[sundevilgrad]

the sign is ON the building tho

Probably for no other reasone than it makes a good stand for the time being...

[andrewkfromaz]

To the post above I do like the Monti's design its to bad they now have to redesign the project

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1020evmontis1020.html
"I would request that you go back to the drawing board and see what you can come up with and leave this building alone," said commission member Ann Patterson.

The commission told developers to come back to the Nov. 1 meeting with revised plans.
Nov. 1? Thanks a lot, that gives us a lot of time to completely revamp the design. I agree with both parties quoted in the article. I think the developer has a good point, and that he can "leave this building alone," as requested by the commission. I think a project bringing this density to the end of Mill will extend the activity of Mill at the pedestrian level, something the north end of Mill really lacks right now, with the mill itself fenced off as well as the parking lot for US Airways.

[sundevilgrad]

I was over by the Mosaic lot today, and I can't tell what they're doing. There's a huge pile of dirt/gravel in one corner of the lot and they had some type of makeshift sprinkler system set up water the lot... I thought they might be trying to soften up the ground before they began actual digging, but why would you do that if you had a big earth-mover?

[tempedude]

October 22, 2007 - 2:36AM
Owner: Tower above Monti’s only answer
Garin Groff, Tribune

The owner of Monti’s La Casa Vieja says the only way to save the historic adobe building is to build a 300-foot glass and steel building above it.

The building — the oldest in the Valley — would remain largely untouched. But concrete columns would sit in front of it to support the mass of what’s above.

Michael Monti’s proposal has generated support, opposition — and a passionate debate over just what is historic and how to ensure future generations can experience what is often considered the Valley’s most important historic structure.

Historical preservation advocates are largely siding against Monti’s plan, saying the new structure would swallow the low-slung building constructed in 1873.

“It somewhat hides it,” said Bob Gasser, chairman of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The plan isn’t an honest attempt to save the home built in 1871 by Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden, said Ann Patterson, a commission member. She blasted it as “window dressing.”

Though Monti said his plan will leave the inside untouched, changing the building’s setting could get the adobe structure kicked off state and national historic registries, said Jim Garrison, the state’s historic preservation officer.

The city’s historic commission opposes the high-rise above the historic building, insisting that Monti’s should stand out and the new high-rise should serve as a backdrop.

So far, though. Monti has scoffed at the idea of keeping the existing building so visible.

“Nobody ever said, ‘I had a great time leaning up against your stucco wall,’ ” Monti said.

The real historic value of the building is its rooms, he said. Hayden built it room by room, and generations of people experienced the building by the flow of the rooms.

Monti wants the high-rise to incorporate his building so the entire project will feel like one entity. Separating his restaurant could make it harder to draw patrons and force him to sell to somebody who might not care as much about the building’s history, he said.

The restaurant once drew patrons from across the Valley, and two-hour waits were common even after numerous expansions brought seating capacity to 725. But the restaurant industry has changed vastly since Monti’s father, Leonard, expanded the restaurant.

Too many customers stopped coming as downtown boomed and became more congested. Monti wants to make the place more upscale and to do a better job highlighting its historic features. But Monti said he needs money for that and to fix some of the “haphazard” things his father did, including some changes that Monti said were literally accomplished based on sketches on a cocktail napkin.

Monti said he’s heard criticism that his father wouldn’t have sold. But during a recent tour of the restaurant, he pulled a 9-inch-thick file labeled “Monti’s sale attempts.” The file shows his father constantly entertained offers until his death in 1994.

The high-rise boom downtown is now making the property more valuable, just as congestion is chasing away more customers.

“It’s sort of a great opportunity presented at a great time of crisis,” Monti said.

Monti does have the support of the Hayden family, including 50-year-old Carl Hayden. Like Monti, he said the inside is the most important part of the building.

“My great-grandfather was a businessman,” Hayden said. “I think he’d love to see this happen.”

Still, the historic commission has asked Monti to develop two different plans. Some members want the new building pushed back at least 20 feet along Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. That would keep anything from hanging over the L-shaped portion built of adobe in various phases in the 1800s. And pillars would move inside so nothing blocked the building.

Others wanted to go farther so nothing would hang over the 11,000 square feet of building Monti plans to keep. The commission will review those options Nov. 1.

Either alternative could threaten the adobe portion, said Monti and developer Tony Wall, president of 3W Companies. The exterior pillars are about 3 feet in diameter, they said, but moving them inside requires a different structural system and pillars 10 to 12 feet in diameter.

That could destroy the feeling of the interior, Monti said, or force so much ground disturbance that the adobe structure would turn to rubble. He’s still trying to make the case his plan is the best — if not the only — way to preserve the site’s history.

“We have to evolve,” Monti said. ‘What we’re trying to do is save this building for another generation. Everything we’re doing is consistent with what’s happened historically.”

EDIT: Go here to see the article, a slide show, a video, and a graphic of the site
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/100187

[andrewkfromaz]

I was over by the Mosaic lot today, and I can't tell what they're doing. There's a huge pile of dirt/gravel in one corner of the lot and they had some type of makeshift sprinkler system set up water the lot... I thought they might be trying to soften up the ground before they began actual digging, but why would you do that if you had a big earth-mover?
Pre-wetting a site may be a dust-control requirement, or it's possible they're selling the dirt from the parking garage and the buyer made arrangements to have the moisture increased, or maybe they're wetting the surface parking areas because of recommendations made in the geotechnical report (which deals with issues of soil plasticity, expansion/collapse potential, and a variety of other extremely boring engineering/dirt terms). So really I have no idea why they would be pre-wetting the site, but I'm sure it's nothing too out of the ordinary.

[tempedude]

maybe they are just preparing for a mudwrestling contest featuring hot supermodel babes of the Pac 10.... :D

[andrewkfromaz]

Pretty sure they would have advertised, were that the case. Plus it's almost too cool for such behavior, at least outside. Not to say I wouldn't enjoy such an event... ;)

[KEVINphx]

Pretty sure they would have advertised, were that the case. Plus it's almost too cool for such behavior, at least outside. Not to say I wouldn't enjoy such an event... ;)


um. im pretty sure he was joking! lol

BTW, watering the site is most likely due to dust control as fines for violating are very high.

[desertdj]

Nobody seemed to mention this on the boards, but Long Wongs on Mill, south of University, has already closed. Seems like that CVS Pharmacy will be started on soon. I mentioned this before but I don't like that CVS Pharmacy there or in a 1 story building with a big parking lot around it.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/desertdj/2b30a078a238.jpg

[hi123]

Has construction started on mosaic?

[wissundevil06]

Looks like Mosiac will start soon. I walked by today and noticed there was a new sign on the fence advertising the shoring and excavation team. Like the post above said, they have been watering the ground routinely and there is a large dirt pile that is fairly new. Also looks like there could be some new marks as far as cones and spray paint on the ground site also. Lets hope this project starts soon!! There is also some activity on ASU block 12 inbetween forest and college ave. Anyone know what's happening there?

