[phoenixwillrise]

Well boys and girls I grew up in the Tempe area and I have always disliked that mill. It might blow your little myopic minds, but I have basically been behind just about every historical building salvage job or rebuild job that I have heard about in the Phoenix area but I just don't like this one. Sorry I am not your clone and don't drink your kool aid. This particular project I could get behind if they do something that is in addition to or radically alters this eyesore. I liked what I did see of the winery proposal but I would not like this mill just repainted or spruced up in and of itself. The reason they have forums like this is for people to express their opinions, you have yours I have mine that doesn't make you the crown prince of preservation or whatever the hell you like to think of yourself.

[azliam]

Precisely! Thank you for the well-stated response.




I believe the response from Westbev quoted above explains quite well why you shouldn't need a career in design to understand this. I was initially just making a point about individuals aesthetic opinions; but honestly, you don't need a career or education in design to use your imagination to visualize the place as something different. I suppose that is something I've never really understood though; kind of like people who can't visualize a building by it's floor plan. :rolleyes:

Also, no one here really should need to suggest a renovation for the mill, we are simply discussing the POTENTIAL. Relatively detailed information about what the city plans to do has been released and if you can't IMAGINE that, then that's your issue.

I think my response to you had more to do with the fact that you were being a prick in the way that you responded to the other poster, rather than trying to educate the poster. In my "imagination", you are a kinder, less aloof poster.

[westbev93]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but as you point out, the board is for discussing viewpoints. You supported your view that the mill is not that important because there are thousands like it throughout the Midwest. I merely wanted to express why that argument should not be permitted to justify tearing down a very important piece of Tempe history.

In a perfect world, maybe the mill would actually be re-used in a way that is economically productive like a business (not sure how you would make it residential without windows). But in the interim, while lending has screeched to a virtual halt, why not spruce up the grounds and make it an extension of beach park? Why not make it a community gathering place? There are low-cost ways of utilizing places and structures (historic or otherwise) that can benefit everyone. Just because the current proposal of making a low-cost park isn't the kind of "silver bullet" solution people around the Valley typically look for, this is something. We may even find that these low-cost solutions end up being better and more appreciated than the silver bullet super projects we typically turn to.

I'd like to personally thank the City of Tempe for actually having the balls to save something historic and re-use it. It's a nice change from Phoenix's answer of tearing everything down and hoping for some savior developer to come.

[MegaBass]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but as you point out, the board is for discussing viewpoints. You supported your view that the mill is not that important because there are thousands like it throughout the Midwest. I merely wanted to express why that argument should not be permitted to justify tearing down a very important piece of Tempe history.

In a perfect world, maybe the mill would actually be re-used in a way that is economically productive like a business (not sure how you would make it residential without windows). But in the interim, while lending has screeched to a virtual halt, why not spruce up the grounds and make it an extension of beach park? Why not make it a community gathering place? There are low-cost ways of utilizing places and structures (historic or otherwise) that can benefit everyone. Just because the current proposal of making a low-cost park isn't the kind of "silver bullet" solution people around the Valley typically look for, this is something. We may even find that these low-cost solutions end up being better and more appreciated than the silver bullet super projects we typically turn to.

I'd like to personally thank the City of Tempe for actually having the balls to save something historic and re-use it. It's a nice change from Phoenix's answer of tearing everything down and hoping for some savior developer to come.

Yeah as the EVT article said a connection to Monti's. I think they should go the route that Pizzeria Bianco did by creating a Bar Bianco-type thing with the Mill. Also they could make it an extension to Tempe Historical Museum by whatever collections they have on the Haydens and otehr notable Tempe residents. As long as this little project has a pathway that connects to the Butte and at least looks presentable with the repaint I think it'll definitely catch some praise from the surrounding community.

[jefe]

Hypothetical question:

If you could look 30 years into the future and see that the mill will never be redeveloped or even cleaned up, would you still want to preserve the mill, or would you vote to demolish and build something new?

I say demolish/start over.

[Don B.]

^ That's a logically flawed argument, called "appeal to absurdity." Anything could be argued in this fashion. That's not a logical outcome to the situation.

The economy will eventually come back, and when it does, places like Tempe are far better suited to enjoy that when it happens. Maybe it will take five years, but some collaborative project between the city using tax dollars to help rehab the structure and a developer working on the rest of the parcel is likely.

Arizona has precious little history left. Let us not run headlong into the night of more dirt lots or even parking lots.

--don

[Jsmscaleros]

I'm pleased to see the Mill is becoming a public space and a renewed landmark. Mill Ave would never be the same without the actual Mill and I'm glad to see the city doing something positive with the building for an extremely small investment. It's one of the oldest structures in the city and to most people that were born and raised here that makes it worth saving.

Seriously, find something worthwhile to bitch about...

[Jsmscaleros]

Also, a new 11-story Mariott hotel will be breaking ground in Tempe late this summer:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26#p108

[glynnjamin]

While it's true that not all of us plan to have a career in design, urban planning, etc..., I would like to imagine the mill being renovated too, but neither you nor anybody else has even offered to design what the renovated mill could look like, yet you are expecting that we use our imagination, so give the guy a break. Until then, while the mill has historic value, it IS and has been an eyesore.

There have been plans for this. Just because you didn't look doesn't mean they aren't there.
MCW's plan - http://www.tempe.gov/haydenflourmill/PADsubmittalDEC06.pdf
Substance- http://www.substancedesignconsortium.com/hayden.html

[phoenixwillrise]

Right on glyjammin. I can live with that plan. I believe those were the plans for the group from NORCAL that was going to do the plan that included a wine storage deal. Anyway that plan helped minimize the butt ugly looking silos and would give the entry way to Tempe a cleaner look.

[azliam]

There have been plans for this. Just because you didn't look doesn't mean they aren't there.
MCW's plan - http://www.tempe.gov/haydenflourmill/PADsubmittalDEC06.pdf
Substance- http://www.substancedesignconsortium.com/hayden.html

Thanks for posting these.

It still doesn't change my opinion of the way some people speak to others on here. Just because someone voices his/her opinion on something he/she may not be as informed or educated about doesn't mean others who may know more about that subject need to be so condescending towards them.

[MegaBass]

Also, a new 11-story Mariott hotel will be breaking ground in Tempe late this summer:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26#p108

Is that south of University Towers otherwise known as the infamous Block 12 site? Blows my mind that they can knock down south campus side of Alpha Drive and what not for Vista del Sol, Hassayampa, Barrett, and ISTB IV recently yet they've struggled to come up with something on this lot.

[MegaBass]

Whoops should have looked at the link first. Anyway wonder where they'll relocate this Urban Garden. Area between the Mill and A Mountain would be interesting.

[PhxER]

Is that south of University Towers

Its West of University Towers, where the community garden is now

[MegaBass]

So some clarity on the SRC expansion that I posted on earlier. They were deciding between the three sites, Main, PE West and by the Alpha Drive site. The SRC Facebook just announced:

After considerable deliberation, ASU has identified an EXPANSION of the main SRC as the most appropriate of the proposed alternatives! Lace up your racing shoes...we're off and running!

