Phoenix | Astra Towers (2 towers) | 541 FT | 44 Floors & 425 FT | 30 Floors

gymratmanaz · #1 Posted **Jan 16, 2020, 6:43 PM**

Too soon?

New tallest for Phoenix!!! (Hoping a new thread helps to push it to reality!)

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...ostcount=16065

CrestedSaguaro · #2 Posted **Jan 16, 2020, 9:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by gymratmanaz

Too soon?

New tallest for Phoenix!!! (Hoping a new thread helps to push it to reality!)

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...ostcount=16065

I think it's more real now than ever. Aspirant is proving to be a formidable developer for Phoenix. That with the fairly detailed renderings we've seen this early into the development process, FAA height evaluations submitted and word-of-mouth (from someone that appears to know someone on the inside) that Aspirant is just waiting for approvals from Phoenix, I'm really excited that this may indeed happen.

PHX31 · #3 Posted **Jan 17, 2020, 3:42 PM**

Posting these renderings Ronnie obtained for the sake of having them in the Astra thread and because they're getting buried in the other thread.

PHXFlyer11 · #4 Posted **Jan 19, 2020, 11:45 PM**

Phoenix will truly be a different city when these go up. The center of gravity downtown shifting a bit to the west with development accelerating in all directions. Really hope to hear about a groundbreaking soon!

rmcxion · #5 Posted **Jan 20, 2020, 8:52 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

Phoenix will truly be a different city when these go up. The center of gravity downtown shifting a bit to the west with development accelerating in all directions. Really hope to hear about a groundbreaking soon!

I'm also looking forward to this project becoming a reality. It would be nice to see some development on the west side once these are up ��

Jjs5056 · #6 Posted **Jan 22, 2020, 5:32 PM**

Looks like this is incorporating a paseo -- is this aligned with the Taylor Mall, will it be open to traffic, pedestrian-only, or is it basically a driveway?

For such a large property, I was pleasantly surprised to see the design as I 100% expected to see a megaproject with a massive base vs. 2 totally separated towers. Unfortunate that it is being phased, but not surprising given the heights and uses.

Doesn't the number of entrances/exits dedicated to parking seem high, or no? Regardless, it would be great if this had been how its western neighbor had been developed vs. the ASU dorm project. And, hopefully, at some point, blights like that garage on VB/1st Ave will be redeveloped in a similar fashion and lead to a WVB corridor of high rises, large floorplate retail, and a canyon-like boulevard of multiple uses as had been intended by early planning/zoning docs for downtown.

CrestedSaguaro · #7 Posted **Jan 22, 2020, 5:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Looks like this is incorporating a paseo -- is this aligned with the Taylor Mall, will it be open to traffic, pedestrian-only, or is it basically a driveway?

For such a large property, I was pleasantly surprised to see the design as I 100% expected to see a megaproject with a massive base vs. 2 totally separated towers. Unfortunate that it is being phased, but not surprising given the heights and uses.

Doesn't the number of entrances/exits dedicated to parking seem high, or no? Regardless, it would be great if this had been how its western neighbor had been developed vs. the ASU dorm project. And, hopefully, at some point, blights like that garage on VB/1st Ave will be redeveloped in a similar fashion and lead to a WVB corridor of high rises, large floorplate retail, and a canyon-like boulevard of multiple uses as had been intended by early planning/zoning docs for downtown.

Well, it's too early in the game to really say. I'm not sure these are the final designs or if changes will be made to satisfy the City of Phoenix. Hopefully, we will see more in the next couple months as to the specific details.

rmcxion · #8 Posted **Feb 2, 2020, 8:36 AM**

Come on Astra!

Edifice · #9 Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 5:44 PM**

Just bumping this thread. Such an important project. Anybody know what the next step is for this?

Mr.RE · #10 Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 7:49 PM**

I really hope this thing moves fast. Last I heard they were in Plan review with the City which right now is like a 16 week process to get through first, second comments and final approval. Not sure where they are at in the mix. If you drive west on McDowell through the Papago park this would close a massive gap in the skyline between downtown and the Link/Stewart. Will be amazing to see if they can pull it off.

CrestedSaguaro · #11 Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 8:41 PM**

I've been checking daily for permits. So far, nothing since the renderings came out. I also expect the final design to probably be tweaked a little. Would be nice if they added a crown of some type or maybe less of a square. But at this point I will take it as it sits.

rmcxion · #12 Posted **Feb 20, 2020, 8:58 AM**

Any updates?

CrestedSaguaro · #13 Posted **Feb 20, 2020, 3:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcxion

Any updates?

The FAA height evaluations were submitted for June. So I'm guessing May-June before any permits start getting pulled. These things always start later than planned.

rmcxion · #14 Posted **Feb 21, 2020, 8:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonnieFoos

The FAA height evaluations were submitted for June. So I'm guessing May-June before any permits start getting pulled. These things always start later than planned.

Thank you.

I know all of us are hoping for this to get built! 🤞

azliam · #15 Posted **May 1, 2020, 2:30 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrestedSaguaro

The FAA height evaluations were submitted for June. So I'm guessing May-June before any permits start getting pulled. These things always start later than planned.

I dug this up: https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/WebBlobServlet

xymox · #16 Posted **May 1, 2020, 4:16 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by azliam

I dug this up: https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/WebBlobServlet

I think you're missing part of the URL...

azliam · #17 Posted **May 1, 2020, 10:26 AM**

Sorry about that...

It was public notice of FAA study - the PDF link on this page:
https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external...27951249&row=4

BA744PHX · #18 Posted **May 1, 2020, 12:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by azliam

Sorry about that...

It was public notice of FAA study - the PDF link on this page:
https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external...27951249&row=4

All I'm understanding from this application "exceed the PHX Part 77"

So was this denied? What happens next? If the city has a map of approved heights why is the FAA involved?

Another interesting note on the website, it shows construction from June 01, 2020 - June 01, 2022. I ****HOPE**** this is the case

Code5 · #19 Posted **May 1, 2020, 12:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by azliam

Sorry about that...

It was public notice of FAA study - the PDF link on this page:
https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external...27951249&row=4

Man, oh man. I think I'm really beginning to hate the FAA if this reads true. I'm staying optimistic though. "Under investigation; seeking public input." Was the last thing I read in that pdf. If this is the case, we should all go and give our public input and say we want this.

CrestedSaguaro · #20 Posted **May 1, 2020, 3:07 PM**

The height limit on that lot is around 525'. Whomever rejected the height was way off stating it was 141' over the limit. I suspect this was in error. They (FAA) do make them from time to time. Probably misread the site coordinates or address. I suspect an appeal will be made.

Also, a follow-up PAPP was submitted on 4/10. I sent in a records request to see if anything has changed. Still waiting on the request to go through.