[tempedude]

^^^yeah you beat me to it....Mosaic is about to start....was just by there today too....watering down the lot for dust control when they start excavation.

[tempedude]

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8834/1024071156il9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[PHX31]

Bandersnatch to be demolished Thursday
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/1024tr-bandersnatch1025.html
Bandersnatch Brew Pub is scheduled to come tumbling down starting Thursday.

The gritty, downtown Tempe watering hole operated at the intersection of Fifth Street and Forest Avenue, a quick halftime walk from Sun Devil Stadium, for about three decades. It is slated to be replaced with a sleek new 11-story Marriott Residence Inn and parking garage.

A demolition crew will begin Thursday by removing the signs, ironwork art and handmade stained glass from inside the bar. Those pieces, along with the unique wooden front entry doors and a wood sculpture inside, are going to be squirreled away so they can be used to decorate the new Marriott's hotel bar, according to Darcy Gray, of Layton Construction.

The building itself will come down starting Friday. Clearing the site should take a four-person work-crew up to two weeks, Layton said.

Construction is expected to begin on the Marriott in mid-January, and it would open about 15 months after that.


Apparently this is the rendering:
http://www.tempe.gov/maps/Picture.aspx?PictureID=703f106e-dfdb-4e85-a71c-fe9cce59e5fa

[PhxSprawler]

There is also some activity on ASU block 12 inbetween forest and college ave. Anyone know what's happening there?

First of all, welcome to the forum!

Are you talking about the area north of University? If so, there is new 22 story building planned for that area.

From the tempe Dev web site:

"The ASU Newman Center/ All Saints Student Community development will extend the abilities of the current church. A new 22-story building will be constructed behind the existing chapel.

The new development will include 180 apartments, a 640-seat sanctuary, a new chapel to complement the existing one, a 4,800 sq ft social hall for weddings and community celebrations, approximately 7,000 sq ft in classroom and meeting space, and a church library. Gardens and an outdoor pavillion are also part of the future plans."

Renderings:
http://www.tempe.gov/maps/Picture.aspx?PictureID=b69b9989-956b-4c4f-b935-387def2b3a68

http://www.tempe.gov/maps/Picture.aspx?PictureID=6203924d-837d-41d4-901e-eaafbb29111d

[andrewkfromaz]

^^^ How are they paying for this development? 180 apartments are supposed to pay for 22 stories? I like that the way the tower is located, it won't take away from the existing chapel and the way that the Fulton Center addresses the street at this intersection. Now if only they could add some retail to help make up for what was lost at the Arches...

[tempedude]

^This isn't located where the Arches were I don't think. AHHH... I cant think off the top of my head what the name of that project is....on university...I want to say Luna is going where the Arches were, but that doesn't sound right

[wissundevil06]

^^ University Square is going where the arches were. Well will be going once Dave's Dog House decides to sell. As for the area I was talking about, it's not located behind the church. It's about 2 blocks northwest of that location. I saw them watering the site today.

[tempedude]

^^^an empty lot on the corner of college?...

[wissundevil06]

They cleared out an area in the middle of a block between college and forest.

[tempedude]

hmmm...idk :shrug:

[PhxSprawler]

They cleared out an area in the middle of a block between college and forest.

You got me...:shrug:

[wissundevil06]

Also, there is a Red Planning Dev. Board in front of CP where those crazy rabbits are. It states for 3 towers. One 11 stories, there other 17, and the final 20. I also believe it called for retail, hotel with health spa, and an office buliding. Don't take my word on everything but almost poitive on number of floors and what wil be there. Could this possibly be replacing the area where Harkins is now?

[tempedude]

yep...Harkins is going to be gone...sad but true, I think the theater should remain

[combusean]

The Block 12 development behind University Square was slated to be 2 20/25-story towers. It died out as the boom ended and ASU owns the dirt now. It's not listed in Tempe's project maps so who knows.

University Square is the big project for the Arches block, and the Newman Center is still another one.

[vertex]

Nobody seemed to mention this on the boards, but Long Wongs on Mill, south of University, has already closed. Seems like that CVS Pharmacy will be started on soon. I mentioned this before but I don't like that CVS Pharmacy there or in a 1 story building with a big parking lot around it.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/desertdj/2b30a078a238.jpg

That means that the Sahara Middle Eastern Restaurant will be closed as well. This just sucks to no end...

[vertex]

Also, there is a Red Planning Dev. Board in front of CP where those crazy rabbits are. It states for 3 towers. One 11 stories, there other 17, and the final 20. I also believe it called for retail, hotel with health spa, and an office buliding. Don't take my word on everything but almost poitive on number of floors and what wil be there. Could this possibly be replacing the area where Harkins is now?

The hotel will be 20 floors, and sit on top of a gym. This will replace the Harkins theater. The 17 floor office building will sit where the existing 4 story office building is, and the 11 floor condo w/retail will sit where the existing retail is (Fat Tuesday's, Pizzeria Uno, etc.) Nothing will happen until existing leases expire. The theater should be the first to go, in about 2 years.

[PhxSprawler]

They cleared out an area in the middle of a block between college and forest.

Ok, I was curious and drove by tonight. You have to be referring to the block between 6th and 7th street between College and Forest adjacent to the block with the Islamic Community Center and the Phoenicia Cafe - a block north of University.

I am positive there used to be something on the Tempe web site about this, but it is no longer there. The developer must be selling or sitting on the land, unless someone else has insight.

[wissundevil06]

Does anyone have anymore renderings of the project that is currently under construction called Tempe Gateway on Mill behind the U.S. airways center?

[Azndragon837]

That means that the Sahara Middle Eastern Restaurant will be closed as well. This just sucks to no end...

There's also a quirky costume shop ending its run as well, and a nice mom-and-pop barber shop called NYC Barber Shop closing too, in which I used to go there to get top-notch service from the European immigrants that ran the place.

STUPID CVS PHARMACY!!! Why oh why the City of Tempe did you guys made such a stupid Planning mistake! Sigh. And I used to work there.

[flyer84]

Does anyone have anymore renderings of the project that is currently under construction called Tempe Gateway on Mill behind the U.S. airways center?

Here are a few renderings of the Tempe Gateway project I found:

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1474/tempegatewayob7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also, has anyone heard anything about a project called Residences at the Artspark? It looks like it was approved at the October 9th Development Review commission. There are two 9 story towers, one 14 story and one 16 story with a total of 472 residential condos and 40 live/work condos. It is located on 1st St. just south of Rio Salado Pkwy and the new Tempe Performing Arts Center. This looks like a really nice project. Is 16 stories too high for being that close to the airport?? I'm not sure but in any case the towers look really nice and here are a few renderings:

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1856/resartsrb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6985/resarts2cw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4587/resarts3ak7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[tempedude]

^^^Cool renderings, that project is new to me. I would hope 16 stories would work there across from the arts center, but that might be pushing the ceiling. 12 would probably be ok. Its just so questionable about buildings gaining much height beyond(west of) Mill Ave. along the Salt river because of take offs and landings at Sky Harbor, and its basically right in the flight path.

