Developers Envisage 8-story Tempe Project

Developers Envisage 8-story Tempe Project
By Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic


A massive remodeling of one of downtown Tempe's largest developments could dramatically change one of Mill Avenue's most significant blocks.

What is known as the Centerpoint commercial project was one of the first redevelopment projects more than 15 years ago. It takes up several city blocks over 21.5 acres.

Now, there is a plan to change a portion of that, the block that sits on the western side of Mill Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, into a mixed-use building called On Mill that reaches eight stories.

What's there today is one level high. It has had many vacancies despite housing an area favorite, Coffee Plantation. Other tenants include Fat Tuesday, Uno Chicago Grill, Chester 's Harley-Davidson on Mill, Bath & Body Works and a smattering of other stores.

New plans would mean razing those buildings to make room for a new mix of retail and the first condominiums directly on Mill Avenue .

There are three condo projects in the downtown area, with plans on the books for at least five more. But city leaders say this new concept fills a niche no others have so far.

"I think what you see is a different location in the market, a different lifestyle," said Neil Calfee, the city's deputy community development manager. "Compared to being 22 floors up in a condo to being on Mill Avenue will be a completely different living experience than living in something that's more of a planned, gated community."

The project is in the earliest stages. Site sketches were submitted to the city recently and are undergoing initial review by city departments.

Much could change in the coming months, but what Scottsdale developer DMB Associates Inc. and Phoenix architecture firm DFD CornoyerHedrick submitted to the city shows what they are aiming for. There would be 149 housing units, according to the plans. They would range from 850 to 2,025 square feet.

The lower level of the building would be dedicated to retail, while the remaining seven floors would be housing. An amenity deck would be at the top with a pool, spa and fitness center.

"It would be worth noting that this was one of DMB's first commercial projects, so we've been a part of Mill Ave. for many years," said Shanna Wolfe, a company spokeswoman. "We expect our legacy and stewardship with the community of Tempe to continue as we move forward through the planning and redevelopment process."

Both firms declined to comment as to the future of the current tenants or plans for the rest of the Centerpoint retail and commercial property, saying it was still too early in the planning process.

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