Tucson Development Thread

[Ted Lyons]

I'm curious as to who created that map, as much of the text from the project descriptions is practically verbatim from my project list. (Although I also suspect it was DTP, as they were requested to provide Caterpillar a slew of information on downtown, even though the development map on their website is very minimal and outdated.)

Yeah, I noticed that on the Armory listing. It honestly confused me at first.

[Thirsty]

141 South Stone is the parking lot behind the Scottish Rite where folks have been working to get a public plaza, but the owners aren't too keen on un-rentalbe square footage.

They hinted last year that some sort of development was on the way.

Below is one UA architect's proposal for the plaza concept
http://capla.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/photo_album/san-agustin-03.jpg

[T'Town]

I'm curious as to who created that map, as much of the text from the project descriptions is practically verbatim from my project list. (Although I also suspect it was DTP, as they were requested to provide Caterpillar a slew of information on downtown, even though the development map on their website is very minimal and outdated.)

Kaneui thank you for keeping that list. I visit it regularly and provide the link to people who don't quite yet understand how much this city will change in the next 5-7 years. You have provided us with a lot of information over the years. Thanks again.

[Patrick S]

New article on new shopping center near Irvington and I-19 that I had reported on earlier.

Tucson to get major new shopping center (http://tucson.com/business/local/tucson-to-get-major-new-shopping-center/article_443e30df-c27e-5433-b485-9e8989ada9e6.html)

Plans for a major shopping center and on-site hotel on the city’s southwest side are underway.

Bourn Cos. is planning the outdoor center on Irvington Road, west of Interstate 19, and is in negotiations with several retailers, restaurants and hotel chains.

The 58-acre site will be developed in phases, with about 220,000 square feet of shopping space to come online by fall of 2017, said developer Alan Tanner of Bourn.

At full build-out — in about 3½ years — the center could have up to 600,000 square feet of retail space.

Anchor tenants will be on the west side of the center, facing I-19.

Restaurants and retailers will dot the east and south sides, facing the interstate and Irvington Road.

The site is owned by the city of Tucson and used by Tucson Water as a facilities yard.

The City Council voted unanimously last month to rezone the parcel from residential to commercial.

A required land study is being done before the sale of the land to Bourn can close. Developers hope to buy the land at the end of the month. A sale price has not been determined.

The center’s southern neighbor, the successful Tucson Spectrum, sits on 122 acres and has more than 1 million square feet of retail space. Phase 1 was developed in 2001 and Phase 2 in 2008. Phase 1 of the property sits closest to Irvington Road and is anchored by Target and Home Depot. Phase 2 is anchored by Harkins Theatres and JC Penney.

The city placed a restriction on property that will house the new shopping center, which prohibited retail development there until March 2017 as an incentive for developers to build out Tucson Spectrum.

“When there’s need you get creative,” said City Councilwoman Regina Romero. “We often get criticized for selling land, but it’s not just any land, it’s an opportunity beyond one-time revenue for the city. This will help bring sales taxes and jobs and other investment in the area.”

She said Bourn sat down with the city staff and neighbors to hear about the needs and wants.

“It’s very cool because, in the end, we’re getting a good product,” Romero said. “It’s a great opportunity for the city of Tucson.”

MEXICAN SHOPPERS
Developers want the new center to build on the success of Spectrum.

They held outreach meetings with residents who asked for more food options, especially family-oriented sit-down spots and entertainment venues, Tanner said.

Interested retailers include apparel, health care, beauty and service providers.

An alternative to a big-box grocery store is also under consideration, at the request of residents.

“We want to complement what exists across the street and give shoppers a deeper selection,” Tanner said.

To ease traffic concerns, Bourn will widen Irvington Road and add two westbound lanes from I-19: one right-turn-only lane into the shopping center and one pass-through lane.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is also adding a third right-turn lane off of I-19 onto westbound Irvington Road.

The yet-to-be-named center will have multiple entrances and align with the traffic light at Calle Santa Cruz for access to both shopping centers.

“We’re excited to be developing an infill project with strong infrastructure around it,” Tanner said.

More than 100,000 vehicles travel that intersection every day, data from the Pima Association of Governments show.

The median age of residents in that area is 29.7 — versus 34.3, the median age in metro Tucson, according to a CBRE market overview.

“UNDER-RETAILED”
Bourn was attracted to the location after conducting a study on the southwest-side trade area.

Some retailers expressed concerns that incomes in the surrounding neighborhoods were lower than in the rest of the city, Tanner said.

The success of Spectrum proved the underserved part of the city would patronize local retail sites.

“It’s dramatically under-retailed,” said Tanner. “Retailers do better because there are less choices.”

And, many retailers report their best performing Arizona stores are in the Spectrum Mall.

There are about 325,000 residents in the area around Spectrum Mall, similar to the population around Tucson Mall and Park Place.

But, by contrast, the Tucson Mall “trade area” has about 7.6 million square feet of retail space within 7 miles; the Park Place trade area has 7.5 million square feet and the trade area where the new shopping center is planned has 3 million square feet of retail space.

A chain hotel, perhaps more than one, will be part of the development in a nod to the Mexican shoppers who, state tourism officials say, spend more than $1 billion a year on hotels, restaurants and shopping in Arizona.

SUCCESS STORY
It would be the only I-19 hotel option. Many visitors from Mexico now stay at the airport hotels or in the casinos on the city’s southwest side.

“Spectrum has done a very good job of targeting the Mexican visitors,” Tanner said, noting that it’s the first major shopping center visitors see when arriving in Tucson from the south. “We have the opportunity to get them first and get them last.”

Nancy McClure, first vice president of CBRE Tucson, led the leasing of Spectrum.

“The proximity of this 1.1 million-square-foot regional power center along Interstate 19 allows it to pull from quite a distance with a short drive time, including the outlying communities such as Green Valley, Sahuarita, and as far away as neighboring Mexico,” she said.

“Most, if not all (of the retailers), have bilingual staff and some even have dual-language signage on the inside of the stores to make it comfortable for the Mexican nationals to come and enjoy their shopping and dining experience and spend money,” McClure said. “Those businesses who have decided to be in the Tucson Spectrum enjoy some of the strongest sales in their chains in Tucson and Arizona. It’s a great story.”

[Patrick S]

Interesting site - Southern Arizona Transit Advocates (http://www.transitadvocates.com/)

http://www.transitadvocates.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SATAStreetcarExtensions.jpg

[Mark H]

Kaneui thank you for keeping that list. I visit it regularly and provide the link to people who don't quite yet understand how much this city will change in the next 5-7 years. You have provided us with a lot of information over the years. Thanks again.