About Long Wongs and other businesses being forced to close because of yet another new CVS store. YAY, just what we need, NOT! What is Tempe thinking? Wouldn't it have been better if it went into some of the ground floor retail that is planned for Center Point? Just thinking of another generic stand alone CVS store makes me :yuck:

[vertex]

There's also a quirky costume shop ending its run as well, and a nice mom-and-pop barber shop called NYC Barber Shop closing too, in which I used to go there to get top-notch service from the European immigrants that ran the place.

STUPID CVS PHARMACY!!! Why oh why the City of Tempe did you guys made such a stupid Planning mistake! Sigh. And I used to work there.

The owner of these buildings is a real asshole. The shop-keepers have told me horror stories about how the owner refused to put any money into the places, and refused to fix any roof leaks, plumbing, electrical problems, etc. Total slumlord.

[combusean]

Ok, I was curious and drove by tonight. You have to be referring to the block between 6th and 7th street between College and Forest adjacent to the block with the Islamic Community Center and the Phoenicia Cafe - a block north of University.

I am positive there used to be something on the Tempe web site about this, but it is no longer there. The developer must be selling or sitting on the land, unless someone else has insight.

As I posted in the last page, the Block 12 development was supposed to be 2x20-25 story towers, but died out during the boom. ASU owns the dirt now.

[Vicelord John]

Nobody seemed to mention this on the boards, but Long Wongs on Mill, south of University, has already closed. Seems like that CVS Pharmacy will be started on soon. I mentioned this before but I don't like that CVS Pharmacy there or in a 1 story building with a big parking lot around it.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/desertdj/2b30a078a238.jpg

I see a wal-mart bike!:yes: :haha:

[andrewkfromaz]

And some really wild hair!

[PhxSprawler]

As I posted in the last page, the Block 12 development was supposed to be 2x20-25 story towers, but died out during the boom. ASU owns the dirt now.

Got it, thank you! I was taking it too literally when you said "behind University Square." Also, the Tempe dev web site appears to have the University Square targets pointing to the wrong corner on its map, leading to my visual confusion:

http://www.tempe.gov/maps/Map.aspx?Map=MillAve

[desertdj]

its a Target bike! Best way to get around Tempe! And I just got a new camera so ill have to test it out pretty soon here and post some shots

[tempedude]

^^^right on...stylin it with a Target bike...none of that low class wal-mart stuff I see :sly:

:cool:

[wissundevil06]

Does anyone know when Lumina Tempe will start construction? I know they are already well into the sales process.

[sundevilgrad]

Looks like the 11-story Marriot is getting under way...

Bandersnatch to be demolished Thursday
Katie Nelson
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 24, 2007 01:19 PM

Bandersnatch Brew Pub is scheduled to come tumbling down starting Thursday.

The gritty, downtown Tempe watering hole operated at the intersection of Fifth Street and Forest Avenue, a quick halftime walk from Sun Devil Stadium, for about three decades. It is slated to be replaced with a sleek new 11-story Marriott Residence Inn and parking garage.

A demolition crew will begin Thursday by removing the signs, ironwork art and handmade stained glass from inside the bar. Those pieces, along with the unique wooden front entry doors and a wood sculpture inside, are going to be squirreled away so they can be used to decorate the new Marriott's hotel bar, according to Darcy Gray, of Layton Construction.

The building itself will come down starting Friday. Clearing the site should take a four-person work-crew up to two weeks, Layton said.

Construction is expected to begin on the Marriott in mid-January, and it would open about 15 months after that.

[JAHOPL]

New Tallest in Tempe!

I haven't driven by in a week to verify it, but the second tower at Centerpoint should be passing the 22nd floor of the first tower any day now, if not already, on its way to a top-out at 30 floors.

[tempedude]

Does anyone know when Lumina Tempe will start construction? I know they are already well into the sales process.
Haven't heard news on any groundbreaking date yet. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't until after the first of the year. :shrug:

Here is a link to the main site for Lumina, there are some videos there and some rough sketches of the floor plans if you haven't already seen them.
(oh and make sure you turn your speaker volume down a little for the videos, they have the volume set way high)

http://www.constellationproperty.com/tempe/

[vertex]

New Tallest in Tempe!

I haven't driven by in a week to verify it, but the second tower at Centerpoint should be passing the 22nd floor of the first tower any day now, if not already, on its way to a top-out at 30 floors.

Just barely squeaks by...

[tempedude]

Centerpoint taken today Oct 26, 2007
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1916/1026071252kb1.jpg
The right tower is set to rise 8 more floors

Photo Update of Tempe Transit Center - Centerpoint in background
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3593/1026071247km6.jpg

I really need a better camera...

[wissundevil06]

In regards to CP, there are 8 more floors going up, but I'm curious as to the process of raising the height of the tower crane because it obviously must be done. Can someone explain how they do this?

[PHX31]

Check out this thread. It is explained in there at some point.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=3124686#post3124686

[wissundevil06]

Thank you so much! It makes sense now. The CP tower crane has an orange jack in the middle of its base.

[tempedude]

October 27, 2007 - 5:45AM
ASU’s Barrett plans a school within a larger school
Ryan Gabrielson, Tribune

Years before he arrived at ASU, Mark Jacobs had a vision for what the Barrett Honors College could be.

Jacobs headed the biology department at Swarthmore College, a tiny elite liberal arts school near Philadelphia. As he left the campus one Friday evening, he noticed how sedate it was. There was no loud music, no drunken students cackling.

The library, however, bustled with students.

“And I thought to myself, 'What these kids need is Penn State (University) right outside the gate,’ ” said Jacobs, who became dean of Arizona State University’s honors college in 2003.

Next month, ASU begins construction of an eight-acre campus within the main university in Tempe to house 1,700 honors students. The college will sit at the gates of a major university with a party reputation.

“For me, that’s a wonderful combination for bright kids,” Jacobs said. Students should be able to choose between a party and their schoolbooks.

For Megan Tollefson, a senior in the honors college, there was never a question where she would attend college. “My whole family’s gone to ASU,” said Tollefson, who graduated from Mountain View High School in Mesa.

But Tollefson is the first in her family to enroll in the honors college, which offers a more rigorous liberal arts education than the rest of ASU.

Most of Barrett’s students come from Arizona. But Jacobs recruits students nationwide, from Portland, Ore., to Washington D.C., and sometimes finds ASU a tough sell.