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253844_137523346324641_125963537480622_251472_7519547_n.jpg

[HX_Guy]

http://assets.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/SOUTHWEST.jpg

Gracie’s Village to be redeveloped in Tempe
Phoenix Business Journal
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10:49am MST

A Wisconsin developer plans to take on the complete redevelopment of a 60-year-old storefront where Grace Community Church of the Valley currently operates a thrift store.
Gracie’s Village in Tempe is a public-private partnership between Gorman & Co. and Grace Community Church. Also involved are the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Arizona Department of Housing and the city of Tempe.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot project, scheduled to break ground in March 2012, will include a mix of ground-floor community facilities and a new thrift store, plus 74 units of affordable housing on five floors above the shop.
Located along the Metro light rail line at 1520 E. Apache Blvd., the new building will be solar-powered. The developer is seeking certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program based on its use of green building technologies.
The mix of 672- to 1,064-square-foot units will rent for $397 to $611 a month.
The project architect is RNL of Phoenix.
In addition to the thrift store and apartments, there is a community room, medical clinic, cafe, playground and picnic area.
The new community is expected to open in March 2013.

[SunDevil]

Gracie’s Village to be redeveloped in Tempe
Phoenix Business Journal
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10:49am MST

A Wisconsin developer plans to take on the complete redevelopment of a 60-year-old storefront where Grace Community Church of the Valley currently operates a thrift store.
Gracie’s Village in Tempe is a public-private partnership between Gorman & Co. and Grace Community Church. Also involved are the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Arizona Department of Housing and the city of Tempe.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot project, scheduled to break ground in March 2012, will include a mix of ground-floor community facilities and a new thrift store, plus 74 units of affordable housing on five floors above the shop.
Located along the Metro light rail line at 1520 E. Apache Blvd., the new building will be solar-powered. The developer is seeking certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program based on its use of green building technologies.
The mix of 672- to 1,064-square-foot units will rent for $397 to $611 a month.
The project architect is RNL of Phoenix.
In addition to the thrift store and apartments, there is a community room, medical clinic, cafe, playground and picnic area.
The new community is expected to open in March 2013.
Holy hell, a developer who actually "gets it".

[TempeSilverFox]

http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/06/14/20110614tempe-senior-apartments-encore-on-farmer.html

Not sure if anyone posted this previously- didn't look like it. I know we already discussed Encore on Farmer- but this was a blurb about it in the Tempe Republic. I like the idea of a landscaped walkway leading from University to the lake. Will be interesting to see what else gets built in this "Farmers Arts District!"

[MegaBass]

So I was right about the Urban Garden's new location.

The Hayden Flour Mill plan includes:

• Painting the Hayden Flour Mill, including the historic flour bag.

• Moving the downtown Tempe Urban Garden from Fifth Street and Forest Avenue to the flour mill.

• Placing the city's Showmobile at the Flour Mill as an on-site stage.

• Placing trees in boxes on the grounds. The trees would be used on Mill Avenue when needed.

• Removing most of the fencing around the mill and installing a lighting system that would deter people from vandalism and unsafe behaviors.

The city has two precedents for the project:

The Urban Garden: Land adjacent to the City Hall Parking Garage was intended to be a hotel. But for more than two years, the Downtown Tempe Community has used the space for its urban garden and Thursday night Market on Mill. Now that the hotel is nearly ready to break ground, the garden will be relocated.

Madcap Theaters: Developer DMB partnered with the Downtown Tempe Community temporarily to convert the empty Harkins Theater space off Mill Avenue and Sixth Street into the Madcap Theaters, a performance and event space that houses plays, conferences, movies, comedy shows and more.

The city is dedicating $70,000 to the project, which is scheduled to be completed by fall. Hallman said he expected to soon announce a $200,000 private donation for the effort. The Tempe City Council approved the plan last week.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/06/09/20110609tempe-flour-mill-events-venue.html#ixzz1PVLvu82j

[Jsmscaleros]

Rendering of the completed Encore Apartments as well as the latest construction progress:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39#p114

[ciweiss]

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/06/16/evergreen-planning-330-unit-apartment.html


Evergreen planning 330-unit apartment complex in Tempe

Evergreen Real Estate Development has purchased a 5.2-acre site just west of downtown Tempe, and it is planning a 330-unit apartment community.
Phoenix-based Evergreen, in partnership with SudGroup Development, bought the empty plot of land at Lakeside Drive and Rio Salado Parkway from ML Manager for $4.5 million. ML Manager was created as the successor to Mortgages Ltd. following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
“The site’s proximity to Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue District makes Lakeside and Rio Salado an incredibly desirable location,” said Jason Donkersley, vice president and general counsel who leads Evergreen’s multifamily development division. “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with the city of Tempe to deliver an apartment community that provides a remarkable range of amenities and contributes to the social fabric of the area.”
The land for the Class-A project is zoned for buildings up to six stories, but Evergreen officials aren’t yet sure how tall the structures will be. Design plans for the project will be submitted to the city of Tempe this summer. Evergreen anticipates construction will commence in 2012 and leasing will begin in 2013.
Evergreen, which has developed a number of Walgreens stores around the Valley, is seeking other multi-family land acquisition opportunities in Phoenix, Denver and Southern California.
“We’re approaching the current real estate market with a drive to uncover new opportunities,” Donkersley said.
ML Manager was represented by Dave Fogler and Steve Nicoluzakis of Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial in Phoenix. The Evergreen-SudGroup partnership was represented by Michael Lieb of Michael A. Lieb Ltd. in Phoenix.

[Butta]

Rendering of the completed Encore Apartments as well as the latest construction progress:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39#p114

That render is nice, I like that, I like that a lot! :tup: Makes Tempe look so urban.

[TempeSilverFox]

Rendering of the completed Encore Apartments as well as the latest construction progress:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39#p114

I'm a bit confused though, the picture of the completed building shows a road next to the structure which intersects Farmer. As the structure stands now, it is not next to any such road. Fifth Street is further to the north, and there is considerable distance between it and the current Encore structure. Does anyone know if there are plans to build another road that will cross the train tracks? Or do we think that this road in the picture might just be an access to parking behind the building?

[Butta]

I'm a bit confused though, the picture of the completed building shows a road next to the structure which intersects Farmer. As the structure stands now, it is not next to any such road. Fifth Street is further to the north, and there is considerable distance between it and the current Encore structure. Does anyone know if there are plans to build another road that will cross the train tracks? Or do we think that this road in the picture might just be an access to parking behind the building?

I think you are right, it looks more like an entrance to the property's parking.