I'll second this - this thread and the contributions Kaneui and others make to it are very much appreciated!

[Ted Lyons]

A review of pending liquor licenses shows that a Series 6 application was filed for a bar called "Owl's Club" in the old Bring Funeral Home, so there's some movement there. Owl's Club was a fraternal order and there's an Owl's Club Mansion in the Presidio so my guess is this will be a period-themed speakeasy-type place. We'll see.

[farmerk]

Tucson economy sees strongest growth since the recession (http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/economy/2016/06/01/tucson-economy-sees-strongest-growth-since-recession/85043724/)

"...Tucson has the most educated workers on average in the state"

Hope this, economic growth and urbanism, continues.

[kaneui]

141 South Stone is the parking lot behind the Scottish Rite where folks have been working to get a public plaza, but the owners aren't too keen on un-rentalbe square footage.

They hinted last year that some sort of development was on the way.

Below is one UA architect's proposal for the plaza concept
http://capla.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/photo_album/san-agustin-03.jpg

It's a shame that Holualoa Co's. aren't using Bob Vint's Plaza San Agustin design proposed several years ago that would have created a classic, Old World-style plaza, connecting the new project to the cathedral. Yes, we're getting rid of another surface parking lot, but it could have been so much more.

[Almost Now]

By and large, those Old World style plazas were built in social-political-economic atmospheres that most of us would prefer not to live in. Return to the reign of the Medicis anyone?

[southtucsonboy77]

I was reading through the current BizTucson (https://issuu.com/mcserres/docs/biztucsonsummer2016/97?e=0) yesterday and, like usual, they have an article on downtown development. We know about almost everything that was discussed but I had never heard of one project mentioned in passing - One Forty One South.

The rendering is the bottom center image in this collage.

http://i.imgur.com/OyTS1BR.jpg?1

A Google search revealed a Google map of downtown projects (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1FW7KwP0321hNjqp7qQuLxlcIDBM), which looks a lot like kaneui's but I think is from Downtown Tucson's website, that includes the full rendering.


http://i.imgur.com/cHBDhao.png?1

The location is 141 South Stone, between Ochoa and Corral, just north of the Stone Avenue Homes. I couldn't find anything on PRO and it hasn't gone before the Infill Incentive District Design Review Committee

I love that its infill...I would probably receive many rebuttals regarding its height (5 stories) due to its proximity to older 1 to 2 story homes, I would like to see a bit higher...but again, in true Tucson fashion the rendering looks a lot like the District on 6th St. Its very long, 5 stories, architecturally many similarities. I would love to see some imagination vertically...maybe develop half that lot and go up. Again, its exciting to see infill...but hoping for something out of the box.

Theoretically, it could go 10...especially with the amount of units, but my guess is that appeasing the neighborhood is always the path of least resistance...and saves time and $$$.

[farmerk]

Cathedral Square projects in downtown Tucson advance (http://tucson.com/news/local/cathedral-square-projects-in-downtown-tucson-advance/article_b9b2ba55-d692-5c6e-ba22-de5a62359c5d.html)

BTW, I would love Tucson to have it's own plaza on the condition that it be much more spacious than the one shown. Rainbow Bridge? I'd bring it back. 30 plus floor buildings. Why not. A freestanding tower. Build it. And yes, a crosstown freeway cut in the middle of Tucson. Heh heh heh.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/4b/74b364b4-a9b5-5172-8af4-58e7493f6d87/5757902897a66.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C911

[farmerk]

Build the Rainbow Bridge. Profits for this bridge will be use to fund Tucson schools. :tup:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7158754982_ffa945e7e9.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7158756454_a044965b12.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7159103608_86fe2ebaa8.jpg

[Locofresh55]

Build the Rainbow Bridge. Profits for this bridge will be use to fund Tucson schools. :tup:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7158754982_ffa945e7e9.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7158756454_a044965b12.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7159103608_86fe2ebaa8.jpg

I'm down for a rainbow bridge but perhaps a scaled down pedestrian version. I never really could get behind the original concept because at the time it seemed a bit much. Not trying to ruffle feather with this comment but just my $.02.

[Patrick S]

Build the Rainbow Bridge. Profits for this bridge will be use to fund Tucson schools. :tup:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7158754982_ffa945e7e9.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7158756454_a044965b12.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7159103608_86fe2ebaa8.jpg
No, no, just no.

Rio Nuevo spent how many hundreds of millions of dollars on pie-in-the-sky projects like this? With what to show for it? A few parking garages? Rio Nuevo is finally getting their sh*t together and contributing to the rebirth of downtown. Do we all wish we'd get bigger than 6-8 story buildings downtown? Of course. But we need to look at the successes we are seeing downtown and be pleased, while we continue to look to the future. A boondoggle like this is a gigantic waste of taxpayers money. If private money wants to be spent on this, then OK, but until then, no public funds for this, please.

[Thirsty]

If someone gets the bridge built, fine. But the Santa Cruz near downtown is an eyesore. For me the biggest flaw with the bridge is the vistas of sand, cement and old motels.

Spending the same money on a park-like riparian area with more gradual or perhaps terraced banks would do a lot more for downtown than an scenic arch over blight. Tucson learned the hard way it is best to increase property value in general than to build up one parcel and hope others follow.

[farmerk]

Arizona gives public first glimpse of proposed Interstate 11 routes (http://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-gives-public-first-glimpse-of-proposed-interstate-routes/article_323f367e-259b-5989-acec-ee7f0daa993d.html)

Sorry for the large image (again). I wished there's a way to control the size.

Anyways, thanks for the input with that Rainbow Bridge. The expensive blue prints are hidden someplace, so building this 'multi-million dollar blueprinted monster' is highly probable in the future. Public-Private partnership? Since Hillary Clinton has a good chance of winning and that the statistical numbers over the next 8 years points to a very robust economy, I'd say this 'giant piece of steel' will likely be built in the next 8 years.

There needs to have a cross-town freeway between I-10 and I-11. Hope I-11 gets built to the west end.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/74/6746931b-bdac-5a48-b441-0ba547d731a8/5758c1cd34a87.image.jpg

[crzyabe]

No, no, just no.