“I have to convince them that we’re good enough for them, not the other way around,” he said.

Jessica Peet chose Barrett over staying close to home at Penn State. “ASU’s a huge school, it’s easy to get lost in,” said Peet, an honors junior majoring in business. “But Barrett has a more personal experience.”

Honors students have the same majors as other Arizona State students, but take additional classes that are restricted to those in Barrett. Those classes include Perspectives in Nanotechnology and Latin American Intellectual History.

Tollefson is majoring in art and marketing and takes many of the same classes as regular ASU students.

But her honors classes are far smaller than what most other students experience. Honors classes are limited to 20 students per section.

“We get much more one-on-one interaction with the faculty,” Tollefson said.
The college’s professors also run class differently.

“It’s more challenging and you don’t get stuck doing busy work,” Peet said. “They know that you know it and trust that you’re going to do the work it takes to get the understanding you need.”

When finished in 2009, Barrett’s campus will include seven buildings, including a dorm, faculty offices, a dining hall and computer lab set aside for honors students.

The campus will be near the northwest corner of Rural Road and Apache Boulevard.

Sixty-five of the nation’s public universities have honors colleges. ASU is the only one that will have built a college campus within the university, Jacob said. “They all would like this,” he said. “But this campus is costing $120 million and I don’t think most places either could do that or have any plans to do that.”

American Campus Communities, a private developer that specializes in college dorms, is paying the cost of the campus’ construction and will manage student residences.

[tempedude]

^ I had/have reservations about posting the above article, but it is a redevelopment where ASU has torn down everything on the corner of Apache and Rural. I believe that there was some controversy too. Something about an old bank with a dome that used to be on the corner. Irrelevant now, its too late. Just good to see something happening with the corner.

On another note. Has anyone heard anything about condos being planned for 8th street and Rural? Right now there is a lot that is wrapped right next to the LRT station on Rural on the west side of the street. Or, I was wondering if they might be locating where the old ACME Roadhouse Bar used to be.

Edit:I misread the tempe development projects progress graph. The plans for the the 8th and Rural condos are still in the conceptual stage as of 4/16/2007. This chart seems to be a little outdated though, and it is probably due for an update.

http://www.tempe.gov/business/Development_Report/pdf/Tempe%20Projects%20Graph.pdf

[wissundevil06]

On Saturday I noticed that ASU has already begun building the next phase of the Biodesign Institute. Does anyone have any renderings what the new phase will look like?

[bwonger06]

The dorms at the new Honors college is also trying to go sustainable and LEED silver certified. Trying to get the whole complex fitted with grey water system, green garden roof top and more i am sure.

[flyer84]

On Saturday I noticed that ASU has already begun building the next phase of the Biodesign Institute. Does anyone have any renderings what the new phase will look like?

I'm not sure they are starting the next Biodesign building because the sign that is on the fence says that it is just a "Biodesign Landscaping project". My guess is they are just going to landscape it all nice for now and then when ASU has more funding available for the last phase of the Biodesign Institute they are going to start building the final two buildings. On the Biodesign website it says "Buildings C and D are proposed for future construction as need and funding dictates" so there is no date set in stone as of yet. Anyway, here is the rendering of what the site will look like when all 4 buildings are complete. Also, I'm glad to see that hideous Ritter Building finally torn down. It was an absolute eyesore and since it was right along Rural Road it always bothered me.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7871/biodesignmastersp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[wissundevil06]

Glad ASU is going green. Can't wait to see all of ASU projects when it's complete

[tempedude]

Glad ASU is going green. Can't wait to see all of ASU projects when it's complete

yeah, there is a lot of construction going on around campus. In two years things will look very different.

[tempedude]

Hey, does anyone have a progress update on whats going on with the old mill?
It seems to me that something should start rolling soon on that project. Hasn't the archaeological study been done for months?

Which company is responsible for the project(development)? Avenue Communities? If so, weren't they planning on locating some of their offices at the mill?

[DevdogAZ]

I'm glad to see that hideous Ritter Building finally torn down. It was an absolute eyesore and since it was right along Rural Road it always bothered me.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7871/biodesignmastersp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I agree about the Ritter Building. Glad to hear it's getting the ax.

It would suck to have a nice east facing window office in Building B and then have it covered up by the new phase.

[vertex]

ASU wants to replace frats with dorm-type houses (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/100908)
Ryan Gabrielson, East Valley Tribune

ASU hopes to tear down its aging fraternity houses to open space for a dorm-like development where the Greeks would live and school officials would have greater control over the raucous party scene.

A group of eight fraternities that own land on Alpha Drive is working with Arizona State University to build a major development across from Wells Fargo Arena. In addition to Greek housing, the project might include a hotel, convention center, retail, restaurants and regular student housing.

Within two years, the cluster of fraternity houses that have stood more than four decades could be razed.

The residences that replace the houses would run far more like ASU’s residence halls, allowing the university to better crack down on misconduct.

“When students are in a residence hall community, it’s an opportunity for them to get better amenities and also for them to have a better environment in terms of being healthy and being safe and secure,” said Leah Hardesty, an ASU spokeswoman.

The fraternities are leading the project, but several of the students living in the houses said demolishing Alpha Drive would damage the Greek system.

Moving fraternities into residence halls — which prohibit alcohol — would take away the groups’ independence and history.

“These houses are our pride and joy,” said Mike Fennell, a member of ASU’s Delta Sigma Phi chapter.

Few would comment on the record because the Interfraternity Council, which governs ASU’s fraternities, has asked members not to speak to reporters.

University police have responded to four alleged sexual assaults and four aggravated assaults this year at the fraternity houses, ASU records show. There have been at least 11 alcohol violations just since the fall semester began in August.

Jeff Abraham, who represents the eight Alpha Drive fraternities, said the students are misinformed. ASU’s chapters will have a say in how their residences are built.

“Everyone will have independence,” Abraham said.

ASU is a perennial top 10 party school in unscientific rankings by Playboy and other magazines, a reputation university officials have long tried to shed.

The Greek community isn’t solely responsible for the designation — fewer than 5 percent of Arizona State’s undergraduate students are in a fraternity or sorority — but it has contributed.

ASU gained national attention in 2002 when the vice president of the student body starred in a pornographic movie filmed at his fraternity house.

Alpha Drive’s houses are in bad shape. Several are boarded up and surrounded by chain link fences. Those still occupied haven’t been maintained well.

On Wednesday afternoon, several cars were parked in the Delta Sigma Phi house’s front yard.

The former Pi Kappa Alpha house is literally crumbling and has been vacant since a fire gutted it in 1997. That fire prompted ASU’s fire marshal to threaten to close all the Alpha Drive houses for not having sprinkler systems.

However, some of the houses sit on lots worth more than $1 million.

The Sigma Chi house is valued at more than $1.4 million, according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office.