[MegaBass]

Was on campus Thursday and yesterday a lot of construction going on with solar roof panels and lab renovations. Health Services and ISTB IV is really progressing well. Noticed still that Newman Center hasn't started construction yet on their extension to the Old Chapel and same deal with Manzanita even though they continually announce that they'll be renovating it. Disappointed to see that they're getting rid of the fountains at WP Carey School of Business Dean's Patio for this

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262626_1879801987558_1016520030_31737757_2671558_n.jpg

Though interesting not of that third building on the left. A hint at this coming soon? http://kpf.com/project.asp?T=3&ID=92

[Jsmscaleros]

Developers hauling ass on Encore:
http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39#p122

All four arches are up on Town Lake pedestrian bridge:
http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21&start=10#p124

ASU Interdisciplinary Sciences tops out:
http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47#p125

[Tempe_Duck]

I was driving on University by ASU the other day and I noticed construction equipment on the University Square property. There was even a couple signs for University Square. I couldn't get a good look at the signs. What is going on there? I thought that project was dead.

[MegaBass]

I was driving on University by ASU the other day and I noticed construction equipment on the University Square property. There was even a couple signs for University Square. I couldn't get a good look at the signs. What is going on there? I thought that project was dead.

I only noticed a sign for dust control and that its by Sundt on Myrtle and University when I walked around the area.

[MegaBass]

Article from last July.

Another significant sale is the University Square property, a full block on University Drive where 3W Companies won approval for a 300-foot-tall cluster of offices, condos and a hotel. Tuscon-based Sundt Construction paid $10.13 million for the site of slightly more than three acres.

The block was once full of businesses, but 3W tore down all but one low-slung slump block building in preparation for construction. The plans stalled at the front end of the real estate crash.

Sundt plans to demolish the sole building and turn the block into a parking lot, Wakefield-Saenz said.

“Their immediate intent is to clean up the site and reduce some of the visual blight that’s there now,” she said.

Sundt plans to have the parking lot ready when the fall semester begins in August. The company will evaluate development plans as the economy recovers, Wakefield-Saenz said.

http://www.azbex.com/archives/view/developer_sells_hayden_ferry_lakeside_plot/

[SunDevil]

the block was once full of businesses, but 3w tore down all but one low-slung slump block building in preparation for construction. The plans stalled at the front end of the real estate crash.
damn!

sundt plans to demolish the sole building and turn the block into a parking lot, wakefield-saenz said.
double damn!

[AJphx]

Does anyone know if there was ever a plan by ASU for the land on the NW corner of Rural and University? Its where the frat houses are. Besides those it is mostly a big empty area of seemingly random parking lots and green fields. Although i can remember plans for the other large open areas around ASU, I can't remember anything for this site. Its seems perfect for the campus to expand on. Although because of its prime location on the corner there I suppose its possible that ASU wanted to save it for a commercial development or something of that sort?

[combusean]

http://emvis.net/~sean/ssp/asu/threshold_project1.png

I uploaded that four years ago. Little has come of it since.

[Tito714]

I heard they were to tear down the houses and make that dorms for Greek Life, but that's been going on for a quite a while.

[Tempe_Duck]

I heard they were to tear down the houses and make that dorms for Greek Life, but that's been going on for a quite a while.

I am on the alumni board for a fraternity at ASU and I dealt with the threshold project while I was a member of the chapter. In my opinion nothing will come of the project. ASU will get the land and they won't build this project. The will build dorms, labs, and classrooms, and incorporate Greek Life in a small way.

It was at first a grand plan and I liked it. Now it has become a land grab by the administration.

[MegaBass]

That's a shame considering how Adelphi Commons turned out and its unfavorable reputation it has. If I remember reading correctly the western side probably and the Ceramics Graduate Studio won't be demolished for about another five years unless the funding comes out of nowhere to finalize it. Shame since the frat houses were apparently FLW inspired but looking by the conditions they were kept sure gives off a bad feeling for people going around the area.

I would assume since Bookstore has gone privatized that this could lead to good news for Block 12 since they want to relocate over there. In my opinion though I think it would have been interesting to move the Bookstore to old Borders on Mill and with all the College of Arts galleries and collections in the parking lot in the old Tempe Center to the Brickyard.

So some stuff I saw scaling around the campus today. Ocotillo Hall is being gutted out and will now be called Haciendas at Vista del Sol. Quiznos moving out of the MU and Subway coming in to replace them. Nothing new on the University Square area other than its been cleared out. Besides the pre-existing lot on the northwest side.

[MegaBass]

I am on the alumni board for a fraternity at ASU and I dealt with the threshold project while I was a member of the chapter. In my opinion nothing will come of the project. ASU will get the land and they won't build this project. The will build dorms, labs, and classrooms, and incorporate Greek Life in a small way.

It was at first a grand plan and I liked it. Now it has become a land grab by the administration.

In addition it would probably turn out to be mainly oriented for student athelete housing considering the location.

[Tempe_Duck]

In addition it would probably turn out to be mainly oriented for student athelete housing considering the location.

What the word on the street is now is that any group can get a "pod." So you could have a Fraternity, next to the astronomy club, next to a sorority, next to FFA, next to the christian club, etc.

It started out as new housing for greeks and then morphed into "hey everybody come live here." Not that I am trying to say Greeks are better but it was their land and houses to begin with.

[PhxER]

Tempe Land Purchase
A prime piece of real estate located immediately southwest of Sun Devil Stadium has been sold to Core Campus Communities, a Chicago-based firm, for $4.75 million.

The company will build a mixed-use retail and student housing project.

No word on how quickly the project will get on track, but this might be a doable for the new economy.

Link (http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2011/07/core-campus-communities-buys-ASU.html)

[MegaBass]

Tempe Land Purchase
A prime piece of real estate located immediately southwest of Sun Devil Stadium has been sold to Core Campus Communities, a Chicago-based firm, for $4.75 million.

The company will build a mixed-use retail and student housing project.

No word on how quickly the project will get on track, but this might be a doable for the new economy.

Link (http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2011/07/core-campus-communities-buys-ASU.html)

So basically the Armory/Lumina site?

[combusean]

^ It's what the article said.

[MegaBass]

Question anyone know what ASU Athletics is building south the Verde Dickey Center aka The Bubble? Looked like SolarWings when I passed by it yesterday.

[TempeSilverFox]

The lights at West 6th are finally on at night! Don't know if folks have actually moved in, or if it is a marketing ploy to get folks excited- but either way, it looks awesome! I took these Sunday night 7/24. Love it! http://www.flickr.com/photos/63271296@N07/?saved=1

[ciweiss]

The lights at West 6th are finally on at night! Don't know if folks have actually moved in, or if it is a marketing ploy to get folks excited- but either way, it looks awesome! I took these Sunday night 7/24. Love it! http://www.flickr.com/photos/63271296@N07/?saved=1

Great pics. Its good to see that building lit up. The lights may be from the new tenants, if not I am sure they will be moving in within a week or two. They have done some extensive work on the bottom floors/entrance. Sidewalks and benchs etc. If any of you have not seen it in a month or two it is worth checking out. It is really starting to come together. I do believe it is really going to be a happening area. And it should also help the surrounding area as well. It had really became a dead zone.

