Last condo at Kierland Commons in northeast Phoenix is sold

The condominiums at Kierland Commons are sold out.

The final sale of the Plaza Lofts building took place last month. With the sale, Woodbine Southwest is no longer involved in the project.

Woodbine has been involved in the development of the Kierland area since it was conceived in the early 1990s.

“It has really worked out well,” said Buzz Gosnell, president of Woodbine Southwest.

Kierland Commons, best known for its retail space, has been open since 2000. The condos, the final piece of the 38-acre project, went on sale in 2005 with 30 available units.

Read more...Last condo at Kierland Commons in northeast Phoenix is sold

Surrey Hills condo project resurrected in less-pricey form

A Cave Creek condominium project that stalled five years ago is gaining sales traction after it was revived with smaller, less-expensive units.

The Village at Surrey Hills is selling 1,573-square-foot condos, priced from $260,000 to $355,000. It includes 79 condos on 11 acres with views of Black Mountain to the east.

Sixteen condos have been sold and 11 are under contract, said Sandy Esmay,Coldwell Banker associate broker.

Read more: Surrey Hills condo project resurrected in less-pricey form

Surrey Hills condo project resurrected in less-pricey form

A Cave Creek condominium project that stalled five years ago is gaining sales traction after it was revived with smaller, less-expensive units.

The Village at Surrey Hills is selling 1,573-square-foot condos, priced from $260,000 to $355,000. It includes 79 condos on 11 acres with views of Black Mountain to the east.

Sixteen condos have been sold and 11 are under contract, said Sandy Esmay,Coldwell Banker associate broker.

Read more: Surrey Hills condo project resurrected in less-pricey form

Scottsdale and Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales – 2012 Performance - AZ Voices Real Estate

Here is an overview of luxury condo sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix through the third quarter of 2012. I define luxury condos as those units with asking prices above $1 million.

Read more: Scottsdale and Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales – 2012 Performance - AZ Voices Real Estate

Scottsdale and Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales – 2012 Performance - AZ Voices Real Estate

Here is an overview of luxury condo sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix through the third quarter of 2012. I define luxury condos as those units with asking prices above $1 million.

Read more: Scottsdale and Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales – 2012 Performance - AZ Voices Real Estate

Proposed Scottsdale condo plan gains height, density

A Los Angeles company wants to increase the height and density of a condominium complex it hopes to build in downtown Scottsdale's entertainment district.

Hewson Investment Group has submitted an application to amend development standards for floor area, height and density to build the complex on a 1.8-acre site at 4422 N. 75th St., near the southwestern corner of Indian Plaza Road and 75th Street.

The area is home to the largest concentration of bars in Maricopa County.

The application is being submitted under the downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which was approved by the City Council in July 2010.

It allows property owners to request amended development standards in the downtown area to include such things as greater height and density, in exchange for public benefits.

The complex would include 112 condominiums in an eight-story building totaling 90 feet in height. It would be built in the current location of the Lodge, an area bar.

In 2007, the council approved rezoning for Hewson to build Boutique 75 Lofts on the site.

The complex would have included about 45 condominiums in a four-story building.

Hewson is utilizing the city's downtown infill-incentive district to provide additional housing in the area, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing the firm.

"The Lodge is not immediately closing, but eventually it will close," he said. "It would close whether the project approved in 2006 or this is (built)."

Hewson has owned the parcel since before the 2007 rezoning, Berry said.

The complex would be adjacent to the Hotel Indigo, which has five floors, and in proximity to the W Hotel, which has six floors.

"There's a belief that there's a demand for the product in that area," Berry said. "These are intended to be for-sale condos, and it's going to be people who want to live in proximity to the entertainment district or in downtown."

The condominiums will range in size from about 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet, and 27 percent of the site would be maintained as open space, according to the application. The complex would not include any commercial, restaurant, bar or retail uses to compete with existing or future land uses in the district.