Rio Nuevo spent how many hundreds of millions of dollars on pie-in-the-sky projects like this? With what to show for it? A few parking garages? Rio Nuevo is finally getting their sh*t together and contributing to the rebirth of downtown. Do we all wish we'd get bigger than 6-8 story buildings downtown? Of course. But we need to look at the successes we are seeing downtown and be pleased, while we continue to look to the future. A boondoggle like this is a gigantic waste of taxpayers money. If private money wants to be spent on this, then OK, but until then, no public funds for this, please.

I agree. We can talk about 25-30 story buildings and unique architecture, but it is all meaningless if it sits empty. Demand for commerical and residential is slowly building up downtown and we dont want to outpace demand.

[Ted Lyons]

You know, we don't have to engage these same worthless talking points for the 20th time.

[farmerk]

You know, we don't have to engage these same worthless talking points for the 20th time.

You know, you don't have read these 'worthless talking points'.

How about starting your own forum. This should fix your angst towards folks who don't agree with your standards.

And btw, remind your neighborhood association friends to just leave Tucson. They are getting worthless each passing day.

Please don't take this personal. OK 'Ted'.

[farmerk]

Downtown Tucson isn't that big. And 10 floors + 10 floors + 10 floors = 30 floor building.
Where else can you build a tall building in Tucson.

The reason downtown is having difficulty developing 30+ floor buildings is not lack of demand, it's the usual NIMBY's that are against such height and the developers that don't have enough $$$.

[somethingfast]

Haven't written in a long while here...but heading back to Zona so can't resist...

Dude, dude, dude...(shaking head)

Really? Demand for a 30 story building in Tucson? What's the vacancy rate of the only "real" high-rise there? 30%? When that baby is 90% leased, then maybe we can talk about demand...

On the plus side, the recent news about Caterpillar is HUGELY important for Tucson and bodes well for (eventually) real commercial growth in DT Tucson.

But I don't see another spec high-rise going up there...EVER. Somebody like Caterpillar would have to want to move there and need 200,000 sq ft before it's even possible.

Do I hope I'm wrong? Of course! I've been dreaming about another high-rise in Tucson since 1987, bro. But the world is different. Downtowns are coming back but Tucson needs a far stronger economic base before another spec tower is coming on the scene.

That said, there's nothing wrong with DENSITY. A nice mass of 10-story buildings is all a 1 million metro should really ever expect in these fractured times...

[farmerk]

Haven't written in a long while here...but heading back to Zona so can't resist...

Dude, dude, dude...(shaking head)

Really? Demand for a 30 story building in Tucson? What's the vacancy rate of the only "real" high-rise there? 30%? When that baby is 90% leased, then maybe we can talk about demand...

On the plus side, the recent news about Caterpillar is HUGELY important for Tucson and bodes well for (eventually) real commercial growth in DT Tucson.

But I don't see another spec high-rise going up there...EVER. Somebody like Caterpillar would have to want to move there and need 200,000 sq ft before it's even possible.

Do I hope I'm wrong? Of course! I've been dreaming about another high-rise in Tucson since 1987, bro. But the world is different. Downtowns are coming back but Tucson needs a far stronger economic base before another spec tower is coming on the scene.

That said, there's nothing wrong with DENSITY. A nice mass of 10-story buildings is all a 1 million metro should really ever expect in these fractured times...

Dude, there's a proposed 23+ story building downtown. Bro, read several postings back :)

Kaneui's links, http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4004052&postcount=788

http://tiboaz.biz/2015/12/15/one-south-church-tower-sold-and-expansion-possible/

[somethingfast]

There's a proposal that I might actually get laid this year. Proposals...meh.

Seriously, don't mean to be a jerk or douse anyone's fantasies but if you're referring to that condo tower that a bunch of 25-year-olds are proposing...would be very surprised if that has any real teeth. I pray I'm wrong though...

[andrewsaturn]

There's a proposal that I might actually get laid this year. Proposals...meh.


Lolz

We are all hoping as well. But you never know. Who would have thought CAT was putting their headquarters here? Although it makes sense to do so, I'm sure there was other good candidates. I think when more big projects like the arena site and ronstadt center come to fruition, others will start believing more. Our downtown is on the brink of becoming something wonderful. We just need a few more years to see the difference!

[kaneui]

Mayor Rothschild announced on Friday's Buckmaster show that Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) were recently approved by the state for both The Gadsden Co. (West End Station project) and the Tucson Diocese (The Marist at Cathedral Square).

http://www.buckmastershow.com/

[Ted Lyons]

Mayor Rothschild announced on Friday's Buckmaster show that Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) were recently approved by the state for both The Gadsden Co. (West End Station project) and the Tucson Diocese (The Marist at Cathedral Square).

http://www.buckmastershow.com/

Looks like the West Point Apartments were also awarded funding.

https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/2016_Reservation_List_for_Posting.pdf

[Ted Lyons]

Looking through last year's LIHTC allocations, I noticed that only one Tucson project received funding - 7th Avenue Commons. The website for the project, which I don't believe we've discussed before, can be found here (http://7thavenuecommons.com/project-description/).

Rendering
http://7thavenuecommons.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/7thave3.jpg

Current status of site
http://i.imgur.com/D3FpwB2.jpg?1

PRO indicates that the developers submitted an application for a neighborhood notification in April, so it looks to be a little behind schedule.

[andrewsaturn]

http://downtownlinks.info/downtown-links-update-may-2016/

A link to a May 2016 update of downtown links project. A final design of the new alternative route from Broadway/ aviation to I-10. The final design is mainly a new alignment showing a straight roadway from aviation to the new barraza aviation instead of the current curve coming from aviation onto congress. The update also reveals two additional artwork pieces, a grand piano and a harp.

[ComplotDesigner]

One West Broadway - 061216

http://i.imgur.com/qmTYijN.jpg

AC Marriott - 061216

http://i.imgur.com/9boLJQc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xiaYoW7.jpg

[Almost Now]

One West photo shows One West, but also the future West Point Apartments (Cope's LIHTC-approved project at the Westerner) and also Marist on Cathedral Square (FSL's LIHTC-approved project at current Diocese of Tucson building). This should be a very different view in a couple of years. Also of note: Right turn only sign points at HSL project and Karber's Tower could someday rise above the palm trees at left.

[Ted Lyons]

The City Council will be voting next week on a sale of the Access Tucson building at 124 East Broadway as well as the adjacent parking lot on the corner of Broadway and 6th. City staff has recommended that the sale require preservation of the exterior of the existing building.

