Tempe Development Thread - Page 74

HX_Guy · #**1461** Posted **Dec 13, 2007, 7:27 AM**

US Airways is full of it, their argument that the building doesn't fit with the rest of the landscape basically means that it doesn't fit with their building, as it would dwarf it. Look at history and other cities...was the Empire State Building proportionate to other buildings? What about other high rises? Even US Airway's own building...when it was built, and even today, it's one of the tallest in Tempe...how is that proportionate to the 1-2 story buildings around Mill Ave?

Sonoran_Dweller · #**1462** Posted **Dec 13, 2007, 7:46 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewkfromaz

Trust me, US Airways isn't going anywhere, not that it would help matters anyway. Think of what this town would be like if Sky Harbor were only a small airport. There wouldn't be more tall buildings, there would be fewer.

So true, we need to appreciate Sky Harbor for what it does. It gives us more than we think it takes away.

andrewkfromaz · #**1463** Posted **Dec 13, 2007, 6:11 PM**

Found something:
Hayden Flour Mills Renov / Add 200700651505 v3

119 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281-2803 USA
*AZ(MARICOPA)
Action stage: Design Development

Bid date:

Valuation: $ H

Project delivery system: Contract Method Undetermined

Owner class: Private

Key Contacts and Bid Documents
Architect: Gould Evans Assoc LC, Robert Gould 3136 N 3rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013-4302 (USA) , Phone:602-234-1140, Fax:602-234-1156, http://www.handsinternational.com

Civil Engineer: Krall Civil Engineering, George Krall 1220 E Osborn Rd Ste 102 Phoenix, AZ 85014-5534 (USA) , Phone:602-285-9500, Fax:602-285-9229
Landscape Architect: Urban Graphite, 3202 N Scottsdale Rd Ste D Scottsdale, AZ 85251-6486 (USA) , Phone:480-775-3714, Fax:480-990-0754, E-mail:[email protected]
Owner-Builder/Developer(Private): Avenue Communities LLC, Rood R Miller 230 W 5th St Tempe, AZ 85281-3617 (USA) , Phone:480-294-6333, Fax:480-294-6301, E-mail:[email protected], http://www.reallifestyle.com
Email ID : [email protected]
Plans(Electrical Engineer Plans)By: Architect
Plans(Mechanical Engineer Plans)By: Architect
Plans(Structural Engineer Plans)By: Architect
Notes: PCSC06

Structural Details
Structural information: 1 Building/ 6 Stories above grade / 0 Story below grade / 51,535 Total square ft / Building Frame: Wall Bearing

Additional features: 14,924 SF Retail - 7,705 SF Restaurant - 28,906 SF Office -

Project Overview
Project type: Office. Food/Beverage Service. Retail (Other).
Report type: Project
Sub project count: 0
First publish date: 02/27/2007
Prior publish date: 05/03/2007
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge
Type of Work: New Project
Status: Design underway - Revised plans submitted into city for review - Schedules pending

Status project delivery
system: Contract Method Undetermined

Publish date: 11/13/2007

I'm not sure if "office" in this case means hotel rooms, but I thought this placeholder was interesting. I haven't heard of plans for the Mill being in at the city, but maybe we overlooked it? ALSO: This is probably just the mill building itself, not the silos? In which case, there might should be some museum space?

smoothSkySailin · #**1464** Posted **Dec 13, 2007, 9:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHX31

/\ Cool, maybe you can more fill us in on the approval process of the W downtown, and the corresponding denial of the CityScape building by the FAA. I think we have a good idea about what did/is going to happen, but any info on cityscape would be great.

Well, i've only briefly looked at the project details, but in looking at the FAA circulatization letter, I am confident that the FAA will approve this structure... Any proposed structure that exceeds obstruction standards is automatically given the "Notice of Presumed Hazard" stamp. It is then ciruclarized for public comment...

The newspapers make this "notice of presumed hazard" look like a deathblow to the project when the reality is that it is common FAA procedure.

Around Sky Harbor, the only real way a project would be given an actual "Hazard Determination" is if it penetrated an Instrument Approach or Instrument Departure surface. In quickly looking at this project it does not appear an instrument procedure surface is penetrated, even though the circularization letter indicates the standard departure surface is. Sky harbor has special instrument departure procedures in place which should allow this project to be compatible.

tempedude · #**1465** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 7:59 PM**

Has anyone noticed that the old ACME Roadhouse Bar n Grill on Rural at 8th St. has been leveled? Yep, its gone completely. I believe this is where the proposed 8th St. condos are to be located. But, when they will start construction is anyone's guess considering current market conditions.