Abraham said they began considering the development after the Pi Kappa Alpha fire.

The redevelopment could take several years to begin due to the complexity of the negotiations, Abraham said.

“When you’ve got nine separate landowners on an 18-acre site, there’s a lot of work to be done contractually to put that all together,” he said.

The group, tentatively named Threshold Properties, approached ASU in 2004 about the redevelopment, Hardesty said. The university is waiting for the fraternities to reach a final agreement before work can begin.

“It’s our understanding that the fraternities are in support of this project,” she said.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/images/photos/2007/10/31/bt0ogxos.jpg
Hayden Butte, Sun Devil Stadium and Wells Fargo Arena make up the skyline from the westerly view of the Sigma Pi fraternity house at ASU. Some of the surrounding houses have been boarded up and fenced in.



ASU has been talking about raising this property since the late 80's. It looks very much like a slum now, especially in contrast to all of the new construction on the northeast corner of campus (Biodesign labs, Light Rail station, etc).

The demand for student housing, so close to the University/Rural LRT station, is what's really accelerating the negotiations now.

[PhxSprawler]

Isn't the party scene part of what makes a fraternity thrive? Also, for historic preservation's sake, wouldn't these be the buildings to preserve? As ghetto looking as they are, they have had some great times. Porno, sexual assault, murder, and enough alcohol to endrunken a small continent. In addition, give it five years, there will be nothing left to be nostalgic about for the ASU alumni. All the bars will be gone, all the buildings will be replaced, all the breasts will be fake. What will be left?

[jvbahn]

:previous: Touche! Not everything needs to be clean, safe and sterile....people are supposed to have fun in those years, not turn into automotons right out of high school. Isn't Animal House one of the best pieces of Americana?

[Don B.]

I used to park (for free) in the frat house parking lots north of College while attending ASU from 2001 to 2004 and walk to class. That and the eye candy around always made it kind of fun. I'll miss those days.

--don

[shawneriksmith]

Isn't the party scene part of what makes a fraternity thrive? Also, for historic preservation's sake, wouldn't these be the buildings to preserve? As ghetto looking as they are, they have had some great times. Porno, sexual assault, murder, and enough alcohol to endrunken a small continent. In addition, give it five years, there will be nothing left to be nostalgic about for the ASU alumni. All the bars will be gone, all the buildings will be replaced, all the breasts will be fake. What will be left?

Just because a building is old doesn't qualify mean it should be preserved. And, buildings associated with "porno, sexual assault, murder, and enough alcohol to endrunken a small continent" shouldn't be the type of buildings that are defined as "historic". If everything older than 20 years old is deemed "historic", then nothing would get replaced/built and no development would occur. The fraternities can move to other houses and that location is too valuable not to be used for ASU/convention center space.

[PhxSprawler]

Just because a building is old doesn't qualify mean it should be preserved. And, buildings associated with "porno, sexual assault, murder, and enough alcohol to endrunken a small continent" shouldn't be the type of buildings that are defined as "historic". If everything older than 20 years old is deemed "historic", then nothing would get replaced/built and no development would occur. The fraternities can move to other houses and that location is too valuable not to be used for ASU/convention center space.

My bad, I forget sarcasm doesn't always convey in writing.

On a more humble note, people take fraternities pretty seriously. I am actually shocked they are supportive of the changes. There are centuries-old frat houses in parts of the nation. Maybe the ones in question are not worth preserving, but what at ASU is? College is a significant and memorable four+ years in a person's life. When all the dorms, all the frat houses, all the bars, all the meeting places, etc. are torn down, there is not much left to remember. I am all for development and growth, but there is something to be said for preserving tradition and nostalgia. Standing in a building with 40+ years of fraternity tradition is better than a new building that will likely be demolished for something better in 20 years.

I really do not personally care about the dorms to preserve them, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere at ASU. Something has to remain of the ASU to remind me of the time I spent there if the school wants my donations, and I am sure many others feel the same way. The wealthy former frat boys have yet to weigh in on this, but I am sure it is imminent.

[andrewkfromaz]

My bad, I forget sarcasm doesn't always convey in writing.

On a more humble note, people take fraternities pretty seriously. I am actually shocked they are supportive of the changes. There are centuries-old frat houses in parts of the nation. Maybe the ones in question are not worth preserving, but what at ASU is? College is a significant and memorable four+ years in a person's life. When all the dorms, all the frat houses, all the bars, all the meeting places, etc. are torn down, there is not much left to remember. I am all for development and growth, but there is something to be said for preserving tradition and nostalgia. Standing in a building with 40+ years of fraternity tradition is better than a new building that will likely be demolished for something better in 20 years.
Hence Old Main, the University Bridge, the Ag building, parts of the MU, Newman Chapel, the chapel near the MU (Matthew Center? Can't think of the name atm...) - are all fairly significant land marks. The frat houses on Alpha drive are - in some cases - structurally unsound, and therefore hardly likely to stand for 100+ years. The loss of classic bars in downtown Tempe is lamentable, as is the complete failure of ASU to build ANY quality buildings worth preserving - witness the plethora of shoddy structures facing an early end-of-life: Language and Lit building, Social Sciences building, Alpha Drive buildings, even many of the Science buildings will need significant upgrades simply to maintain structural integrity. Newer buildings don't show a great deal of promise either. Many of the buildings I attended classes in won't be around in 20-odd years when my kids begin attending ASU (they're still unborn, but they won't have a choice), and that's unfortunate simply from a fiscal perspective, let alone the loss of history.

I agree that a sense of continuity and connection to the past is important to attract alumni dollars, but a bunch of truly ramshackle, cheaply built structures are poor choices to provide that connection. I hope the fraternities realize that these buildings are outdated and that their preservation would be counter-productive. We owe it to future students to provide campus residences that are safe, have ample parking, and have other amenities in order to be competitive with other public universities.

[PhxSprawler]

The M.U. is currently on fire, so hopefully that building won't be lost too!

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/pics/breaking/1101abrk-asufire.jpg

[sundevilgrad]

The MU is the one building that needs to be torn down and replaced. As for the fraternities... Personally, I wasn't a part of the Greek system when I was in school, but I think Alpha Drive should remain the property of the fraternities that own their houses. A thriving Greek system is good for a University. Yeah, there are the parties and booze, but they do provide a good service and are good tool to recruit incoming students. I dislike the UNRB (University of No Rose Bowls or University of Arizona) more than I care to admit, but the one thing that I wish ASU had that they do is the thriving Greek system. They have some great old houses and some really nice new ones. I think a good solution for Alpha Drive would be to somehow require the fraternities to rebuild the houses. They have the money, the new houses would make money and it would be win win for both parties...

[dbUNIT16]

I am an Sigma Nu alumni and can promise you, the picture the university is attempt to paint by misleading this student journalist is not so rosy as they paint it. Sigma Nu is not negotiating with the university and will not give up their property, and can promise you others are in the same boat. The only way they'll get that land is by eminent domain.