[kmiller5]

The City Council will be voting next week on a sale of the Access Tucson building at 124 East Broadway as well as the adjacent parking lot on the corner of Broadway and 6th. City staff has recommended that the sale require preservation of the exterior of the existing building.

That sounds good! I walk by that building almost every day and it is in need of some work. Do we know who wants to buy it yet?

[Ted Lyons]

That sounds good! I walk by that building almost every day and it is in need of some work. Do we know who wants to buy it yet?

City council item includes a blurb that an adjacent property owner is interested but also says several potential buyers have inquired.

[Patrick S]

Took some pictures downtown today.

Sorry, took the pictures, put them on Imgur, but they're not showing up here for some reason when I put the url into the image uploader. And now I can't delete the post either. I'm a failure, LOL.

New apartments replacing Downtown Motor Hotel (taken from alley on east side of building)
http://https://i.imgur.com/bHWMQjI.jpg

New apartments replacing Downtown Motor Hotel (taken from Stone)
http://https://i.imgur.com/DchkpEE.jpg

Two pictures of Stone Avenue Townhouses (taken from McCormick, directly south)
http://https://i.imgur.com/VAVzPnE.jpg
http://https://i.imgur.com/37i8x3U.jpg

[ComplotDesigner]

Fixed your mistake, you had http:// twice in the URL :tup:

Took some pictures downtown today.

Sorry, took the pictures, put them on Imgur, but they're not showing up here for some reason when I put the url into the image uploader. And now I can't delete the post either. I'm a failure, LOL.

New apartments replacing Downtown Motor Hotel (taken from alley on east side of building)
http://i.imgur.com/vQx44ie.jpg

New apartments replacing Downtown Motor Hotel (taken from Stone)
http://i.imgur.com/OEAqZap.jpg

Two pictures of Stone Avenue Townhouses (taken from McCormick, directly south)
http://i.imgur.com/wWf4XgW.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jxlrzsB.jpg

[Patrick S]

Fixed your mistake, you had http:// twice in the URL :tup:
Thanks for the help. I was hoping someone more tech-savy than I would help me. Also want to give a thanks to ProfessorMole for messaging me with help too. Since it was fixed here I'm going to leave my post as is, but otherwise, Prof.Mole, I'd have fixed it with your help.

[kaneui]

Looking through last year's LIHTC allocations, I noticed that only one Tucson project received funding - 7th Avenue Commons. The website for the project, which I don't believe we've discussed before, can be found here (http://7thavenuecommons.com/project-description/).

PRO indicates that the developers submitted an application for a neighborhood notification in April, so it looks to be a little behind schedule.

It looks like the Downtown Links realignment of 6th St. will go right through the south half of that block, so they may be holding off to either build their project concurrently or wait until after the road is finished.

[combusean]

I admittedly don't check this thread as often as I should, but if any of you should have technical problems, please let me know by private message.

That's what I'm (otherwise) here for. :)

[Ted Lyons]

It looks like the Downtown Links realignment of 6th St. will go right through the south half of that block, so they may be holding off to either build their project concurrently or wait until after the road is finished.

Yeah, this is what I figured. Doesn't make much sense to start construction before it's realigned.

[farmerk]

$500 million motorsports park could come to Pinal County (http://tucson.com/business/tucson/million-motorsports-park-could-come-to-pinal-county/article_e7a13f69-803a-5331-adcc-113395aa3ac0.html)

Tucson's neighbor, tiny Casa Grande, might (or will) end up with a half billion project.

The Sun Corridor is moving up.

Sun Corridor link, http://www.suncorridorinc.com/

[Azstar]

According to the Arizona Star, Proper restaurant closed. If what seemed like one of the most successful downtown restaurants in a prime location couldn't make it go, it just underscores the fragile nature of downtown business and its future in Tucson. On A Roll closed a few months ago, as did the Rice House Restaurant. New Thai bistro opening soon in the former On A Roll location, though.

[andrewsaturn]

According to the Arizona Star, Proper restaurant closed. If what seemed like one of the most successful downtown restaurants in a prime location couldn't make it go, it just underscores the fragile nature of downtown business and its future in Tucson. On A Roll closed a few months ago, as did the Rice House Restaurant. New Thai bistro opening soon in the former On A Roll location, though.

Thought it was successful as well...luckily it seems like these spaces get snatched up quickly. We just got to wait several months for a new tenant.

[crzyabe]

According to the Arizona Star, Proper restaurant closed. If what seemed like one of the most successful downtown restaurants in a prime location couldn't make it go, it just underscores the fragile nature of downtown business and its future in Tucson. On A Roll closed a few months ago, as did the Rice House Restaurant. New Thai bistro opening soon in the former On A Roll location, though.

My understanding is that the closure was not due to financial reasons per se, but more to do with the location being out of reach for the owners. The owners are based in Flagstaff and having to keep an eye on a restaurant that is 300 miles away become too much of a burden.

The spot is prime and I imagine that it will get snatched up soon. Locally owned restaurants come and go frequently in all cities, I would not say it is an indicator of a downtown quite yet.

[Ted Lyons]

My understanding is that the closure was not due to financial reasons per se, but more to do with the location being out of reach for the owners. The owners are based in Flagstaff and having to keep an eye on a restaurant that is 300 miles away become too much of a burden.

The spot is prime and I imagine that it will get snatched up soon. Locally owned restaurants come and go frequently in all cities, I would not say it is an indicator of a downtown quite yet.

I'd say restaurant turnover here is, in fact, less frequent than in large cities. In Proper's case, the owner's inability to regularly oversee operations reflected in the food quality and service, IMO, so this wan't a huge surprise for me.

In other restaurant news, a macaron bakery called Woops is going in on University next to Pei Wei. Looks like a franchise operation out of Brooklyn.

[ProfessorMole]

Culinary Dropout is on the Liquor License list for the council meeting tomorrow. Went into PRO and checked, and sure enough the dev package has been revised, so The Yard is moving forward again at the old Grant Lumber location.

[Ted Lyons]

Sounds like utilities work is beginning on the Health Sciences Innovation/SIPHER Building. Webcam is up, too. http://www.pdc.arizona.edu/Project/13-9193

[kaneui]

UA has posted a rendering of the Health Sciences Innovation Building (HSIB)--what looks to be an eight or nine-story building, scheduled to break ground this month. The building will be sandwiched between two projects already under construction: the four-story Bioscience Research Laboratories building (to the left of the render), and the nine-story Banner-University Medical Center expansion (on the parking lot in the upper-RH corner of the render).