On a side note - the ol Mills end coffee shop (3rd and Mill) will reopen as the breakfast/lunch place below. The food looks pretty good...

Opening Aug

http://www.ncounter.com/

[TempeSilverFox]

NCounter looks like it will be great space. I am very much looking forward to it opening.
The pedestrian bridge at the west end of Town Lake looks like it is maybe a couple weeks out from opening.

[trigirdbers]

What the word on the street is now is that any group can get a "pod." So you could have a Fraternity, next to the astronomy club, next to a sorority, next to FFA, next to the christian club, etc.

It started out as new housing for greeks and then morphed into "hey everybody come live here." Not that I am trying to say Greeks are better but it was their land and houses to begin with.

Why ASU thinks that destroying greek life will make it a better university is beyond me. Pure stupidity.

[phxSUNSfan]

Greek life hardly contributes significantly to the University in regards to prestige and networking. Plus the current row is damn ugly! I would be in favor of a Sorority/Fraternity Row similar to USC's but that would take a "Greek" community that was highly involved, focused, and funded...that isn't the case at ASU.

[Tempe_Duck]

Why ASU thinks that destroying greek life will make it a better university is beyond me. Pure stupidity.

Yep. Greek Like can be a great asset if the school takes and rains and focuses it attention.

[phxSUNSfan]

Yep. Greek Like can be a great asset if the school takes and rains and focuses it attention.


I believe that the "rains" (reins?) and focus must be the responsibility of the individual houses. They are not funded (and cannot be funded) by the University. They are supposed to be private entities and the University allows them access to facilities and to be chartered on campus. If Greek life is to improve then they must take it upon themselves.

[MegaBass]

NCounter looks like it will be great space. I am very much looking forward to it opening.
The pedestrian bridge at the west end of Town Lake looks like it is maybe a couple weeks out from opening.

EVT reports September.

[Tempe_Duck]

I believe that the "rains" (reins?) and focus must be the responsibility of the individual houses. They are not funded (and cannot be funded) by the University. They are supposed to be private entities and the University allows them access to facilities and to be chartered on campus. If Greek life is to improve then they must take it upon themselves.

This is true but the university does have a lot of control over what the houses can and can't do. They mandate we do certain events and community services. If Greek Like and ASU worked together it could be something special.

[ciweiss]

Monday is move-in day at West 6th tower in Tempe

Posted: Friday, July 29, 2011 11:52 am | Updated: 6:01 pm, Sat Jul 30, 2011.
Tribune | 0 comments

Residents begin moving into the West 6th apartments in downtown Tempe on Monday morning, bringing life to the once-stalled project that began as the Centerpoint Condominiums. The 22-story Tower I is opening now, along with many amenities on a sixth-floor deck that connects to the adjacent 30-story tower. The second tower is scheduled to open in December.
West 6th, at 115 W. Sixth St, has 375 units starting at $945 a month for a studio, $1,175 for a one bedroom and $1,995 for a three bedroom. The towers were supposed to open in 2008, but work stopped after the developer filed for bankruptcy protection. Work resumed in February when Ohio-based Zaremba Group bought the property for $30 million.

[ciweiss]

New canal path links Tempe, Scottsdale

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_dd210856-ba10-11e0-9a47-001cc4c002e0.html


Posted: Friday, July 29, 2011 11:49 am
Tribune | 0 comments

A new path has opened along the Crosscut Canal in Tempe, creating a new link through Papago Park and giving joggers and bicyclists a great hilltop view. The mile-long path connects to an existing 1.25-mile path, and it also completed a regional link in the Valley’s path system by connecting Tempe with Scottsdale.
The project includes a paved path, landscaping, solar lighting, public art, three bridges and retaining walls and railings. The new segment consolidates trails in Papago Park and helps preserve the Sonoran Desert. It was funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Tempe’s transit tax



I checked out this path on Friday. It is pretty cool. You can go all the way from the disc golf course (across from First Solar) all the way to the north side of the zoo. Its a really wide path as well and the view is one of the best i've seen on a bike path in phoenix. Its a bummer they went through the middle of the disc golf course but hopefully they can adapt. They may need to move some baskets.

[Tempe_Duck]

More Solar Panels for ASU + Covered Parking....

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/08/02/nrg-energy-asu-partner-on-10m-solar.html?ana=twt


Arizona State University and NRG Energy Inc. are partnering on a $10.5 million deal that would allow for a 2.1-megawatt solar system to be built near Sun Devil Stadium.
The structure, named the PowerParasol, will be owned and operated by Princeton, N.J.-based NRG (NYSE: NRG) on 5.25 acres and cover about 800 spots. NRG would own the spots and then sell the power to ASU under a 25-year agreement. Neither ASU nor NRG detailed how much the solar system would cost.
The structure will be built by Strategic Solar Energy LLC, a Scottsdale-based company that owns the trademark to the PowerParasol and has several former Arizona Public Service Co. officials serving among its officers or on its board.
The deal will have ASU paying NRG a flat rate for the power produced from the solar array. Construction is scheduled to start later this month and will be finished by the end of the year.
ASU has a goal of installing 10 megawatts of solar power on its campuses by the end of the year. That includes several solar systems in Tempe and in Phoenix.

[HooverDam]

More Solar Panels for ASU + Covered Parking....

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/08/02/nrg-energy-asu-partner-on-10m-solar.html?ana=twt

Thats good news. I wish we saw more of that across the Valley. Downtown is full of garages that should have solar stations and of course Sky Habror and its gigantic garages and huge roof space definitely need to go solar.

[Leo the Dog]

I don't fully understand the technology, but I'd love to see the details of the deal between ASU and NRG. Is it a win/win, or is one entity a net loser (if there is one, I suspect it's ASU).

BTW, where is SRP/APS?

[Tempe_Duck]

I don't fully understand the technology, but I'd love to see the details of the deal between ASU and NRG. Is it a win/win, or is one entity a net loser (if there is one, I suspect it's ASU).

BTW, where is SRP/APS?

This is a description what they the deal is. It's from an ASU board.

This actually isn't that bad for ASU. Having a company own the system and then sell the power back is very common. Its referred to as a Purchased Power Agreement. ASU benefits because they now have solar with little risk to themselves. Having a locked-in stable rate for purchasing this power for 25 years is nice, unless the negotiated price was way too high (although the price is undoubtedly higher than almost any other energy source). All of the maintenance is on the owner. As a publicly funded entity, ASU is not eligible for many of the rebates and tax breaks that are afforded investor owned companies. These tax breaks can reduce the overall cost of the system by as much as 50%. This is why if you ever see a city or town put in solar panels, 99% of them will be using some type of PPA.

The energy company will then be able to claim all of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) which are very valuable in certain markets. With all of the mandates placed on utility companies to have a portfolio that includes renewables, purchasing these via a REC market is one way to accomplish that. Its potentially a win-win, and the advantage might be for ASU because a great majority of the risk involved with these types of agreements is on the company that owns them. The biggest issue in these agreements is not finding a public entity who's interested, but rather finding a private company willing to absorb the initial investment and corresponding risk. ASU was able to do that.