"The request for additional height is appropriate given the height of the adjacent Hotel Indigo and the densities of the nearby projects such as the W Hotel and Waterfront (and planned developments such as Safari Drive and Blue Sky)," according to the application.

The zoning for the project is already in place, said Greg Bloemberg, city planning staff coordinator. City staff is reviewing the infill-incentive district proposal, he said.

Berry said condominium development is starting to make a comeback as the market continues to improve. He also is working with Deco Communities on the Echo at Windgate condominium complex to be built on an 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

Other residential is being planned in the entertainment district. Developer Shawn Yari has two projects in the pipeline that would bring 320 apartment units to the district.

Industry East (188 units plus retail) and Industry West (132 units plus retail) are in the early stages of the city's planning-approval process.

The complexes would be on the north side of Stetson Drive between Wells Fargo Avenue and 75th Street.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 16, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Proposed Scottsdale condo plan gains height, density

Proposed Scottsdale condo plan gains height, density

A Los Angeles company wants to increase the height and density of a condominium complex it hopes to build in downtown Scottsdale's entertainment district.

Hewson Investment Group has submitted an application to amend development standards for floor area, height and density to build the complex on a 1.8-acre site at 4422 N. 75th St., near the southwestern corner of Indian Plaza Road and 75th Street.

The area is home to the largest concentration of bars in Maricopa County.

The application is being submitted under the downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which was approved by the City Council in July 2010.

It allows property owners to request amended development standards in the downtown area to include such things as greater height and density, in exchange for public benefits.

The complex would include 112 condominiums in an eight-story building totaling 90 feet in height. It would be built in the current location of the Lodge, an area bar.

In 2007, the council approved rezoning for Hewson to build Boutique 75 Lofts on the site.

The complex would have included about 45 condominiums in a four-story building.

Hewson is utilizing the city's downtown infill-incentive district to provide additional housing in the area, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing the firm.

"The Lodge is not immediately closing, but eventually it will close," he said. "It would close whether the project approved in 2006 or this is (built)."

Hewson has owned the parcel since before the 2007 rezoning, Berry said.

The complex would be adjacent to the Hotel Indigo, which has five floors, and in proximity to the W Hotel, which has six floors.

"There's a belief that there's a demand for the product in that area," Berry said. "These are intended to be for-sale condos, and it's going to be people who want to live in proximity to the entertainment district or in downtown."

The condominiums will range in size from about 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet, and 27 percent of the site would be maintained as open space, according to the application. The complex would not include any commercial, restaurant, bar or retail uses to compete with existing or future land uses in the district.

"The request for additional height is appropriate given the height of the adjacent Hotel Indigo and the densities of the nearby projects such as the W Hotel and Waterfront (and planned developments such as Safari Drive and Blue Sky)," according to the application.

The zoning for the project is already in place, said Greg Bloemberg, city planning staff coordinator. City staff is reviewing the infill-incentive district proposal, he said.

Berry said condominium development is starting to make a comeback as the market continues to improve. He also is working with Deco Communities on the Echo at Windgate condominium complex to be built on an 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

Other residential is being planned in the entertainment district. Developer Shawn Yari has two projects in the pipeline that would bring 320 apartment units to the district.

Industry East (188 units plus retail) and Industry West (132 units plus retail) are in the early stages of the city's planning-approval process.

The complexes would be on the north side of Stetson Drive between Wells Fargo Avenue and 75th Street.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 16, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Proposed Scottsdale condo plan gains height, density

City closer to Waterfront apartment-plan OK

The $54 million final phases of the Scottsdale Waterfront moved another step toward final city approval Wednesday and the developer is ready to start construction as soon as possible.

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend Development Review Board and City Council approval of the site plan for Broadstone at Waterfront, which will include 259 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of retail-restaurant space.

Commission Chairman Michael D'Andrea withdrew from the case because he is a member of the development team.

The site plan is tentatively scheduled for consideration by the board Sept. 6 and then by the council Oct. 2.

A separate proposal for elevations and landscaping is tentatively set for board consideration Oct. 4.