The designer, CO Architects, is the same firm that designed the two copper-clad buildings on the UA Medical School campus in Phoenix, one still under construction.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/UA%20-%20HSIB%20render_zpsjh5vvc8e.jpg
rendering - looking northwest
(courtesy: UA)

[Ted Lyons]

Looks good, although I'm still disappointed the entire parking lot won't be used. Also, LOL at the cityscape in the background.

[southtucsonboy77]

I like the look.

Although I'm actually glad they didn't use the entire parcel. The building is Tucson-typical wide. With limited University space perhaps they went a little more vertical rather than have a massive 2-3 story complex. That parking lot can be used for another facilities project down the road.

Downtown has a limited footprint. That's why the conceptually long 5-story building proposed for Stone Ave was somewhat of a disappointment. They don't have to use the entire property(s)...go vertical and save the rest for another development when the timing is right.

[ohhhthatdaniel]

I was talking to by boss today (I work near U of A) and he was saying that he was talking to the workers/manger at Chase Bank on the corner of Park Ave and 1st St who said that they were planning on building another student housing project on the lot.

I'm not sure if this is actually happening or not but I figured the people who work at Chase would know best. Seems likes the West University will look even more different in the next decade or so.

[Thirsty]

I was talking to by boss today (I work near U of A) and he was saying that he was talking to the workers/manger at Chase Bank on the corner of Park Ave and 1st St who said that they were planning on building another student housing project on the lot.

I'm not sure if this is actually happening or not but I figured the people who work at Chase would know best. Seems likes the West University will look even more different in the next decade or so.

That bank no longer makes sense there... or even 15 years ago, but definitely not now with the nearby density. Drive-thru banking would do better on Speedway anyhow.

[southtucsonboy77]

A consultant came through my office and talked about a proposed 10 story project in that vicinity. I'd have to look, but its the maximum that the Main Gate overlay allows. The only pause in the design schedule is the balcony issue.

And here's random slip I'll throw out there...a waterpark is being looked at (scoping stage I'd say) off of I-10 between Park-ish and Palo Verde-ish. Breakers just doesn't cut it in my opinion...all my kid's friends, and our family included, opt for Wet n' Wild, Big Surf, or even Golfland in the Phx area. So I'd be excited if it ever happens.

[southtucsonboy77]

Just a quick shout-out to kaneui...if anyone has not had a chance to notice, the exterior design of the AC Marriot has been modified in kaneui's updated project list...for the better I'd have to say.

[Ted Lyons]

I was talking to by boss today (I work near U of A) and he was saying that he was talking to the workers/manger at Chase Bank on the corner of Park Ave and 1st St who said that they were planning on building another student housing project on the lot.

I'm not sure if this is actually happening or not but I figured the people who work at Chase would know best. Seems likes the West University will look even more different in the next decade or so.

I work across the street from that Chase and we've heard the same thing from their staff. They haven't been monitoring use of the large parking lot next to the bank for a year and a half or so and they used to be real sticklers about it. Think that was the first sign.

EDIT - Looked at PRO and several applications have been submitted in the past couple of weeks - lot split, development package for site reconfiguration, zoning letter, and modification of design regs. The zoning letter was requested by The Dinerstein Companies, which was the company that looked into developing the Corbett Building lot and works with Sterling Properties.

[wildcatmd]

Does anyone know what's going on with the speedway and campbell avenue project? I haven't seen any recent news.

Also, really pleased with the BSRL, HSIB and Banner projects. For awhile it seemed as if U of A was investing only in the phoenix medical school.

[ProfessorMole]

Does anyone know what's going on with the speedway and campbell avenue project? I haven't seen any recent news.

Palm Shadows, the apartment complex it's expected to be built right on top of, has not stopped accepting leasing offers and just within the past couple hours had posted on it's FB page encouraging pre-leasing for 16-17 school year.

I don't think that project is taking off anytime soon.

[wildcatmd]

Sad to hear this, hopefully in the next couple of years we'll see something.

[InTheBurbs]

Bike Share Coming to Tucson

Just came across this story today.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/32286072/bike-share-is-coming-to-tucson

Tucson will receive $1.3 million in federal funds, which it will use to build 30 bike stations throughout the downtown area but also as far east as Country Club and as far west as Pima Community College on Anklam.

Money for support and maintenance will come from private sector companies which have already pledged to advertise on the bikes, the kiosks and bike stations.

The city will hire a vendor in the next two months and then take another six months to get the equipment and stations in place so it will likely be up and running sometime in 2017.

Tucson is adapting its streets downtown for the coming Bike Share program and it's commitment to biking in general.

Already, Stone and Pennington have been reduced to two lanes of traffic with a dedicated bike lane separated by a median.

It's being planned for several more blocks of Stone, which is three lanes of vehicle traffic now, and on Church Avenue downtown.

http://kold.images.worldnow.com/images/10835336_G.jpg

[InTheBurbs]

Scanning through the images on the AC Hotel construction cam, found this one from Wednesday morning with a rainbow over downtown .
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7456/27993362535_6f2ec59ed8_z.jpg

Image: Lloyd Construction WorkZone Cam

[andrewsaturn]

http://m.tucsonnewsnow.com/tusconnewsnow/db/380376/content/8fMAt6T5

According to KOLD, the Marist project hit a hurdle in getting finance for its project. They lost a sponsor for the project setting up a delay or possibly a different design. Also in the article, a commercial development is suppose to start in July for the empty lot west of I-10 on Congress.

[Ted Lyons]

http://m.tucsonnewsnow.com/tusconnewsnow/db/380376/content/8fMAt6T5

According to KOLD, the Marist project hit a hurdle in getting finance for its project. They lost a sponsor for the project setting up a delay or possibly a different design. Also in the article, a commercial development is suppose to start in July for the empty lot west of I-10 on Congress.

The commercial development is the container park. Sounds like Rio Nuevo will end up putting up the money for the Marist project.

[Patrick S]

And here's random slip I'll throw out there...a waterpark is being looked at (scoping stage I'd say) off of I-10 between Park-ish and Palo Verde-ish. Breakers just doesn't cut it in my opinion...all my kid's friends, and our family included, opt for Wet n' Wild, Big Surf, or even Golfland in the Phx area. So I'd be excited if it ever happens.

I've been saying for years that someone who builds a good water park in Tucson would make so much money. How do you know about this? Any on-line documents?