Having said that, yes, the houses are shit holes. The University needs to help the fraternities rebuild houses. Dorm style housing will kill Greek life.

The problem lies in ASU administration, coming from the top. Ira Fulton has absolute power because of his donations, as is against fraternities. Therefore, this flows down through Crow. The Greek Life "Staff" does not support Greek Life. They are there to criticize and penalize, but don't help put out a good image for fraternities. There might be a sexual assault, there might be underage drinking, but where is there not? And I can guarantee you that a smaller percentage of incidents happen at fraternities that in off-campus, and on-campus for that matter student housing. Quite simply fraternities are stereo typed, and are a scapegoat for the University. So there is illegibly one sexual assault this year... how many have occurred elsewhere? Like I said, we're an easy target, and without the support of powerful alumni and the administration, I fear Greek life will be crushed at ASU. It's unfortunate because Greeks are generally very successful, and tend to donate alot of money to the University.

[plinko]

^Why should the University foot the bill to help these privileged students build 'houses'? If they care so much, donate so much, and are so well off, why don't they actually do something like build themselves new houses? If it's non-University property, I'd hate to see tax dollars wasted on students and groups that can help themselves. I'd rather see it go into the University General Scholarship Fund or improve campus infrastructure.

[sundevilgrad]

I agree Plinko. I want to see the Greek system at ASU flourish because it only strengthens the University as a whole. However, the University should not help pay for improvements to the houses on Alpha Drive. Many of the fraternities have extremely deep pockets and should pay for any improvement/new houses themselves.

[admdavid]

Hell, it'd be nice if they just paid to keep the lawns watered and mowed or put in some nice landscaping instead of the nasty dirt and abandoned look they have now.

[wissundevil06]

Saw a bulldoozer on the mosiac site today. Looks like the project will start soon!

[loftlovr]

I think Mosaic has 23 reservations....
Crazy that a multi-million dollar tower will be built on such a low amount of seeming interest....
I want a cool high-rise as much as the next guy, but I believe there are 36 highrises in some form proposed in Tempe????
(some are quite a ways out albeit)
This will place Tempe as another Orlando- San Diego mess with values if many get built.

Good for eventual buyers, bad for existing owners....
Supply should come when the demand is there.

As for Greek Row-
I wish these buildings would be cleaned up and remodeled... but not bulldozed.

I think the idea was spearheaded by the Greeks if I am not mistaken?
Maybe Phi-Sigs?
Many students Choose ASU because of the party atmosphere and the prospect of fun! (I did)


On another note- Architekton has a killer proposal behind Farmers Studio... Mixed use- same bad ass design....

[desertdj]

Business owners struggle to find new location

Lauren Proper
Special for the Republic
Nov. 3, 2007 07:01 AM
Businesses on the southwest corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive have been moving out to make room for a CVS.

Residents of the multi-business Tempe complex were given a 30-day notice to vacate from CVS in September, and many are struggling with where to go from there. A 23-year renter, Doug Fielder, owns a costume shop there.

"It's been really rough trying to find a new place," Fielder said.

Fielder was the only resident allowed to stay past the end of October because of the busy Halloween costume season. However, by mid-November, he has to move out and organize his thousands of miscellaneous costumes at his new location.

"Nothing went our way," Fielder said.

Both Fielder and Richard Carlson, the owner of the Long Wongs in the same complex, say that they have no problem with their old landlord, just with the way the deal was carried out.

Carlson said because of the short notice, he has been unable to find another location in Tempe to open up a Long Wongs. He said that rent in other locations close to campus is "four to five times as much for a decent space."

Other business owners are unable to relocate. A barbershop and the Sahara restaurant are left with no affordable places to move.

"They have totally squeezed out the little guy," Carlson said.

There is no definite date for demolition because of concerns with asbestos in some of the buildings. The site of a former gas station on the corner also must be tested for toxicity.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/desertdj/2b30a078a238.jpg
Ha ha here is my pic I took again, I think I messed with my photobucket and accidentally deleted it but it's back!
I know the city keeps saying how much retail space will be opening up around Tempe, but if they will all be high priced rent, where will the unique businesses locate to? I guess thats the big debate that has been going on here forever now though right? Loss of Mill Ave's character, etc....

[jvbahn]

:previous: Well, I personally find it offensive that "the little guy" is trying to get in the way of the obvious plan in the Valley to put one Walgreen's or CVS on every single corner. I won't be satisfied with the level of drugstore saturation until you have a Walgreen's on one corner, then a CVS on the other corner. And of course, make sure you have a big, ugly parking lot along the street and a drive-thru window for your drugs, so if there was any sense of fake urbanity, it is definitely gone up in a exhaust fume smoke.

I mean, in living in such an environment practically guarantees the need for thousands of locations to get a fix for your Xanax, Vicodin, Ritalin, ect. habits.

[tempedude]

November 5, 2007 - 1:04AM
Apache Blvd. grows from seedy to chic
Garin Groff, Tribune

Apache Boulevard had long been overlooked by anybody who had money — unless they had a few bucks for drugs or a hooker. Now, the rundown buildings and weed-filled lots along Apache are some of Tempe’s hottest real estate.

GRAPHIC: Apache Boulevard developments

Developers have bought some of the bleakest places for new condos, apartments and shops. The area is seeing its biggest boom in decades as builders construct housing and shops that are far nicer than many could have imagined just a few years ago.

Nearly 20 developments are planned or under way on a 2.5-mile stretch of Apache, ranging from eight-story condo buildings to single-family homes.

The area’s rebirth is largely the result of the same thing that made it boom decades ago and then fall into decline: its status as a major transportation corridor.

The boulevard was the original route of U.S. 60 before the Superstition Freeway was started in the 1970s. The new highway diverted drivers from the motels, service stations and restaurants that had thrived for decades.

“Without all that traffic to feed into them, they just weren’t that viable anymore,” said Larry Schmalz, Tempe’s principal planner.

The failed businesses brought blight, and the area became a crime hot spot.

The city spent the last decade closing the worst businesses and buying land that could be developed later.

Several construction projects now are a result of that planning, including 45 houses being built where some of the area’s must rundown houses used to stand.

Tempe began planning a project called Newberry Terrace in 2000 by working with a developer on plans for new housing. The city bought more than five acres of cheaply built, poorly maintained homes and tiny apartment buildings with up to four units each. One of the roads, Newberry Terrace, wasn’t even paved.

Nearly all of the properties were rentals that became a magnet for crime, Schmalz said.

“They were just investors,” he said. “It was all about the money.”

Tempe assembled about 17 parcels and struck a deal with Barton Homes for a mix of single-family homes and attached town homes.