Here I have a couple more crappy grainy pictures from earlier today.

Thought that this was kind of a nice shot of Centerpoint

Water spilling over Tempe Lake dam. A small example of how much rain that did fall on Arizona in the past couple of weeks, and all the water is making it down here from the Salt River system. It looked like it had been spilling over at a greater volume than what I captured in this pic.

loftlovr · #**1466** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 8:17 PM**

edit: wrong forum....
Thanks for busting me out HX Guy!

andrewkfromaz · #**1467** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 10:43 PM**

Ah yes, Calvin Goode.
I'm going to have to look into this Dana Crawford person. I wonder what she's got planned that we haven't already seen before, from (apparently) less notable planners. Edit: well that changes a few things. Apparently Dana was born in 1931. I have a lot of respect for more experienced people in general, and planners are no exception. Time to quit be snarky for once and pay attention.

HX_Guy · #**1468** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 10:44 PM**

Isn't 12st St and Washington in Phoenix...not Tempe?

andrewkfromaz · #**1469** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 10:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tempedude

Great picture. Interesting thing about the dam: the southernmost bladder on the downstream side (where Tempedude took the picture) is a little bit lower than the other segments of the dam. If I remember what I was told correctly, for some reason that segment was too long or not installed properly and therefore it sags in the middle. Water tends to flow over that segment first. Tempe Water Dept, who manages the lake, actually likes that "feature," as it makes maintaining a constant level very simple.

Phxbyrd211 · #**1470** Posted **Dec 14, 2007, 11:47 PM**

Cram it Goode!

This area has been under utilized for one hell of a long time and private investors should be seen as heros for whatever they build within damn FAA regulations. It's obvious to me that there should be mid-rise on Washington and Van Buren all the way from 7th st. to the airport and Tempe. This could become a super corridor of power between Phoenix, Tempe and South Scottsdale. The pioneers that move there could really be getting in on the ground floor.

JAHOPL · #**1471** Posted **Dec 15, 2007, 10:29 PM**

Tempe High Rise Supporters Berate U.S. Airways
Garin Groff, East Valley Tribune
December 15, 2007

The anger once aimed at a plan to build high-rises next to the historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja in Tempe has shifted to an unlikely target: the city’s hometown airline.

Tempe-based US Airways is trying to stop the plan, making the airline the only major critic after earlier criticism triggered the developer to make changes that converted opponents into supporters.

But as US Airways listed problems it had with the development on Thursday night, Tempe’s elected officials and Monti’s representatives berated the airline for apparent contradictions and called the air carrier an uncompromising “bully.”

The fight to build towers of up to 300 feet tall has become perhaps the most contentious and confusing battle over a Tempe development in years. The City Council delayed what was supposed to be the final vote Thursday during a meeting in which Scottsdale-based 3W Cos. asked to postpone a decision when it appeared the plan wouldn’t get enough votes.

A decision is set for Jan. 10.

A centerpiece of the airline’s opposition was the height. Airline attorney Stephen Earl said any buildings taller than 257 feet would threaten planes in the rare event an airplane failed during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

But US Airways spokesman John MacDonald said the airline wants a maximum “good neighbor height” of 225 feet.

“There’s a blatant inconsistency here,” said Paul Gilbert, an attorney for 3W Cos.

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman ridiculed the airline for arguing that a new $6.2 billion fleet of aircraft couldn’t clear a 257-foot building but could fly above the 330-foot-tall Hayden Butte that is 800 feet to the east.

Earl said he didn’t have the avionics expertise to answer. He couldn’t answer several major concerns Hallman raised, triggering the mayor to say the lack of response was “unconscionable.”

The airline offered a compromise: three towers of no more than 257 feet, instead of two taller towers. The airline still opposed the project, which triggered more criticism.

“I’m disappointed our hometown airline can’t compromise,” Councilwoman Onnie Shekerjian said. “We have a bully among our midst.”

The project has support from Carl Hayden, a descendant of Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden. The elder Hayden built an adobe home in 1871, and it is the Valley’s oldest building. It would be preserved and stand next to the new towers.

Historic preservationists scolded La Casa Vieja owner Michael Monti for an initial plan that put a tower above the adobe structure, but they supported him once his developer moved the building.