[MegaBass]

Work on Hayden Flour Mill Event Space and Museum Kicks Off Later This Month
(http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2011/08/work_on_hayden_flour_mill_even.php)

New Times report on the plans that were just released for the Flour Mill and Monti's renovations.

[MegaBass]

More Solar Panels for ASU + Covered Parking....

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/08/02/nrg-energy-asu-partner-on-10m-solar.html?ana=twt

I a little disappointed that they're backing off from their 2005 plan for a Packard North Parking Structure. I do like though the idea of having those ads and I recall mentioning that they should do something similar to that Legends project in Downtown to better promote events and what not.

[MegaBass]

Cubs and ASU partner for Baseball Facility? (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2011/08/02/20110802asu-baseball-partner-chicago-cubs.html)

Arizona State is in discussions with the Chicago Cubs to practice and play its baseball games at the Cubs' new spring-training complex in Mesa starting in 2014.

[Jsmscaleros]

Encore is lookin' good:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39&start=10#p131

[Tempe_Duck]

I a little disappointed that they're backing off from their 2005 plan for a Packard North Parking Structure. I do like though the idea of having those ads and I recall mentioning that they should do something similar to that Legends project in Downtown to better promote events and what not.

If we are going to believe that Rio Salado project website that was posted a while ago, that entire area will be dense buildings sooner or later.

[AJphx]

I don't fully understand the technology
Well it actually looks like it is simply solar panels on a holding structure above the parking lot.

Most of the parking structures have solar panels on them now. However there are a couple that don't, including the one by the light rail station and the one behind the lds building. I'm actually surprised because they are putting panels on regular buildings now... but I would have thought it would be easiest to put panels on all of the garages first. I mean they are completely open on the top, nothing to block the sun, and provide shade for the top level.

[nickkoto]

I a little disappointed that they're backing off from their 2005 plan for a Packard North Parking Structure.

Aside from a few football game days a year, it would be empty (just like the existing Packard structure mostly is). There are virtually zero classrooms north of University and for most students/faculty there couldn't be a less convenient location on campus to park.

The only reason anyone even parks in Lot 59 is because the permit is 1/4 the price of the more desirable permits, and it's the only lot on the Tempe campus where Downtown/West/Poly permits are honored.

[MegaBass]

Aside from a few football game days a year, it would be empty (just like the existing Packard structure mostly is). There are virtually zero classrooms north of University and for most students/faculty there couldn't be a less convenient location on campus to park.

The only reason anyone even parks in Lot 59 is because the permit is 1/4 the price of the more desirable permits, and it's the only lot on the Tempe campus where Downtown/West/Poly permits are honored.

Well if and when ASU/Tempe starts that Rio Salado Project on Lot 59 North then there goes X amount of spots available to students.

[HooverDam]

ASU-Cubs partnership makes sense, mayors say

23 comments by Gary Nelson - Aug. 4, 2011 12:31 PM
The Arizona Republic

When you haven't won a World Series in 103 years, maybe the next step is a deal with the Devils.

OK, sharing their new stadium in Mesa with Arizona State University might not directly help the Chicago Cubs break their epic drought. But it could help enliven the Wrigleyville entertainment district that is supposed to turn the stadium into something more than just another spring-training venue and help the Cubs generate new revenue.

And in baseball, revenue often adds up to wins. Just ask the Yankees.


A possible Cubs-Sun Devil partnership was broached this week in a letter ASU Athletic Director Lisa Love sent to baseball season-ticket holders. ASU would practice and play rent-free in the stadium, which will be built on the site of Riverview Golf Course.

That's about 2 1/2 miles east of Packard Stadium, where ASU has been playing since 1974. Although Packard was renovated in 2003, ASU hasn't won a national baseball title in 30 years.

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said a Cubs-ASU partnership would benefit both his city and Mesa.

"We have been working together to create better synergy" along the Rio Salado Parkway-Eighth Street corridor, stretching from downtown Tempe to Mesa's Riverview shopping district, Hallman said. Tempe wants Mesa to help establish a streetcar line along that route.

Beyond that, Hallman said moving ASU's baseball team from Packard Stadium will allow the university to redevelop the site on the southwestern corner of Rural Road and Rio Salado near Tempe Town Lake.

Packard Stadium, he said, "needs to be rehabilitated significantly," and moving the baseball team to Mesa would spare the expense of a renovation or new stadium.

In her letter, Love alluded to those same motivations.

"This partnership could save Arizona State University Athletics a considerable sum of money," she wrote.

The cost would be $2 million compared with $20 million to $25 million to rebuild Packard Stadium, according to Virgil Renzulli, ASU vice president for public affairs.

Packard sits between Sun Devil Stadium and ASU's Karsten Golf Course. ASU is looking into redeveloping the course as commercial property and using the development fees to replace its 53-year-old football stadium.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the Cubs-ASU idea "fits in perfectly with what we're trying to accomplish in Wrigleyville. I think it has the potential to be a pretty spectacular experience."

Smith is visiting Chicago this week on a personal vacation and planned to meet Cubs officials there for an update on stadium plans. In November, Mesa voters approved spending up to $84 million for baseball facilities and $15 million for infrastructure to help the team move to Riverview, which has room for business opportunities the Cubs can't develop at landlocked Hohokam Stadium. Mesa and the Cubs are still hashing out details of a final development agreement in hopes of breaking ground this year. The Cubs are to begin playing there in 2014 and so could ASU.

Robert Brinton, president of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau, also sees an economic upside to an ASU-Cubs deal.

"This creates more user days from a standpoint of how often the facility is occupied," Brinton said. "I think that's a very helpful thing when we look at the potential of Wrigleyville and the needs of Wrigleyville to have activities going on here."

It wouldn't be unprecedented for ASU to play in a Cubs facility. The Sun Devils played at Hohokam Stadium in 2002 because of the previous Packard renovation.

Cubs vice president Mike Lufrano declined to comment on the status of negotiations with ASU.



Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2011/08/04/20110804asu-cubs-partnership-makes-sense-mayors-say.html#ixzz1UA3cYDQT


Love the idea of a Modern Streetcar along that corridor. I actually think down the line it could be done in a way to connect Phx Muni, Downtown Tempe, Riverview and maybe into Downtown Mesa.

[Leo the Dog]

^^Street car makes sense along that corridor to me too.

[DaveInTHX]

Re the Street Car down Rio Salado, I was thinking that same thing.... how cool would that be? Mill Ave, Tempe Marketplace, Cubs / ASU games... all within very easy reach of each other.

[TempeSilverFox]

NCounter at Mill and Third opened on Saturday. Went there this morning for breakfast and loved it. The concept, design and layout of the restaurant fosters interaction between patrons as well as with the staff. The food was great, the atmosphere was upbeat, friendly and trendy. Check it out!

