Phoenix | Vela Phoenix | 291 FT | 26 Floors

[gymratmanaz]

I know some mentioned the heat from the west, but think of the sunsets too!!! Also, that glass looks nicely tinted.

[combusean]

That heat is not inconsequential ... this building screams out of state/owner architect. No balconies is understandable, but not even having any louvers (or whatever those things are on the exterior) is ridiculous.

[az_daniel]

Originally Posted by combusean

That heat is not inconsequential ... this building screams out of state/owner architect. No balconies is understandable, but not even having any louvers (or whatever those things are on the exterior) is ridiculous.

It is most certainly a building that could be built anywhere, certainly not of the desert or reflective of the city. but its still more unique and has a much higher design quality than pretty much anything we have had built in a long time. I imagine we're going to see a lot of window with shades down facing central each afternoon. I would love to see the energy model for this lol

[combusean]

Yeah ... despite the energy shortcomings, it's still a great looking building.

And I suppose as things develop, the exposure won't be so ... exposed. X Phoenix should be under construction (?) and the NEC of 1st Ave and McKinley at least seemed realistic as well.

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by CrestedSaguaro

Looks like Vela is finally happening. Lot is closed and dirt is moving.

Is this still the case or was it a false start? Once the drillers arrive that's usually the sign of certainty.

[Cleve]

No movement - Passed by the lot yesterday

[combusean]

I seem to recall they always do some test digs (probably soil analysis) before they start in earnest.

I wouldn't worry about this one.

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by combusean

I seem to recall they always do some test digs (probably soil analysis) before they start in earnest.

I wouldn't worry about this one.

I'd imagine those soil analysis tests are for geotechnical reports and structural design, which would be way early. I was talking about drilling for actual building columns/foundations. Hope to see those soon.

[combusean]

No, I swear I've seen this happen before. They do a tiny bit of last minute soil/drilling work a few days before the project begins in earnest. I have no idea what specifically they do, I suspect they check that the conditions haven't changed.

[downtownphxguy12]

Originally Posted by combusean

No, I swear I've seen this happen before. They do a tiny bit of last minute soil/drilling work a few days before the project begins in earnest. I have no idea what specifically they do, I suspect they check that the conditions haven't changed.

They did that at the Henri on w. van Buren, they were drilling test holes for about two weeks. large holes. 18" diameter. now they are moving dirt. finally.

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by combusean

No, I swear I've seen this happen before. They do a tiny bit of last minute soil/drilling work a few days before the project begins in earnest. I have no idea what specifically they do, I suspect they check that the conditions haven't changed.

Yeah, I don't know about those. But I'll be most excited once I see some rebar cages on site.

[CrestedSaguaro]

I'm not sure what they were doing when I passed by last week. It was more than drilling equipment. There was a bulldozer and and couple of other piece's of machinery onsite. Also, the trees have temporary boundaries around them. I'm guessing, whatever they were doing was just prep-work of some type. I'm sure construction is imminent.