[southtucsonboy77]

I've been saying for years that someone who builds a good water park in Tucson would make so much money. How do you know about this? Any on-line documents?

A local consultant stated they were working on this. I checked, its not on their website.

[Azstar]

Sounds like Rio Nuevo will end up putting up the money for the Marist project.

From the article, it sounds like they won't.

[Ted Lyons]

Sounds like Rio Nuevo will end up putting up the money for the Marist project.

From the article, it sounds like they won't.

Did you read the full article?

I think we can participate," McCusker said. "A million dollars is not a lot of money relative to some of the other things we're doing."

[ComplotDesigner]

One West Broadway - 070416

http://i.imgur.com/ZWyqhn0.jpg

[hthomas]

http://tucson.com/business/tucson/tucson-real-estate-land-secured-for-new-greyhound-terminal/article_846d9177-38d5-560a-8741-4b21e7d00684.html


The Greyhound bus terminal will soon have a permanent home.

The Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District bought 46,107 square feet of vacant land at 801 E. 12th St. from Broadway Euclid LLC for $575,000.

At its June 28 meeting, the Rio Nuevo board initiated an invitation for bids to construct the new Greyhound terminal near Broadway and Euclid.

The $1.9 million project will be awarded to the lowest bidder that meets the requirements. Bids will be opened at the end of July, with the contract being awarded almost immediately thereafter, officials said. Once the terminal is constructed, it will be leased to Greyhound Corp.

Greyhound has been in a portable building near Broadway and Interstate 10 in downtown Tucson since 2006, when the city relocated the terminal from a site on Congress Street next to the Rialto Theatre to make way for student housing. It had been at the Congress Street site since 1969. The 1,500-square-foot terminal is expected to open by the end of the year...

(Hopefully this means things will pick-up at the arena site)

[kmiller5]

http://tucson.com/business/tucson/tucson-real-estate-land-secured-for-new-greyhound-terminal/article_846d9177-38d5-560a-8741-4b21e7d00684.html


The Greyhound bus terminal will soon have a permanent home.

The Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District bought 46,107 square feet of vacant land at 801 E. 12th St. from Broadway Euclid LLC for $575,000.

At its June 28 meeting, the Rio Nuevo board initiated an invitation for bids to construct the new Greyhound terminal near Broadway and Euclid.

The $1.9 million project will be awarded to the lowest bidder that meets the requirements. Bids will be opened at the end of July, with the contract being awarded almost immediately thereafter, officials said. Once the terminal is constructed, it will be leased to Greyhound Corp.

Greyhound has been in a portable building near Broadway and Interstate 10 in downtown Tucson since 2006, when the city relocated the terminal from a site on Congress Street next to the Rialto Theatre to make way for student housing. It had been at the Congress Street site since 1969. The 1,500-square-foot terminal is expected to open by the end of the year...

(Hopefully this means things will pick-up at the arena site)


Speaking of the arena site... I've seen Rio Nuevo say they would like to work with the Arizona Coyotes on getting a 2nd ice rink downtown in a year or year and a half. I wonder if they plan to work a deal to make it a part of the arena site plan.

[farmerk]

Regarding I-11. Advance to 19:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaHsJxeISfM)

[hthomas]

http://tucson.com/business/tucson/photos-the-boxyard-container-development-in-tucson/collection_8c507bae-4c77-5f1b-abe5-5303039460c8.html#1

[wildcatmd]

https://www.azpm.org/p/featured-news/2016/7/19/92202-tucson-unveils-bicycle-boulevard-plan-for-safe-streets/

Did anyone see this? I would be super excited to see this master plan come to fruition if they can find the funding.

[southtucsonboy77]

https://www.azpm.org/p/featured-news/2016/7/19/92202-tucson-unveils-bicycle-boulevard-plan-for-safe-streets/

Did anyone see this? I would be super excited to see this master plan come to fruition if they can find the funding.

At National APA (American Planning Assoc.) conferences...the only bike blvds that really seem to be successful are the ones that are exclusively for bicycles, not the "shared" roadways. The other types are the separated lanes with barriers. In this plan, its more of a visibility and safety program. I support many aspects of it, but compared to what I've seen nationally, it's a stretch to call it a blvd.

[Ted Lyons]

Preliminary site plan and renderings for the La Placita project.

http://i.imgur.com/WfcGZie.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/ma1nOCc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MuqmtS5.jpg?1

[southtucsonboy77]

Thank you Mr. Lyons for sharing this...I wish I could share projects that come my way.

I truly try to be positive on these projects...for me personally, I was hoping for something a little different. The sky is the limit for this property.

I'm confused as to why these developments are favoring sprawling structural footprints...141 South on Stone is nearby. And the architecture...its very preliminary, but first thought was the horrifying "The Armory" that is on-hold by Peach Properties.

The "Visit Tucson" building is a replica of a historic Tucson home? On the corner of Church and Broadway?

Anyone see this differently?

[Ted Lyons]

Thank you Mr. Lyons for sharing this...I wish I could share projects that come my way.

I truly try to be positive on these projects...for me personally, I was hoping for something a little different. The sky is the limit for this property.

I'm confused as to why these developments are favoring sprawling structural footprints...141 South on Stone is nearby. And the architecture...its very preliminary, but first thought was the horrifying "The Armory" that is on-hold by Peach Properties.

The "Visit Tucson" building is a replica of a historic Tucson home? On the corner of Church and Broadway?

Anyone see this differently?

I'm not really sure what's going on with the Visit Tucson building here. Definitely not reflective of reality right now.

I agree that it's not the greatest use of this land, but it's better than I envisioned from HSL sadly. Given the lot size, this would be ideal for a ground floor grocery store, but there is nothing to suggest this is a multi-use project from these images.

[kaneui]

I'm not really sure what's going on with the Visit Tucson building here. Definitely not reflective of reality right now.

I agree that it's not the greatest use of this land, but it's better than I envisioned from HSL sadly. Given the lot size, this would be ideal for a ground floor grocery store, but there is nothing to suggest this is a multi-use project from these images.

In a nod to the existing complex, it appears HSL is keeping the corner building for the visitor's bureau; otherwise, it seems that they're dropping one of their suburban apartment building designs onto a prime downtown parcel, without any thought of activating the street-level traffic with retail/office, or connecting the project to the rest of the existing block containing the Ekbo gardens, Music Hall, etc. (And who knows what they have in mind for their empty white-elephant hotel next door.)