[ciweiss]

http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2011/08/12/20110812Chandler-Tempe-arizona-get-apartment-complexes.html

Two new apartment complexes are on tap for the East Valley, including a Tempe project that developers say is the largest of its kind in the Valley in more than two years.

Work on the $29 million San Marquis Apartments, at Baseline and Rural roads, is under way and set for completion in late 2012. It will have 224 units.

It's a venture of Kitchell Development and Mark-Taylor, two firms with development and property-management experience.


The two companies also plan to break ground soon on a second and larger project, the 383-unit Parcland Crossing luxury apartment community at Loop 202 and Alma School Road in Chandler. That venture, with an estimated cost of $44 million, also is slated for completion late next year.

"We see multifamily as a key growth sector over the next several years," said Ryan Cochran, Kitchell's director of development, in a statement. "A number of our mixed-use developments will have a multifamily component."

Both developments will feature units from one to three bedrooms, ranging from 625 to 1,400 square feet. They also will include amenities such as resort-style pools, clubhouses and granite countertops. Monthly rents are expected to run from $850 to more than $1,600.

Leasing of units at both projects will begin in the first half of 2012.

US Bank is financing the Tempe complex, and Wells Fargo is providing lending on the Chandler project.

Phoenix-based Kitchell has offices in Arizona and California and employs about 1,000 people.

Scottsdale-based Mark-Taylor counts roughly 365 Arizona workers and operates in Nevada, Oregon and Washington.



Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2011/08/12/20110812Chandler-Tempe-arizona-get-apartment-complexes.html#ixzz1UyMCoJ8M

[ciweiss]

It looks like they are setting up some landscaping where the Hayden Ferry building 3 was going to go (in the corner). I guess they don't plan to build anything on that anytime soon... bummer.

[MegaBass]

EVT reports that Dunkin' Donuts is opening a location on campus at Vista Commons. Would have liked it sooner after the Mill Avenue location closed but better late than never. Speaking of Vista del Sol, Ocotillo Hall is completely razed and they'll be starting on VdS extension of 'The Haciendas' soon.

[PhxER]

Pat Tillman Veterans Center Opens
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center is a 3,340 square foot facility located in the lower level of the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus.

It will provide a single point of contact for ASU veterans and their dependents, bringing together academic and student support services to promote a smooth transition from the military, provide assistance for veterans benefits, deployments, information, and referrals, as well as a place where veterans can gather for study groups and social activities.

ASU’s student body includes 1,391 veterans and 387 veteran dependents.

The university was named a “Military Friendly School” by GI jobs magazine for the last two years and was named one of the top 30 “Best for Vets: Colleges 2010” by the Military Times Edge magazine.

Link (http://asunews.asu.edu/20110818_tillmancenter)

[PhxER]

Café expanding into Microbrewery
Cartel Coffee Lab on University Drive and Ash Avenue will be expanding into the world of beer when it opens a microbrewery in the suite adjacent to its current location.
Cartel Coffee Lab is extending into the suite recently occupied by Tropic Tan, which went out of business. The extension will house the brewing operations as well as an espresso machine.
“Our goal is to keep the new space a bit more lounge-y, a bit less laptop-y, more hanging out,” owner Jason Sliberschlag said.
The expansion is still months away as Sliberschlag needs to acquire the building permits, he said. After the new space opens, he expects to be serving beer about four months later.
He plans to offer an Indian pale ale, an amber ale and a stout. The beer will be distributed to the Cartel Coffee Lab locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson.

Read more Here (http://www.statepress.com/2011/08/17/cafe-turns-to-a-new-kind-of-brew/)

[MegaBass]

ISTB IV construction photos. Architects, students install Sedona sandstone floor in under-construction ISTB IV building (Slideshow) (http://www.statepress.com/2011/08/21/architects-students-install-sedona-sandstone-floor-in-under-construction-istb-iv-building-slideshow/)

[MegaBass]

Manzanita Hall on the Tempe campus began last week — a remodeling project expected to be complete by Fall 2013. (http://www.statepress.com/2011/08/21/manzanita-hall-renovation-begins/)

[Jsmscaleros]

Tempe just made it much easier for private land owners to turn vacant parcels into parking lots... and other Mill Ave. District News:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26#p136

[Leo the Dog]

Tempe just made it much easier for private land owners to turn vacant parcels into parking lots... and other Mill Ave. District News:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26#p136

This is terrible news!

Sundt’s parking lot would help with a parking crunch that can take place during the daytime when Arizona State University is in session, Hormann said. The lot’s proximity to ASU will draw students who now park elsewhere downtown and free up spaces for visitors, she said.

But she doesn’t see a parking shortage. Visitors should always be able to find a spot even if the place they normally park is full, she said. Downtown has about 10,000 spaces.

I've never had a problem parking in DT Tempe and I can't believe Tempe is buying this explanation from Sundt.

[MegaBass]

This is terrible news!



I've never had a problem parking in DT Tempe and I can't believe Tempe is buying this explanation from Sundt.

That lot though was always full during the semester so I guessing they're thinking if they overhaul as a parking lot more students will look at it as an alternative rather than getting these astronomical parking passes through the university.

[PhxER]

West Sixth filled with Students

College students make up almost80 percent of the first tenants living in the West Sixth high-rise apartments, General Manager Amity Peters said.

The 22-story Tower One was completed in late July and opened for resident move-in on Aug. 1. West Sixth began accepting applications for the second, 30-story tower in June and anticipates residents to move in Nov. 14.

Studios begin at $945 per month, while two-bedroom units begin at $1,550 per month, Peters said. Rental prices increase by 20 percent on the seventh floor, and 10 to 15 percent if the unit is on the eighth floor or above.

Erhart and Cochran live on the 12th floor and said they split the rent, which is approximately $1,700. All three students said their parents are paying for the apartments. (Lucky Bastards!)

Tower One contains 186 units, not including the townhouses, and all 186 units are full, Peters said.

With the rent comes access to the 9,000-square-foot gym and a pool area containing cabanas, fire pits, and Wi-Fi.

Read more here (http://www.statepress.com/2011/08/25/convenience-sweeping-views-greet-new-west-sixth-tenants/)

[Leo the Dog]

^ What a great deal. $1700 for a 2 bedroom from students paying out of state rates probably from other cities/regions where rent is comparable. I figured these buildings would fill-up right away.

[dtnphx]

Tempe hopes streetcar will help spur economic development
By Garin Groff, EV Tribune

The planners behind Tempe’s streetcar are unveiling how and where the line will run — and if you’re envisioning a shrunken-down light-rail system, think again.

Other than overhead wires, the streetcar is quite different.

The streetcar shares traffic lanes with cars.

It runs by itself instead of with one or two other trains.

And instead of stopping at massive platforms in the middle of the road, the streetcar’s stops are on the sidewalk and feel more like a bus stop.

Metro will outline the streetcar’s features Sept. 6 in Tempe, figuring most Valley residents have never experienced a modern streetcar system. Only three operate in the U.S. today, but an explosion of interest has triggered 50 communities to begin planning their own systems.

