcels had been combined into one project until I looked into this. They definitely are all part of the same project now under the "Apache Central Center" title on the Tempe Community Development website.

https://www.tempe.gov/government/communi...affordable-housing/apache-central-center

400 units over 6.7 acres is ~60 units per acre, which us okay for a project of this type. But the density varies a lot by portion of the site if you take the plans from the Apache Blvd Redevelopment Plans page at face value (this was before these were all combined into one project/before Tempe acquired Apache Center). The parcel at Dorsey/Lemon is just ~34 units/acre, the parcel at Dorsey/Apache would be. ~60 units/acre, and the actual Apache Center parcel would be ~84 units/acre. Im not sure why that would be the preferred distribution. Either way Im definitely interested in seeing the actual documents for this project as I dont think they have released much info on the concepts since they were combined into one. (I've included a link below to the original Apache Redevelopment plan page)

https://www.tempe.gov/government/communi...es/housing-services/apache-redevelopment

[Remi Kotten]

Does anyone have any updates on the Tempe Depot development? Last I heard there was an issue with Valley Metro & building over the light rail.

[builder03]

Demo has started on the College and 7th development. I am excited for this one, as it looks nicer (IMO) than many of the other towers going up, mostly due to the absence of a parking podium.







https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loc...e-of-former-tempe-bookstore/72635522007/

[builder03]

Not sure if this was posted in the past, but Lego's Consumer Services Hub is moving into The Beam on Farmer next month.

https://www.costar.com/article/185177030...-estate-footprint-with-phoenix-area-deal

[cdfif030]

Will the Library get built?

My friend worked at the building that will be replaced by the John McCain Library last semester for her master program clinical rotation. The building is now no longer in service. This gives me hope that is will be moving forward. However, ASU is facing a massive cut to its funding. I even had a delay in funding distribution for my thesis project, which had already been approved. I luckily was able to obtain funds, but there were many students who lost their funding entirely. This is a publicly funded University that was already facing a budget shift after state-side cuts to funding last year causing an increase in tuition and the closing of the Lake Havasu Campus.

"Federal cuts are now impacting Arizona State University. President Michael Crow said many federally funded projects at the university are being canceled. Crow said grant revocation affected almost 80 projects."
https://www.kjzz.org/education/2025-03-2...-after-federal-grant-funding-was-revoked

This museum funding was awarded by the Biden Administration in honor of John McCain's legacy. Not trying to be overly political, but this project has a lot of national political ramifications in play. Construction is/was expected to begin in 2025. There have been no updates on the project since 2023...

Let us not forget that ASU gets a sizable amount of funding via International Student enrollment. ASU has one of the largest international student populations in the country. "New survey data from the Association of International Educators, or NAFSA, shows a 13% dip in postgraduate program enrollment for the upcoming academic year." Students have had their VISAs revoked recently and ASU is sending out messages warning students to not leave the country until they finish their programs. If I were looking at spending $50k+ a year at an International University, I would not be going to one that might deport me and restrict my freedom. Some of these people are my peers, and they are now looking to Europe and Canada. https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/0...-enrollment-may-be-declining-under-trump

[cdfif030]

Tempe has proposed a Middle Housing Overlay district in the one-mile radius surrounding the central business district. This would be to comply with state law, and I am hopeful it would spur development around the University's older neighborhoods that face NIMBY backlash.

"Some key points in the new law include:

-Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhome will still be required to comply with the required setbacks and height restrictions.
-Municipalities are only allowed to require one off-street parking space per dwelling unit.
-Municipalities may not limit lot coverage to less than 50%.
-Municipalities may not set owner occupancy requirements.
-Municipalities may not limit the height of these housing developments to less than two stories.
-Municipalities may not set regulations that are more restrictive than what is required for single-family homes.
-HB2721 preempts the City’s control on density. Middle Housing types as described in this bill do not have to meet zoning density standards when proposed in eligible areas."

You can submit your comments here:
https://www.tempe.gov/government/communi...le-housing-overlay-district-comment-form

More information on the proposal:
https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-development/planning/proposed-code-changes

[Forrester1998]

New Preliminary Site Plan Review for the parcel on the hard NW corner of Rural and Rio Salado, its for an amended PAD for "Marina Heights Buildings G and H." I believe in the annual NOVUS review a couple of years ago there was some mention of this being an upcoming project, Ill try to find that document and link it. In the NOVUS plan this parcel is split into two plots (west and east) with the west being planned for residential (probably high rise) and the east being high rise office. It will be interesting to see what we get here, hopefully there will be some more detailed news soon.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...AKZ&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

[muertecaza]

Originally Posted by Forrester1998

New Preliminary Site Plan Review for the parcel on the hard NW corner of Rural and Rio Salado, its for an amended PAD for "Marina Heights Buildings G and H." I believe in the annual NOVUS review a couple of years ago there was some mention of this being an upcoming project, Ill try to find that document and link it. In the NOVUS plan this parcel is split into two plots (west and east) with the west being planned for residential (probably high rise) and the east being high rise office. It will be interesting to see what we get here, hopefully there will be some more detailed news soon.

https://epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess...AKZ&agencyCode=TEMPE&IsToShowInspection=

Nice! Gotta love seeing another big ugly surface lot bite the dust.