[combusean]

Group to fight height wish
N. Scottsdale proposal may go to 10 stories

Peter Corbett
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 2, 2006 12:00 AM

SCOTTSDALE - DMB Associates is preparing to ask the Scottsdale City Council to allow some of the city's tallest structures in north Scottsdale at its One Scottsdale project.

But a citizens group vows to fight the proposal, contending that it would double the height to 120 feet, or about 10 stories.

Bob Vairo, Coalition of Pinnacle Peak president, said taller buildings northeast of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 would harm the area's skyline and further snarl traffic.

"If we value the views and the mountains and what makes Scottsdale so special, then do we let it morph into something else, a highly urbanized area?" Vairo said.

Scottsdale-based DMB plans to build 1.8 million square feet of offices, retail and residential units at One Scottsdale, starting next year.

Height limits are 60 feet on the southern end of the project and 45 feet on the northern end.

DMB attorney Karrin Taylor said the company plans to ask the Scottsdale City Council to increase the project's height limit, but she would not say how tall it might go. The overall size or square footage of the project would not change.

DMB's architectural design team wants to vary the building height to make it more visually appealing, she said.

"We've taken a step back and asked ourselves, 'How can we create a better place aesthetically and bring greater value to the area?' " Taylor said. "It can be done and executed in a more artful way."

But the Coalition of Pinnacle Peak wants the city to draw a line and limit building heights in north Scottsdale.

Scottsdale's tallest buildings are 143 feet high, but all are downtown.

Mayor Mary Manross said she would withhold judgment until DMB submits its request for an amended plan.

Nearby, Phoenix is expected to allow buildings up to 190 feet, or 17 stories, for Palisene, Westcor's competing mixed-use development northwest of Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road