MacDonald said 3W Cos. hasn’t been willing to compromise with an agreement to use two driveways they share. The airline wants to support the project — just with some changes, he said.

The airline filed a protest with the city, which requires six out of seven “yes” votes instead of the usual four out of seven. Councilman Ben Arredondo opposes the current buildings as too tall, meaning that every other council member must support the project for it to win approval.

Monti also blasted the airline after supporting their buildings in the past. Monti said changing times have threatened his restaurant, adding that the development is the only way to let him keep his business and preserve the adobe building.

“This is our life,” Monti said. “It’s a decimal point for US Airways.”

bwonger06 · #**1472** Posted **Dec 16, 2007, 12:44 AM**

Ben Arredondo... why is this joke still in office?

I am not one bit surprised at him opposing the project.

Anyone know when he has to re-run for his position?

andrewkfromaz · #**1473** Posted **Dec 16, 2007, 6:30 AM**

I don't think US Airways' opposition will ultimately have that big of an impact on the decision the City Council makes. Tempe takes US Airways entirely for granted, given that it's one of the city's largest employers. In addition, Tempe is incredibly cavalier regarding the economic impact of Sky Harbor and its proximity to Tempe, even accusing Phoenix of conspiring against Tempe high-rises. Tempe needs to realize that it needs to protect the airport every ounce as much as Phoenix, even sacrificing an occasional high-rise.

US Airways' arguments against the height of the Monti's project don't make a lot of sense if a building of 257 feet provides plenty of airspace for jets to descend towards Sky Harbor. On the other hand, ruining Mill Avenue's human-scale architecture isn't ideal either, something I hope Tempe realizes before it's too late.

KEVINphx · #**1474** Posted **Dec 16, 2007, 6:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewkfromaz

I don't think US Airways' opposition will ultimately have that big of an impact on the decision the City Council makes. Tempe takes US Airways entirely for granted, given that it's one of the city's largest employers. In addition, Tempe is incredibly cavalier regarding the economic impact of Sky Harbor and its proximity to Tempe, even accusing Phoenix of conspiring against Tempe high-rises. Tempe needs to realize that it needs to protect the airport every ounce as much as Phoenix, even sacrificing an occasional high-rise.

US Airways' arguments against the height of the Monti's project don't make a lot of sense if a building of 257 feet provides plenty of airspace for jets to descend towards Sky Harbor. On the other hand, ruining Mill Avenue's human-scale architecture isn't ideal either, something I hope Tempe realizes before it's too late.

Short buildings do not guarantee human scale. I personally believe that if the street-front is used properly with retail, cafe space and restaurants then THAT creates human scale, not the height of the buildings. Would you argue that Manhattan is not more human scale than mill ave is today?

andrewkfromaz · #**1475** Posted **Dec 17, 2007, 3:27 AM**

Parts of Manhattan, yes I would. I do agree that good, even great human-scale buildings can also be high-rises. I think set-backs in height contribute to better human-scale than buildings towering over the sidewalk.

desertdj · #**1476** Posted **Dec 19, 2007, 6:49 PM**

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2007/12/17/daily28.html

Driving in Tempe just got a little easier.

In-road construction of Metro light rail lines has been completed throughout the city and driving lanes along the route have been fully restored from the downtown area, through Arizona State University and along Apache Boulevard to Loop 101.

Progress also is being made on light rail stations, including preparations for installation of artwork, according to Metro's latest update. Special pavers that include local residents' "memories of Apache Boulevard" are set for January installation at the Apache Boulevard/ Smith-Martin light rail station.

In Phoenix, paving is complete on Camelback Road between Central and 15th avenues, and by the end of January there will be continuous track from McDowell Road in Phoenix to Sycamore and Main streets in Mesa.

Metro is testing vehicles and operating a signal system on a one-mile section of Washington Street east of the airport. In spring 2008 testing will expand into downtown Tempe, with passenger service expected to begin in December 2008.

desertdj · #**1477** Posted **Dec 19, 2007, 6:51 PM**

^^ "memories of Apache Boulevard" - They better go back to when US 60 was Apache Blvd, otherwise recent memories might be rated NC-17!!

desertdj · #**1478** Posted **Dec 21, 2007, 4:36 PM**

more traffic circle talk...