The final phases will encompass all of the land between Marshall Way and Goldwater Boulevard. The site plan includes a single building that wraps around a center courtyard, with restaurant and retail on Marshall.

Alliance Residential Holdings, the developer, also is developing Broadstone on Lincoln, a 264-unit apartment complex northwest of Scottsdale Road and Lincoln Drive.

Commissioner Erik Filsinger made the motion to recommend approval and commended Alliance for working with nearby residents to gain their approval. No residents spoke at Tuesday's meeting.

"I think this is a project that's a splendid one for Scottsdale and has spoken well to what the city, and with input from citizens and other members of the community, have been able to obtain," he said.

Filsinger also said it makes sense that the project includes apartments as opposed to condominiums.

"It's really important that Scottsdale, to stay vibrant, listens to the marketplace," he said. "If we are to achieve the goal of Scottsdale having a healthy live-work-play atmosphere, it isn't just a residential bedroom community. It's a place where we have people who live here, work here and hopefully recreate here and the market can help dictate what types of housing are necessary to achieve that proper balance."

John Berry, a zoning attorney and project spokesman, said the project will bring 259 "high-income" rental units to the downtown area.

There's a list of people waiting to rent units at the Waterfront's current condominium towers, so there's clear demand for apartments in downtown and at the Waterfront, he said.

"There are a lot of people who are high income who don't want to be in a home, who want a different lifestyle, who maybe can afford a home but don't want to put down a substantial down payment on a condo," he said.

"There are people who may be in transition, they've gone through a divorce, they're looking for a place to stay where they don't have to take care of everything, and so a rental is a better product for them."

There are no specific tenants yet for the retail-restaurant space, but it's likely to be businesses comparable to those already at the Waterfront, Berry said.

In early 2011, a divided council approved a maximum building height of 135 feet to allow a taller building on the east side of the property.

However, the maximum building height in the site plan is 65 feet along Marshall Way.

"The important part of it was to provide the 259 units, so the prior approval allowed the 259 units with (greater height)," Berry said. "It provided the flexibility for a user to use that height if they needed it, but we don't need it."

Alliance Residential Holdings is ready to begin construction as soon as all approvals and permits are obtained, he said.

The Broadstone complexes are among 18 apartment projects that would add about 5,700 apartments citywide. Optima Sonoran Village, a condo complex that will include some rental units, is the only one under construction.

by Edward Gately - Aug. 10, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




City closer to Waterfront apartment-plan OK

City closer to Waterfront apartment-plan OK

The $54 million final phases of the Scottsdale Waterfront moved another step toward final city approval Wednesday and the developer is ready to start construction as soon as possible.

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend Development Review Board and City Council approval of the site plan for Broadstone at Waterfront, which will include 259 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of retail-restaurant space.

Commission Chairman Michael D'Andrea withdrew from the case because he is a member of the development team.

The site plan is tentatively scheduled for consideration by the board Sept. 6 and then by the council Oct. 2.

A separate proposal for elevations and landscaping is tentatively set for board consideration Oct. 4.

The final phases will encompass all of the land between Marshall Way and Goldwater Boulevard. The site plan includes a single building that wraps around a center courtyard, with restaurant and retail on Marshall.

Alliance Residential Holdings, the developer, also is developing Broadstone on Lincoln, a 264-unit apartment complex northwest of Scottsdale Road and Lincoln Drive.

Commissioner Erik Filsinger made the motion to recommend approval and commended Alliance for working with nearby residents to gain their approval. No residents spoke at Tuesday's meeting.

"I think this is a project that's a splendid one for Scottsdale and has spoken well to what the city, and with input from citizens and other members of the community, have been able to obtain," he said.

Filsinger also said it makes sense that the project includes apartments as opposed to condominiums.

"It's really important that Scottsdale, to stay vibrant, listens to the marketplace," he said. "If we are to achieve the goal of Scottsdale having a healthy live-work-play atmosphere, it isn't just a residential bedroom community. It's a place where we have people who live here, work here and hopefully recreate here and the market can help dictate what types of housing are necessary to achieve that proper balance."