Hopefully, the city will insist on a more thoughtful, urban-oriented design that corrects the shortcomings. (And oddly, the renderings don't match the proportions shown on the site plan, particularly from the east elevation side.)

[Almost Now]

stb77: Please define "sprawling architectural footprint" and spell out reference to 141 Stone. Not quite getting what you are saying here.

[southtucsonboy77]

stb77: Please define "sprawling architectural footprint" and spell out reference to 141 Stone. Not quite getting what you are saying here.

kaneui is spot-on and goes a little deeper into my thought about use...but physically downtown has a limited footprint. I know downtown has a ways to go in "infilling" a lot of other parcels, but its never too early to start planning and banking space. For example, the Unisource building went "up" rather than using all of their allotted space. Long-term, that surface parking lot just south of the Unisource building is planned for future development.

In kaneui's project list you'll see the current rendering of 141...its sprawled out horizontally on two relatively large downtown parcels. kaneui uses a good analogy of a typical apartment complex. Planning is my job...I'm a huge downtown enthusiast, so I say this with the utmost respect to the land owners...but boy that 141 development is a huge opportunity to go up, allow more density, and plan the 2nd parcel for the future. Architecturally, its too much of the same thing for a distance equal to 2 downtown blocks.

I'm completely shocked that HSL is going with the same concept...at a more prominent intersection/area of downtown mind you. I'm a "let's reach for 10-15 stories" kinda guy at this point. Like kaneui I was hoping for a more urban-oriented effort...at minimum.

[T'Town]

Please take this with a grain of salt...as its only my opinion...and we all have one. I think most revitalization in downtown is beneficial for Tucson but I think this project is about as good for Tucson as the "White Elephant" next door to it. I really thought something of significance would be placed here considering the location and economic/social cost to demo the current La Placita, which I was never a huge fan of.

This property could have been the middle staple pulling together the massive Nor Gen and Ronstadt developments.

I was hopeful that something huge would come out of this by combining the La Placita and Hotel Arizona real estates.

I am still hopeful that HSL's "Armory" is pre-preliminary due to the fact (which was stated by others) that the east rendering makes no sense in relation to the site layout rendering, and the salvaged building sits much closer to Broadway.

Only time will tell...and since this is HSL, time may be what we are in store for.

On a lighter note I am so proud to see downtown Tucson shaping into something so cool and so different from anything I grew up knowing. Thanks all for your contributions to this site! It is something I visit regularly.

[Almost Now]

141 is zoned C-3, which calls for "mid-rise" development and I think only allows you to go up about 70'. From the elevation I've seen, they are using about as much volume as they can without rezoning.

La Placita is OCR-2, which provides for high-rise development, which is the same zone as the towers. This one could be MUCH taller.

[farmerk]

141 is zoned C-3, which calls for "mid-rise" development and I think only allows you to go up about 70'. From the elevation I've seen, they are using about as much volume as they can without rezoning.

La Placita is OCR-2, which provides for high-rise development, which is the same zone as the towers. This one could be MUCH taller.

You are my friend.

Glad to hear support for MUCH taller buildings at downtown.

HSL rendering is not impressive. I wished they just leave downtown for good.

[InTheBurbs]

La Placita is OCR-2, which provides for high-rise development, which is the same zone as the towers. This one could be MUCH taller.

This would not be a bad development (except for the lack of commercial) if it were just outside of downtown on Broadway or Stone or 4th/6th. And it will help bring people back downtown.

But it would be nice to see some imagination, like this new "apartment complex" proposed for downtown Des Moines...
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/553f24db2d38cb94ef324f28c10de3ebdb623d10/c=0-0-2482-1866&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2015/07/10/DesMoines/B9318036927Z.1_20150710222705_000_GKJBAIU1H.1-0.jpg
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/development/2016/04/25/downtown-high-rise-advances-107-million-price-tag-des-moines/83501816/

SIGH...

[omarainza]

Downtown Tucson isn't that big. And 10 floors + 10 floors + 10 floors = 30 floor building.
Where else can you build a tall building in Tucson.

The reason downtown is having difficulty developing 30+ floor buildings is not lack of demand, it's the usual NIMBY's that are against such height and the developers that don't have enough $$$.

...I dont mean to sound dense, but I don't seem to understand the bias here. Just a few pages back, everyone bashed on farmerk for suggesting a high-rise building anywhere in DT. Now EVERYONE'S upset that a tiny building is going up in this lot. I agree, 30 floors may never happen, but his logic and everyone else's about conservative footprints makes sense. Instead of building three 10 story buildings, make one 30 floors tall... take the Broadway/Stone intersection; two nearly identical buildings where you could've added 5 more floors to the currently FULL One East. Just my two cents

Also, the triangle lot just north of the Ronstadt has work going on. Is this infrastructure for the proposed mixed use "tower" planned?

[NicosSuperfries]

It looks like No Anchovies on University is being completely remodeled. Passed by earlier today and saw that they had a concept picture out in front stating that they will be completed by September. I was not able to get a picture, but all that remains of the old building is the front facade and some structural components.

On a side note, I am so excited by all the development happening in Tucson, especially in and around downtown. I constantly check in here for updates and am delighted to see so many people sharing in that same excitement!

[southtucsonboy77]

141 is zoned C-3, which calls for "mid-rise" development and I think only allows you to go up about 70'. From the elevation I've seen, they are using about as much volume as they can without rezoning.

La Placita is OCR-2, which provides for high-rise development, which is the same zone as the towers. This one could be MUCH taller.

You make good points. There's always strategies such as rezoning, variances, compromise that can be utilized for the 141 development. For example, plan A can be a 10 story structure on the north lot, while the south lot would be 3-4. Plan B can be what they got now. The type of proposals that 141 and La Placita are throwing are typically seen on the edges of downtown...not in the core of downtown.

But I think we all agree that the La Placita proposal was an utter disappointment and more and better can be done.

[southtucsonboy77]

This would not be a bad development (except for the lack of commercial) if it were just outside of downtown on Broadway or Stone or 4th/6th. And it will help bring people back downtown.

But it would be nice to see some imagination, like this new "apartment complex" proposed for downtown Des Moines...
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/553f24db2d38cb94ef324f28c10de3ebdb623d10/c=0-0-2482-1866&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2015/07/10/DesMoines/B9318036927Z.1_20150710222705_000_GKJBAIU1H.1-0.jpg
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/development/2016/04/25/downtown-high-rise-advances-107-million-price-tag-des-moines/83501816/

SIGH...

If HSL took their building and tilted it to its side, we would have this!