Project manager Marc Soronson said the lines spur economic development with their closely-spaced stops. Those short distances boost the number of people who walk along streetcar lines, to the point a Portland streetcar has been called a “horizontal sidewalk,” he said. A streetcar industry group has said modern streetcars can make nearby residents more active.

“The Community Streetcar Coalition refers to it as the trip not taken,” Soronson said. “You wouldn’t take your car to take that trip but you would take the streetcar to take that trip.”

Tempe’s proposed 2.6-mile-long system would run along Mill Avenue from Southern Avenue to Rio Salado Parkway. North of University Drive, the track would head northbound on Mill Avenue, then turn southbound on Ash Avenue after a short run on Rio Salado Parkway.

The one-way loop should allow the streetcar to operate on Ash when special events close Mill downtown. Also, the Ash loop would also promote a new area to development that’s been mostly lifeless for years.

“There was this opinion that if you got off of Mill a little bit, it helps further define the Mill Avenue District as opposed to just Mill,” Soronson said.

Planners have proposed 13 stops. They’re about a quarter-mile apart and even closer downtown.

The streetcar should operate slightly faster than a bus. Metro estimates it will take 20 minutes to travel from one end to the other.

The track runs in the curb lane, mostly. In downtown, the streetcar shares the single northbound travel lane while leaving space along the curb for parking. Downtown merchants told planners they didn’t want the streetcar in the parking lane because that would reduce on-street parking and sidewalk spaces for outdoor dining.

Merchants have raised concerns about construction after seeing the disruption for the Metro light-rail system, Tempe Councilwoman Shana Ellis said.

Streetcar construction in Portland took as little as three weeks to do three blocks, she said. Streetcar lines don’t require extensive utility relocation.

“The entire street doesn’t need to be dug up,” she said. “It’s a different kind of construction.”

Metro will gather public input before beginning final design work. Also, the agency is developing design guidelines for the transit stops, paint schemes and other elements of streetcar systems to be built in Tempe or anywhere else in the Valley. The streetcar will have its own character, said Ben Limmer, a Metro planning manager.

“Certainly there will be come elements of the Metro light rail woven in but really minimal,” Limmer said.

Planners are also examining whether parts or all of the streetcar line could forego overhead wires. The manufacturer that built the Metro fleet, Japan-based Kinkisharyo, has a prototype that charges batteries like a hybrid car. Other manufacturers have only recently talked to Tempe about competing systems that could be ready in time for the city, Ellis said.

Tempe expects the $130 million streetcar will receive about two thirds of its funding from the federal government. The city is applying for two funding sources. A regional transportation sales tax will fund the rest.

The streetcar won’t require Tempe to buy parcels along the lines. The city anticipates only buying slivers of land at transit stops. Tempe is considering a park-and-ride lot near Southern Avenue but further study is needed. Ellis said the city needs to be mindful of parking to prevent streetcar users from parking in neighborhoods.

Even without the streetcar operating, it’s generated interest in additional sections, Ellis said: People have suggested running it to the library on Southern, and to places on Rio Salado like the Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe Marketplace and even the planned Chicago Cubs spring training complex in Mesa.

“There’s just all sorts of big, exiting things that are happening and down the road, the streetcar could go there,” she said.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/article_981a4b96-d360-11e0-9abf-001cc4c002e0.html

[Leo the Dog]

Ellis said the city needs to be mindful of parking to prevent streetcar users from parking in neighborhoods.

:haha: Considering every neighborhood has a driveway and garages/carports, parking has never been an issue in Phx/Tempe neighborhoods.

[KEVINphx]

:haha: Considering every neighborhood has a driveway and garages/carports, parking has never been an issue in Phx/Tempe neighborhoods.

Huh? I think the article meant that a park-and-ride was being considered to keep people from parking along the street in nearby neighborhoods - NOT because individual homes didn't have available parking.

If you are inferring that it wouldn't be a nuisance to local residents because they aren't competing for street parking then that may be technically true, but I would venture to guess most people don't want their street front being parked on by random commuters etc. They close many streets in central Phoenix neighborhoods during parades, the state fair etc for the same reasons. People don't want their neighborhoods to be parking lots.

[Leo the Dog]

^^^No, I got exactly what it was saying.

I don't think Tempe needs to build a park n ride for the street car at Southern. It wouldn't be a nuisance for residents because parking is/has never been an issue in Phoenix/Tempe neighborhoods.

[KEVINphx]

^^^No, I got exactly what it was saying.

I don't think Tempe needs to build a park n ride for the street car at Southern. It wouldn't be a nuisance for residents because parking is/has never been an issue in Phoenix/Tempe neighborhoods.

So it is unimaginable that people may now be tempted to park near the (currently non-existent) line, hop the train and cruise to downtown while avoiding having to actually pay to park down there? This is especially true when one considers the quantity traffic that arrives from south of Tempe each work day.

That is pretty naive to me, and the consideration of a park-and-ride shows the same.

Perhaps there is no parking issue at the moment, but there is also no train in the area.

To say parking "is/has never been an issue" is interesting, maybe there won't be an actual SHORTAGE of places to park but I can assure you it IS an issue to people living in said neighborhoods when you have commuters/visitors parking on the street in front of your house or during special events. It is the SAME REASON they close streets to local traffic only during parades and other large events in Phoenix.

[Leo the Dog]

^While it is needed for central Tempe residents and future in-fill development opportunities, I don't think it'll attract too many commuters. Who is going to drive from S. Tempe (10-15 mins), park, wait up to 15 mins for the next street car to travel another 20 mins 2.6 miles into DT Tempe all to save a couple bucks? Not many.

[KEVINphx]

^While it is needed for central Tempe residents and future in-fill development opportunities, I don't think it'll attract too many commuters. Who is going to drive from S. Tempe (10-15 mins), park, wait up to 15 mins for the next street car to travel another 20 mins 2.6 miles into DT Tempe all to save a couple bucks? Not many.

I meant the commuters who drive into downtown every day from across the southeast valley, there are quite a few as can be seen by the heavy traffic leading south and east out of downtown each work day.

I still think, depending on the cost of a ticket, enough people would choose to park for free and ride the thing downtown instead of having to pay $5+ to park.

[TempeSilverFox]

Encore on Farmer's website is finally up. You can see the floor plans and some other info. The building looks really nice. I hope that some others like it develop nearby soon! If enough residents move in to Tempe's downtown core, then perhaps a grocery store will eventually follow. I wish Trader Joes would open a downtown location. I think they are missing out on a potential gold mine! Their funky assortment of foods, and their decent prices would attract not only the ASU students nearby, but local residents as well.
Here is the link to Encore on Farmer:

http://www.encoreonfarmer.com/

[ciweiss]

Encore on Farmer's website is finally up. You can see the floor plans and some other info. The building looks really nice. I hope that some others like it develop nearby soon! If enough residents move in to Tempe's downtown core, then perhaps a grocery store will eventually follow. I wish Trader Joes would open a downtown location. I think they are missing out on a potential gold mine! Their funky assortment of foods, and their decent prices would attract not only the ASU students nearby, but local residents as well.
Here is the link to Encore on Farmer:

http://www.encoreonfarmer.com/


I think downtown Tempe has enough people to warrant a Trader Joes. I would recommend anyone living in the area to perhaps send their corp office an email and let them know there is demand here. Thats what I plan on doing. Especially with West 6th opening up. There really should be a grocery store down here.