John Berry, a zoning attorney and project spokesman, said the project will bring 259 "high-income" rental units to the downtown area.

There's a list of people waiting to rent units at the Waterfront's current condominium towers, so there's clear demand for apartments in downtown and at the Waterfront, he said.

"There are a lot of people who are high income who don't want to be in a home, who want a different lifestyle, who maybe can afford a home but don't want to put down a substantial down payment on a condo," he said.

"There are people who may be in transition, they've gone through a divorce, they're looking for a place to stay where they don't have to take care of everything, and so a rental is a better product for them."

There are no specific tenants yet for the retail-restaurant space, but it's likely to be businesses comparable to those already at the Waterfront, Berry said.

In early 2011, a divided council approved a maximum building height of 135 feet to allow a taller building on the east side of the property.

However, the maximum building height in the site plan is 65 feet along Marshall Way.

"The important part of it was to provide the 259 units, so the prior approval allowed the 259 units with (greater height)," Berry said. "It provided the flexibility for a user to use that height if they needed it, but we don't need it."

Alliance Residential Holdings is ready to begin construction as soon as all approvals and permits are obtained, he said.

The Broadstone complexes are among 18 apartment projects that would add about 5,700 apartments citywide. Optima Sonoran Village, a condo complex that will include some rental units, is the only one under construction.

by Edward Gately - Aug. 10, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




City closer to Waterfront apartment-plan OK

Proposed condo plan gains height, density

A Los Angeles-based firm wants to increase the height and density of a condominium complex it hopes to build in downtown Scottsdale's entertainment district.

Hewson Investment Group has submitted an application to amend development standards for floor area, height and density to build the complex on a 1.8-acre site at 4422 N. 75th St., near the southwestern corner of Indian Plaza Road and 75th Street.

The area is home to the largest concentration of bars in Maricopa County.

The application is being submitted under the downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which was approved by the City Council in July 2010.

It allows property owners to request amended development standards in the downtown area to include such things as greater height and density, in exchange for public benefits.

The complex would include 112 condominiums in an eight-story building totaling 90 feet in height. It would be built in the current location of The Lodge, an area bar.

In 2007, the council approved rezoning for Hewson to build Boutique 75 Lofts on the site.

The complex would have included about 45 condominiums in a four-story building.

Hewson is utilizing the city's downtown infill-incentive district to provide additional housing in the area, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing the firm.

"The Lodge is not immediately closing, but eventually it will close," he said. "It would close whether the project approved in 2006 or this is (built)."

Hewson has owned the parcel since before the 2007 rezoning, Berry said.

The complex would be located adjacent to the Hotel Indigo, which has five floors, and in proximity to the W Hotel, which has six floors.

"There's a belief that there's a demand for the product in that area," Berry said. "These are intended to be for-sale condos and it's going to be people who want to live in proximity to the entertainment district or in downtown."

The condominiums will range in size from about 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet, and 27 percent of the site would be maintained as open space, according to the application. The complex would not include any commercial, restaurant, bar or retail uses to compete with existing or future land uses in the district.

"The request for additional height is appropriate given the height of the adjacent Hotel Indigo and the densities of the nearby projects such as the W Hotel and Waterfront (and planned developments such as Safari Drive and Blue Sky)," according to the application.

The zoning for the project is already in place, said Greg Bloemberg, city planning staff coordinator. City staff is reviewing the infill-incentive district proposal, he said.

Berry said condominium development is starting to make a comeback as the market continues improving. He also is working with Deco Communities on the Echo at Windgate condominium complex to be built on an 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

"I think (condominium development will be) slower than what we're seeing with apartments because in order to buy a condo, you need to afford the down payment and it takes time to apply for a mortgage," he said. "That's going to limit the universe of potential buyers."

Other residential is being planned in the entertainment district. Developer Shawn Yari has two projects in the pipeline that would bring 320 apartment units to the district.