[Ted Lyons]

Sounds like Rio Nuevo approved a $2.6 million loan to Bourn Companies to get City Park moving.

[InTheBurbs]

Sounds like Rio Nuevo approved a $2.6 million loan to Bourn Companies to get City Park moving.

Is it my imagination, or does this keep getting smaller...
City Park would be a four-story building including a first-floor food court, second-floor games attraction with bowling and billiards, and third-floor offices. The top floor would be a deck.
More from tucson.com. (http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rio-nuevo-oks-m-loan-in-long-dormant-project/article_e648cce1-6ab3-56b4-9818-26281207e8f9.html)

Latest renders from Bourn's Facebook page:
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445405_472802589590941_3999989311972902893_n.jpg?oh=00a1b946b7e54098640784b82ea2ced6&oe=58241D5C

[Ted Lyons]

Is it my imagination, or does this keep getting smaller...

More from tucson.com. (http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rio-nuevo-oks-m-loan-in-long-dormant-project/article_e648cce1-6ab3-56b4-9818-26281207e8f9.html)

Latest renders from Bourn's Facebook page:
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445405_472802589590941_3999989311972902893_n.jpg?oh=00a1b946b7e54098640784b82ea2ced6&oe=58241D5C

There's been ongoing confusion regarding whether the top floor is fully enclosed or not. The constantly changing (and diminishing) renderings don't help the confusion. With that said, I do think the concept will be a benefit to downtown.

EDIT - There's a full story on the decision up on the Star's website now: http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_e648cce1-6ab3-56b4-9818-26281207e8f9.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share&id=201408

What kills me is how relatively inexpensive this project is - $17 million - and how much trouble Bourn is having raising capital.

[farmerk]

...I dont mean to sound dense, but I don't seem to understand the bias here. Just a few pages back, everyone bashed on farmerk for suggesting a high-rise building anywhere in DT. Now EVERYONE'S upset that a tiny building is going up in this lot. I agree, 30 floors may never happen, but his logic and everyone else's about conservative footprints makes sense. Instead of building three 10 story buildings, make one 30 floors tall... take the Broadway/Stone intersection; two nearly identical buildings where you could've added 5 more floors to the currently FULL One East. Just my two cents

Also, the triangle lot just north of the Ronstadt has work going on. Is this infrastructure for the proposed mixed use "tower" planned?

Thanks Omarainza.

The Ronstadt Project is a disappointment. I wished the Greyhound Terminal should be included in this project as originally planned. It's nice to have a real transportation hub. That building is not attractive.

I wished that Bourne Project, City Park, fails.

City should restart new bids and require a minimum height of 30 floors downtown. These cheap grade ugly 4 floor 'towers' needs to STOP otherwise downtown will end up looking like a typical strip mall and cookie cutter office park.

[southtucsonboy77]

Rio Nuevo blesses two new projects downtown (http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/32539133/rio-nuevo-faces-1-million-decision)

This article has a little more detail.

I'm excited about the Marist/Foundation for Senior Living re-development. A 7-story structure (from the current 2-3) with an acceptable urban design.

City Park...well, the concept is cool. Albuquerque is doing the same thing, but with housing...albeit they aren't on par with the # of housing projects downtown Tucson is developing and/or planning. I remember Bourn started with a 15 story structure...down to 9, then 7, 6, 5, now 4. I'm not as critical in the outcome, height-wise. (The decade long delay, what a joke.) I always hope for taller, but the concept of "entertainment" is an intriguing one for me.

Construction in 2 to 3 months...we'll see

[crzyabe]

Something to remember with all the talk about taller buildings: Tall buildings require bigger foundations and more expensive support structures. That increases the expense of the project and usually makes projects impossible to finance.

A developer can seek funding for a 30 story building at a cost of $125 Million with a projected ROI of 20 years. Or he/she can reduce the height to 5 stories, not require a steel base or large foundation, reduce the cost to $15 million and have a projected ROI in 5 years. Easier to get funding for the second option.

That is why most of the buildings are staying 6 floors or less - my assumption anyway.

[Ted Lyons]

Something to remember with all the talk about taller buildings: Tall buildings require bigger foundations and more expensive support structures. That increases the expense of the project and usually makes projects impossible to finance.

A developer can seek funding for a 30 story building at a cost of $125 Million with a projected ROI of 20 years. Or he/she can reduce the height to 5 stories, not require a steel base or large foundation, reduce the cost to $15 million and have a projected ROI in 5 years. Easier to get funding for the second option.

That is why most of the buildings are staying 6 floors or less - my assumption anyway.

This is exactly it.

A separate issue, which comes down to personal taste, is whether you'd prefer density over height. I'd personally prefer a downtown filled with lower buildings but no surface parking over a downtown with a few tall buildings and tons of surface parking, which is what we would have with fewer (but taller) infill projects.

[reighm01]

Has anyone found any articles or information regarding either The Dinerstein Companies proposed project by the Chase bank off Speedway/ near The Hub/Sol y Luna and the proposed development on top of the Palm Shadows building just down the street? Have searched all over for some more info on these two proposals and cant seem to find anything.

[Ted Lyons]

Has anyone found any articles or information regarding either The Dinerstein Companies proposed project by the Chase bank off Speedway/ near The Hub/Sol y Luna and the proposed development on top of the Palm Shadows building just down the street? Have searched all over for some more info on these two proposals and cant seem to find anything.

There's some new permit information for the Dinerstein project up on PRO from earlier this month but no renders yet. I think the Palm Shadows development is on indefinite hold.

[reighm01]

There's some new permit information for the Dinerstein project up on PRO from earlier this month but no renders yet. I think the Palm Shadows development is on indefinite hold.
Thank you ! Any other student housing developments being discussed that you may be aware of or are they tapped out with the new one opening this year (Hub 2)?

[Ted Lyons]

Thank you ! Any other student housing developments being discussed that you may be aware of or are they tapped out with the new one opening this year (Hub 2)?

I think that's it right now.

[ComplotDesigner]

AC Marriott - 080116

http://i.imgur.com/nSvnwvN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pFVREjP.jpg

[southtucsonboy77]

This is the new trend...

Innovate Albq
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8075/28672541391_2a08db471d_m.jpg

Phoenix Encore on Van Buren
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8841/28465707820_327bc2d30b_m.jpg

La Placita
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8129/28134576563_cafdae828c_m.jpg

141 South Stone
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8778/28718157796_fae844d185_m.jpg