Traffic circles considered as solution to cut-through traffic
William Hermann
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 21, 2007 07:37 AM

Central Tempe neighbors know that rush hour on the big streets means cut-through chaos on the little streets as frustrated drivers bail out of University Drive or Southern Avenue and dash down Wilson, Farmer, Roosevelt, Ash or Maple.

Neighbors frustrated by cut-through traffic and the congestion and danger it brings have asked the city to do something. Now a plan is in the works.

"We've received calls over the years from the neighborhoods (south of University and west of Mill) about traffic that cuts through the area and that the speed and volume is increasing," said Tempe transportation planner Eric Iwersen. "We've had meetings with folks in the area and there is funding now and staff is working with neighbors to develop a plan to address the cut-through issue."

Linda Knutson, chairwoman of Mitchell Park East Neighborhood Association, is involved in the process. So are the Mitchell Park West and Maple Ash associations.

"We're really tired of the drive-through traffic; it seems sometimes there is more of that than our own traffic," Knutson said. "We know people get frustrated sitting in that line of traffic that you get on University; but that frustration makes them drive all the faster through our area, and that's just dangerous."

Iwersen said that solutions are in the planning stage, and that serious consideration is being given to traffic circles.

A traffic circle is a one-way circular intersection without traffic signal equipment like stop lights or stop signs in which traffic flows around a center island.

Traffic circles slow cars and are good for neighborhoods in several ways, Iwersen said.

"There are presently no traffic circles in Tempe but it's a proved traffic calming device," Iwersen said. "There are about 50 of them in Tucson, and we did a field trip there to study them."

Traffic circles force traffic to move about 25 mph and they also reduce accidents, according to Arizona Department of Transportation statistics.

And, Iwersen said, they have a bonus feature.

"Traffic circles have an island in the center and it's an opportunity to place public art and make it a point of pride," he said.

Public comment will be taken until Feb. 1 on proposed concepts.

After that, city staff will review all the comments and schedule additional public meetings to determine if temporary traffic calming measures should be implemented.

andrewkfromaz · #**1479** Posted **Dec 21, 2007, 5:48 PM**

This could be a good idea. I think 5th St. already has some of the best speed control devices (speed tables, road narrowing and medians) in Phoenix. Unfortunately, forcing people to drive slower requires old-fashioned Mexican-style speed-bumps, with really vertical edges. The downside to this is the fact that ambulances and other emergency vehicles also would be forced to slow down considerably. I wonder if narrowing roads further and adding on-street parking would be more cost-effective for decreasing speeds than traffic circles. I must say, I'm impressed no one ragged on ASU students, even though they may be guilty in this instance.

Camwoz · #**1480** Posted **Dec 24, 2007, 11:52 PM**

TRIYAR TO DEVELOP ALOFT HOTEL AT TEMPE TOWN LAKE

Tempe – A company formed by TriYar Capital in Phoenix (Steven Yari, Shawn Yari, Bob Agahi, principals) plans to develop a 136-room Aloft hotel just east of Rural Road and along the north side of Tempe Town Lake in Tempe. The site is located within a mixed-use apartment, condominium, office, retail and hotel development called Playa del Norte. The company paid just over $3.992 million to buy the 4.4-acre parcel. The sellers were two companies controlled by developer Brad Wilde of Tempe. The deal was negotiated by Jerry Foster of Insight Land & Investments in Phoenix. Aloft is limited service hotel recently introduced by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. The five-story project is being designed by RSP Architects Ltd. in Tempe. Construction is scheduled to start third quarter 2007. Completion expected to take 12 months. Contractor still to be selected. Development cost (land and building) estimated at $24 million. Financing yet to be arranged. The hotel will take 2.4 acres of the site. The remaining 2 acres is targeted for an 18,000-square-foot office building. TriYar intends to sell that parcel. Marketing agent yet to be selected. The Tempe location is just one of 20 Aloft hotels planned by TriYar across the country. The company has deals pending to acquire two sites in the Valley that are targeted for Aloft hotels. TriYar has been an active investor and developer in the Valley. The company is looking for additional real estate investment and development opportunities in the Phoenix area. Two weeks ago, BREW reported a venture formed by TriYar paying $8 million to purchase the 92-room Ramada Scottsdale on Fifth Avenue hotel at 6935 E. 5th Avenue in downtown Scottsdale. Get more from the Yaris and Agahi at (602) 748-8888. Reach Wilde at (480) 968-4600. Foster is at (602) 385-1515.