Trader Joes Corp office info - Looks like you will need to call or snail mail it but it would be worth it.
http://www.trackingtraderjoes.com/2005/08/how_to_contact_.html


In other news

Trolley will be on display

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_21d19db6-da42-11e0-a430-001cc4c03286.html

West 6th Tower 2 will open early

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_32ab07e8-da43-11e0-98cc-001cc4c03286.html

[Jsmscaleros]

Town Lake's newest bridge lights up at night:

http://www.sofa-connect.org/connected/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21&p=146#p146

[Tempe_Duck]

Does anyone have any idea what is going on with the old Barney's Boathouse location on University? I drove by the other day and saw workers and they had removed everything from the outside and were in the process of taking down the palm trees.

[PhxER]

Tempe Streetcar and Cubs

Rapidly advancing battery technology means the streetcar could run without overhead wires when the Mill Avenue line reaches downtown.

And it may not be just a Tempe line. It could more than double in size to reach the new Chicago Cubs complex in Mesa.

The 2.1-mile, $130 million line now is planned on Mill, from Southern Avenue to Rio Salado. The planned Cubs stadium is more than 3 miles away from downtown Tempe.

“Mesa’s very excited about the prospect of that happening,” said Tempe Councilwoman Shana Ellis.

Ditching the wires would save more than $5 million a mile in construction costs and $600,000 a year in maintenance, said Kinkisharyo project manager Bill Kleppinger. Local transit planners cautioned the batteries would offset some savings because they’d need to be replaced periodically.

Read more here (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_6d80297c-de65-11e0-b5f9-001cc4c002e0.html)

More Tempe Streetcar News

Smith said he supports building the track so it extends east on Rio Salado toward Dobson Road and Loop 202, where the Cubs stadium may be built.

That would give Phoenix residents the option of taking light rail to downtown Tempe where they could hop on the streetcar to catch a potential Cubs spring-training game.

The availability of the money could be affected by the congressional showdown over deficit reduction that is threatening federal transit grants.

But if the federal money isn't available by next year, a scaled-back streetcar route that circulates through downtown Tempe could still be built.

Maricopa County's regional transit board has already approved enough money to fund two-thirds of the $130 million, said Tempe City Councilwoman Shana Ellis, who represents Tempe on the Regional Public Transportation Authority board.

Read more here (http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/09/14/20110914tempe-streetcar-plan-on-track.html#ixzz1XuEMPg6D)

[MegaBass]

Veterans Memorial in Tempe Beach Park (Ash Bridge) (http://www.statepress.com/2011/09/14/tempe-beach-park-to-become-home-to-veterans-memorial/)

Hybrid-electric buses hit Tempe streets (http://www.statepress.com/2011/09/13/hybrid-electric-buses-hit-tempe-streets/)

Tempe, ASU in talks to build intramural fields (http://www.statepress.com/2011/09/11/tempe-asu-in-talks-to-build-intramural-fields/)

Also name for the Vista del Sol extension on Ocotillo Hall grounds was changed from Haciendas to The Villas. Info to be released soon on their site.

[MegaBass]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls1m9tT9DQ1qcev3ao1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1316986335&Signature=GOBwGVG6sSPbskEaZ3owOEuRhWY%3D

Power Parasols Lot 59 at Arizona State University that will be completed by this December (http://www.strategicsolarenergy.net/projects.php)

[dtnphx]

ASU W.P. Carey School of Business adding $57M McCord Hall

Jan Buchholz, Reporter - Phoenix Business Journal

Site work is wrapping up on the new $57 million McCord Hall at Arizona State University. and construction will begin by the end of the month. The new 129,000-square-foot building will be one of three properties that provide facilities for the W.P. Carey School of Business. It is scheduled to be completed by June 2013.

“This will be primarily a classroom building,” said W.P. Carey Dean Robert Mittelstaedt.

There will be 10 tiered amphitheater-style classrooms, 40 team study rooms, four flat configured classrooms, a career center, conference facilities, graduate student lounges and outdoor assembly areas. The Masters of Real Estate Development Program will be housed there, Mittelstaedt said.

The W.P. Carey School of Business counts about 11,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The school has operated out of the BA and BAC buildings on campus near Normal Avenue and Lemon Street. It will continue to do so in addition to McCord Hall, which will be located east of the BAC building.

The new business building will have two wings on four floors. It’s being designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in New York.

Company principal Bill Pedersen is taking the lead on the project, Mittelstaedt said.

The architecture firm has designed some of the most acclaimed, specialized business buildings in academia, he added.

McCord Hall is named for philanthropist Sharon Dupont McCord and her late husband Bob McCord, who contributed significantly to a $17 million fund of gifts and pledges from individuals and corporations.

The project is expected to generate about 480 local construction and engineering jobs and a total of 1,150 over the course of design and construction. The building will be environmentally friendly, using 30 percent less water and 35 percent less energy that conventional construction. A rooftop solar array will return power to the grid.

Gallery: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/10/05/asu-wp-carey-school-of-business.html?s=image_gallery

[combusean]

^ Yeeeesh. The Punchcard Building meets a serrated pile of dog shit. There are some good angles to it, but that wide ugly expanse looming over the SRC fields is rather unfortunate.

[AJphx]

Well surprise eh. Didn't expect that to be starting... It seemed like it was going to be a few years away. ASU doesn't seem to have a problem with funding new buildings does it? As for the architecture would agree combusean... Is like they Took asu 90s redbrick postmodern to fit in and added some 70s features. Interesting since a firm principal is leading it.... Asu must have set the look it wanted and he followed. Because honestly kohn pedersen fox is a great firm. If you follow new York construction, They are definitely one of the best major firms working there.... And they designed some of the best modern skyscrapers of the last decade's boom.

[MegaBass]

Solar array on Wells Fargo Arena looks really nice. Relocated all the date palm trees by Lot 59 temporarily to Alpha Drive. ASU is going to decide where they'll replant them. Fenced off a section outside the Bookstore. Not sure what they're doing there.

[Leo the Dog]

^ Yeeeesh. The Punchcard Building meets a serrated pile of dog shit. There are some good angles to it, but that wide ugly expanse looming over the SRC fields is rather unfortunate.

This one doesn't bother me too much. It's a stretch, but the 2nd picture kinda reminds me of a "modern" Gammage Auditorium.

[Classical in Phoenix]

This one doesn't bother me too much. It's a stretch, but the 2nd picture kinda reminds me of a "modern" Gammage Auditorium.

My thoughts exactly.