Proposed new high-rise mixed-use tower in Tempe! (Phoenix, Scottsdale: affordable apartments, to rent)

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by observer53

Well, when the streetcar is done, that will tie that whole Marina Heights/lakefront area to the light rail.

And the taxpayers shell out for light rail options for people who live in "luxury" apartments while real public transportation needs go begging.

Anyway, I've commented before and will once again that Tempe is losing its focus on students and ASU. In the grand scheme of things, that's OK, but we have to ask. Where will the children play?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

And the taxpayers shell out for light rail options for people who live in "luxury" apartments while real public transportation needs go begging.

Anyway, I've commented before and will once again that Tempe is losing its focus on students and ASU. In the grand scheme of things, that's OK, but we have to ask. Where will the children play?

Tempe is not supposed to be entirely focused on "students and ASU". it has thousands of residents, and will have more, that have little or nothing to do with the University in their daily lives here. "Real public transportation" in Tempe is quite good, and benefits those students you are so concerned about (and ASU staff and other ASU customers) and lots of other residents, myself included.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by observer53

Frankly, I am not crazy about a high density development, with a high rise, in that area, which is already congested. I'd rather see it out along the lake, too, especially if it's not intended as attracting students, but "young professionals" or however they phrased it. But, my opinion doesn't mean much.

I disagree, this location is more "downtown" Tempe rather than the lake. I think this area near mill is where the height should be and it should stair step down as you go West across Ash and eventually the area where are the brownstones are being built. The prime areas of the lakefront are almost built out anyway, so this is great IMO. When I read about this a couple weeks ago on the Tempe site, it mentions it is three buildings with the first two planned to go to construction ASAP, and the third smaller building to follow.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by asufan

I disagree, this location is more "downtown" Tempe rather than the lake. I think this area near mill is where the height should be and it should stair step down as you go West across Ash and eventually the area where are the brownstones are being built. The prime areas of the lakefront are almost built out anyway, so this is great IMO. When I read about this a couple weeks ago on the Tempe site, it mentions it is three buildings with the first two planned to go to construction ASAP, and the third smaller building to follow.

For the other things they are planning besides the residential, I agree that downtown makes more sense. I could wish it was not quite so crowded and high in that space (I thought USA Place sounded like too much, and it was to be on a much bigger piece of property). But, I won't be crushed if the plans don't change (or if it doesn't happen, but I do think it will) It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by observer53

For the other things they are planning besides the residential, I agree that downtown makes more sense. I could wish it was not quite so crowded and high in that space (I thought USA Place sounded like too much, and it was to be on a much bigger piece of property). But, I won't be crushed if the plans don't change (or if it doesn't happen, but I do think it will) It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

You may remember there was a bigger, much taller building proposed (and I think approved by Tempe) for this same site that was a victim of the recession. So this is actually downsized from previous plans. I think the height is what the developer needs to make this development feasible as that is a prime piece of land.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by asufan

You may remember there was a bigger, much taller building proposed (and I think approved by Tempe) for this same site that was a victim of the recession. So this is actually downsized from previous plans. I think the height is what the developer needs to make this development feasible as that is a prime piece of land.

I do remember that; at the time, there were fewer other tall buildings downtown than there are now. I think there was another one proposed west of Mill, further back in the past. As I said, it will be interesting to see what happens, but I don't think that Crow's argument is going to work too well, given the size of existing buildings quite close by. (and what would have been built at USA Place).

[Leaving Arizona]

Like d/t Tempe needs another high rise in an area of abysmal parking. Pffff.

new2colo is on to something - Michael Crow cannot stand it when his fingers aren't in all the pies. His empire building has wrecked the college town feel of northern Tempe. So, if he's complaining about it, I'm all for it, even though I think it's the last thing Tempe needs.

I'm just surprised that any towers more than ten stories are allowed alongside the riverbed, considering that it's so close to Sky Harbor and the east side landing pattern. Money turns people blind, I guess.

'Tis okay - this ol' cynic's going to laugh when a 100 year flood comes in and a goodly portion of this construction floats its way down the Salt.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Leaving Arizona

Like d/t Tempe needs another high rise in an area of abysmal parking. Pffff.

new2colo is on to something - Michael Crow cannot stand it when his fingers aren't in all the pies. His empire building has wrecked the college town feel of northern Tempe. So, if he's complaining about it, I'm all for it, even though I think it's the last thing Tempe needs.

I'm just surprised that any towers more than ten stories are allowed alongside the riverbed, considering that it's so close to Sky Harbor and the east side landing pattern. Money turns people blind, I guess.

'Tis okay - this ol' cynic's going to laugh when a 100 year flood comes in and a goodly portion of this construction floats its way down the Salt.

Part of the build, if I recall correctly, is a parking garage. That area is out of the flight path. There are taller buildings than this proposal closer to the river.

We've had 100 year floods already down the Salt since I've lived here. At least three. Downtown Tempe hasn't seen any flooding yet.

Northern Tempe was losing its college town feel, to the extent it had one, long before Crow came to AZ. A lot of the buildup in downtown and northern Tempe had nothing to do with Crow.

[stasi_crystals]

Would you say us millennials are somewhat phasing out suburban life? What I don't understand is how they expect us to afford these luxury apartments and condos working low wage jobs, living with 3 other people to make ends meet. We may be titled as "young professionals" but we aren't making the professional salary and not all of us want to be in the tech industry.

[new2colo]

Originally Posted by stasi_crystals

Would you say us millennials are somewhat phasing out suburban life? What I don't understand is how they expect us to afford these luxury apartments and condos working low wage jobs, living with 3 other people to make ends meet. We may be titled as "young professionals" but we aren't making the professional salary and not all of us want to be in the tech industry.

Millennials are a diverse group, even economically. I don't think these apartments are being marketed toward those who work low wage jobs and live with three other people. These are clearly market rate apartments for people who earn the income to afford to live there.