It’s likely the first single-family project to be built in the area in a half-century, said Jim Walton, co-owner of Barton Homes. Walton said the area’s reputation wasn’t an issue because the project has enough critical mass to encourage others to invest, rather than to be overtaken by what’s around it.

“I wouldn’t want to build two homes here, but if you build 45, you kind of create your own weather,” Walton said.

His development is also unusual for its price, about $275,00 to $350,000 for two or three bedrooms. By comparison, the downtown condo towers sell studios or one-bedrooms for $300,000 or more.

The city chose Barton Homes over another developer that planned to build something that likely would have become rentals, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said.

The city wanted owner-occupied housing in a part of the city that already has so many rentals, he said.

Hallman expects new-home sales will stay strong in Tempe despite the nationwide downturn. Demand is high because of the city’s large job base, the proximity to transit and the shorter commute times compared with developments on the edge of the Valley.

“Tempe generally is completely different than the rest of the Valley and nation,” Hallman said.

Some other notable Apache projects include:

• The Holiday Inn being converted into a Starwood Four Points Hotel.

• Apartments for low-income seniors who are deaf.

• A new police substation that opened this year.

• A park set to open next year.

• A 450-unit apartment complex at Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive that includes a park-and-ride garage. The land was first reserved as a transit station parking lot, but Tempe found a developer to build a parking garage surrounded by apartments and shops.

Only a few of the developments will open by December 2008, when the Metro light-rail line is scheduled to start service.

Apache’s full redevelopment will take many years, Schmalz said, just as downtown Tempe’s redevelopment started in the 1970s and is still under way.

Still, the public will see a big step forward within a year, as new landscaping, sidewalks and a few just-opened businesses replace the chaotic effort to build the Metro.

“Once light rail is open and operating, you’ll see the cleaner streets,” Schmalz said. “You’ll see the vision instead of the construction.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interesting because this article and graphic discusses some of the projects that seem to have fallen off the radar. Looks like some are still alive and kicking like Campus Edge. Gray Developments multiuse project is already underway at Apache and McClintock.

Here is the link so you can see the graphic, its in flash format so I don't know how to import it onto the board.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/101267

[sundevilgrad]

Has anyone been by Bandersnatch to see if it was torn down? I think it was scheduled for demolition last week. I've been in the area, but haven't made it over there to check it out... I'll try swing by there tomorrow if I don't read anything.

[wissundevil06]

Ya they have completley torn down and cleared out the building.

[HX_Guy]

Monti’s owner scraps plan for towers
Garin Groff, Tribune
The owner of Monti’s La Casa Vieja has scrapped plans to build a 300-foot-tall tower directly above the historic adobe restaurant after a barrage of criticism from preservationists.

GRAPHIC: See the location of Monti's La Casa Vieja
Owner: Tower above Monti’s only answer

Michael Monti still is planning for two towers to rise on his downtown Tempe property, but he has agreed to move one of them.

Monti’s new plan comes weeks after the city’s Historic Preservation Commission objected to the idea of putting a 25-story building over the Valley’s oldest structure, built in 1871.

Historic preservationists argued the building’s history would be overshadowed by a glass-and-steel tower. And the original plan likely would get the building kicked off a state and a national historic register, the state’s historic preservation officer has said.

While Monti argued he was preserving the interior, he and developer 3W Companies accommodated the historic commission’s request to move the new building.

“It’s as important in the restaurant business, like politics, to have as high an approval as possible,” said Jason Rose, a spokesman for Monti.

The new plan will likely get a good reception now, said Bob Gasser, chairman of Tempe’s historic commission. The group will hear the new proposal Thursday.

“Even some of the strongest voices, I think, will be pleased with this,” Gasser said.

If the group signs off on the plan, the towers face another source of opposition: The City of Phoenix.

The buildings are about 80 feet too tall given their place in the flight path, Phoenix aviation director Danny Murphy told Tempe officials in a letter.

The buildings could pose a risk to planes departing from Sky Harbor International Airport in the rare event that an airliner lost one engine during takeoff. To clear the building safely, Phoenix says the building shouldn’t exceed 220 feet.

Anything taller would require airlines to put less weight on their planes to ensure they could clear the building safely, Murphy wrote.

Rose said he wasn’t worried about the height issue. Phoenix has objected to the height of Tempe projects before, Rose said, only to have the Federal Aviation Administration indicate specific buildings weren’t a hazard.

Monti still plans to keep about 11,000 square feet that make up the oldest parts of the restaurant while tearing down more modern additions. The towers would contain more than 1 million square feet of hotel rooms, condos and shops.

Monti is working to sell the land to 3W Companies, which is working on the tower proposals, but he plans to keep running the restaurant that his father bought in the 1950s. The Monti family has owned the building longer than the Hayden family, which includes Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden. He built the structure and founded the Hayden Flour Mill.

Some critics of Monti’s plan questioned his commitment to preserving history, but Gasser said Monti always has shown passion for the place. He credited Monti for making the changes and said the buildings are positioned to highlight the historic structure.

“He’s been very dedicated to historic preservation, so I don’t have any doubts about his intentions,” Gasser said.

The new design seems to respect the adobe building, said Vic Linoff, owner of the downtown shop Those Were the Days! Linoff is active in historic preservation and said the original plan would have angered some people.

“I think you would have seen preservationists wrapping their arms around that building and trying to save it,” Linoff said.

The new configuration preserves history while letting Monti develop his land at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue, which Linoff called the Boardwalk and Park Place of Tempe.

“I think what this demonstrates is you can accommodate community standards and still build a successful project,” Linoff said.

[desertdj]

raise your hand if you seen that one coming! :twoguns:

[tempedude]

^^^ding! yeah that one was obvious

[vertex]

Maybe Michael Monti is still lurking here, and read my rant (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=3115442&postcount=1189)... :) j/k

For those of you new to the board, Michael actually did post to this thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2716347&postcount=630) (regarding the La Casa) back in March. So it's not like we're just screaming into the aether...

[NIXPHX77]

Thank you Mr. Monti and all the preservationists who spoke out against the original plan. i think this compromise will be a win-win for everyone.

[Sekkle]

“I think what this demonstrates is you can accommodate community standards and still build a successful project,” Linoff said.
Not that it matters, but how has this project been proven "successful"? I just thought that was an odd statement.

Anyway, what is the latest on the redevlopment of the Mill? I haven't heard anything about it in quite a while. Anybody know what's up with that?

[PhxSprawler]

Not that it matters, but how has this project been proven "successful"? I just thought that was an odd statement.

Anyway, what is the latest on the redevlopment of the Mill? I haven't heard anything about it in quite a while. Anybody know what's up with that?

There are still no signs of a major construction effort. The ads on the fence surrounding the property are falling off in some places, and there still seem to be frequent vagrants behind the mill. I am quite curious to know what's up also.

[sundevilgrad]

Hasn't been updated in a while, but this is good website from the City of Tempe to track development (the link has been provided here many times)...

http://www.tempe.gov/business/Development_Report/

[azsunsurfer]

At a recent lecture Mr. Losch said that construction would begin in 60 days

[azsunsurfer]

In regards to the fraternity debate, our fraternity does not have a house at ASU (but use to before it became an IHOP parking lot), but we do have one of the nicest ones at USC. USC has a real row, its houses are historic but well kept for the most part, the pedestrian scale is great and it maintains the integrity of an actual community. Much more of a Greek life than ASU...

[PhxSprawler]

In regards to the fraternity debate, our fraternity does not have a house at ASU (but use to before it became an IHOP parking lot), but we do have one of the nicest ones at USC. USC has a real row, its houses are historic but well kept for the most part, the pedestrian scale is great and it maintains the integrity of an actual community. Much more of a Greek life than ASU...

Do you think ASU supported dorms will solve this problem at ASU? Is it even really a "problem?"

[wissundevil06]

Dave's Dog House prepares to shut its door
Legal battle with developers ends; hot dog restaurant must move
by Benjamin Muth
published on Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Andrea Bloom / THE STATE PRESS


After a nearly yearlong legal battle, one of Tempe's most popular hot dog joints is closing its doors.

Dave Cheren, owner of Dave's Dog House located at Forest Avenue and University Drive, has reached an agreement with University Square of Tempe to allow construction where his restaurant now stands.

Prior to the deal, construction of University Square's multi-million dollar investments was halted.

The new complex will include housing, shopping, office space and a hotel.

Cheren said he was informed of the buyout plans in April 2006.

"They knew I was going to be asking for a great deal of money," Cheren said.

Other businesses near Dave's Dog House accepted buyout deals when first offered by University Square.

University Square claimed that Cheren was in violation of his original lease, which stated that he could only sell hot dogs and french fries, and therefore claimed that they had the right to evict him.

Cheren would have been in violation of that lease for expanding his menu to hamburgers and beer, but he said he made verbal agreements with the original landlord that allowed him to do so.

A judge in the Maricopa County Superior Court ruled in favor of Cheren, effectively putting the two businesses back where they started.

University Square is being developed by a team of three companies; SAXA, Triyar, and 3W Companies. None of the companies were available for comment.

Cheren said after the court ruling that he and University Square held a number of meetings and reached an agreement earlier this month.

The deal will come to fruition at the end of November or the end of January depending on final stipulations.

Cheren said his goal is to find a new location in the Tempe area or to franchise the restaurant.

"I cannot find any other location in this vicinity though," he said. "But I have been looking."

Cheren, who is turning 70 later this year, said he doesn't see himself starting a restaurant in a new city.

"Building up a name takes a lot of time," Cheren said. "You need to be younger to get started."

At the counter of Dave's Dog House sits an e-mail list for loyal Dog House customers.

"They can sign up and we will keep them informed about new locations," Cheren said.

-Looks like University Square will finally start! Hopefully the restaurant will be able to relocate somewhere near the area.

[andrewkfromaz]

It doesn't say anything about University Square starting, but at least now it can start. I think it may easily be a good while before it does start. Italics can be fun.

[PhxSprawler]

That is great news!!! In a perfect world, Dave's Dog House will have a second or third location in University Square when it is complete.

[dbUNIT16]

So, it is quite possible that we can see the following projects all under construction at the same time:

Monti's Towers
Onyx
Mosaic
Lumina
Hotel to replace Bandersnatch
University Square

AWESOME! This is really going to be some place!

[wissundevil06]

Don't know if these have been posted yet, but here are some renderings of Centerpoint on Mill that will be replacing Harkins Theatre I believe.


http://www.tempe.gov/maps/DevProjectDetails.aspx?LocationID=a4ba120f-962e-4b18-95fd-59207215a032

[sundevilgrad]

I would love to see Dave's take over the vacant College Street Deli location (but really, how long will that piece of crap strip mall be there?)...

[SunDevil]

I would love to see Dave's take over the vacant College Street Deli location (but really, how long will that piece of crap strip mall be there?)...

probably for quite some time , even though College Street Deli is not connected to the Student Book Center there is less than a foot separating the buildings. I don't see the SBC going anywhere soon.

Tip for current students, you can get free blue books there.

[Azndragon837]

I am so dissapointed with the CVS going on the SWC of University & Mill. What's more annoying is two of my favorite hangouts are going away (when I was attending ASU): the Long Wong's and the NYC Barber Shop. They were such nice people (European Immigrants) when I used to get my haircut there.

Stupid CVS and their crappy single-use building. Tempe's Planning Department missed out on a rare opportunity to densify a prominent intersection. Now we have to deal with 3 one-story buildings on that intersection...well, 4 actually if you count the PF Changs, but that's part of the Centerpoint development.

-Andrew

[andrewkfromaz]

^^^ C'mon man, we all know Chili's is doomed. Only three one-story buildings on that intersection. ;) Just wait a few years for ASU to get its act together on that site...

[JAHOPL]

Monti's will have neighboring towers
November 9, 2007
Garin Groff, Tribune

Michael Monti has made peace with historic preservationists who blasted his initial plan to build a high-rise tower above the Valley's oldest building.

Tempe's Historic Preservation Commission signed off on his plans Thursday to build two towers next to Monti's La Casa Vieja, just weeks after rejecting an earlier proposal.

Monti's first plan included a pair of towers, one of which would have stood on piers that surrounded the adobe structure built in 1871. Critics said the plan shrouded the building and could get it kicked off state and national historic registries.

The new plan leaves the oldest part of the building as it stands today, and won compliments from those who opposed the original plan.

The building is perhaps the Valley's most significant historic structure. It was built by Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden, whose son Carl was born in the house. Carl Hayden served in Congress for 57 years and has been called Arizona's most important person.

Monti plans to tear down newer additions to the restaurant and keep the oldest 11,000 square feet of the structure. He intends to sell the property to developer 3W Cos. but continue to operate the restaurant that his father bought in the 1950s. The new buildings will include shops, condos and a hotel. The hotel's name will include the name Hayden.

2 Tribune reader comments:

"How transparent. The guy makes an outrageous ridiculous plan, which is universaly scorned. Then within a week he has architectual drawings for 2 huge buildings? If this was his first proposal people would be outraged."

"Me personally, its his property he can do whatever he likes."

[JAHOPL]

<img src=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/images/photos/2007/11/09/wel0gf9q.jpg">

I don't know why the common photo commands don't work in this forum, but that's a drawing of Monti's twin towers. They look to be about two 25-story glass towers.

[HooverDam]

^Just use images URL or there's a little button for it as well.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/images/photos/2007/11/09/wel0gf9q.jpg

Renderings look pretty neat from what I can tell, very sleek and modern, we'll see if it happens.