Industry East (188 units plus retail) and Industry West (132 units plus retail) are in the early stages of the city's planning-approval process.

The complexes would be on the north side of Stetson Drive between Wells Fargo Avenue and 75th Street.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 7, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Proposed condo plan gains height, density

Proposed condo plan gains height, density

A Los Angeles-based firm wants to increase the height and density of a condominium complex it hopes to build in downtown Scottsdale's entertainment district.

Hewson Investment Group has submitted an application to amend development standards for floor area, height and density to build the complex on a 1.8-acre site at 4422 N. 75th St., near the southwestern corner of Indian Plaza Road and 75th Street.

The area is home to the largest concentration of bars in Maricopa County.

The application is being submitted under the downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which was approved by the City Council in July 2010.

It allows property owners to request amended development standards in the downtown area to include such things as greater height and density, in exchange for public benefits.

The complex would include 112 condominiums in an eight-story building totaling 90 feet in height. It would be built in the current location of The Lodge, an area bar.

In 2007, the council approved rezoning for Hewson to build Boutique 75 Lofts on the site.

The complex would have included about 45 condominiums in a four-story building.

Hewson is utilizing the city's downtown infill-incentive district to provide additional housing in the area, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing the firm.

"The Lodge is not immediately closing, but eventually it will close," he said. "It would close whether the project approved in 2006 or this is (built)."

Hewson has owned the parcel since before the 2007 rezoning, Berry said.

The complex would be located adjacent to the Hotel Indigo, which has five floors, and in proximity to the W Hotel, which has six floors.

"There's a belief that there's a demand for the product in that area," Berry said. "These are intended to be for-sale condos and it's going to be people who want to live in proximity to the entertainment district or in downtown."

The condominiums will range in size from about 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet, and 27 percent of the site would be maintained as open space, according to the application. The complex would not include any commercial, restaurant, bar or retail uses to compete with existing or future land uses in the district.

"The request for additional height is appropriate given the height of the adjacent Hotel Indigo and the densities of the nearby projects such as the W Hotel and Waterfront (and planned developments such as Safari Drive and Blue Sky)," according to the application.

The zoning for the project is already in place, said Greg Bloemberg, city planning staff coordinator. City staff is reviewing the infill-incentive district proposal, he said.

Berry said condominium development is starting to make a comeback as the market continues improving. He also is working with Deco Communities on the Echo at Windgate condominium complex to be built on an 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

"I think (condominium development will be) slower than what we're seeing with apartments because in order to buy a condo, you need to afford the down payment and it takes time to apply for a mortgage," he said. "That's going to limit the universe of potential buyers."

Other residential is being planned in the entertainment district. Developer Shawn Yari has two projects in the pipeline that would bring 320 apartment units to the district.

Industry East (188 units plus retail) and Industry West (132 units plus retail) are in the early stages of the city's planning-approval process.

The complexes would be on the north side of Stetson Drive between Wells Fargo Avenue and 75th Street.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 7, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Proposed condo plan gains height, density

Scottsdale council approves contentious Echo at Windgate condos

Todd & Associates An artists rendering of the proposed Echo condominium project near Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.


The Scottsdale City Council Tuesday cleared the way for a two-story condominium project that nearby homeowners say is too dense and intense, and will decrease their property values.

Deco Communities, formerly Starpointe Communities, plans to build Echo at Windgate, a 13-building complex with 104 condominiums on a nearly 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. Residents of nearby Windgate Ranch remain opposed to the project.

After a lengthy hearing that included nearly 40 public comments, the council voted 5-2 to approve a non-major General Plan amendment, rezoning and the termination of a previous development agreement with the city for the site.

Windgate Ranch homeowners filed a legal protest over the requested rezoning from commercial-office uses to multifamily residential. The protest would have forced a 6-1 supermajority council vote for approval, but was deemed insufficient after one of the homeowners rescinded their support.

Keith Niederer, senior city planner, said the letter alerting the city that the property owner had rescinded arrived at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, but had been signed by the homeowner on Aug. 26. Councilman Bob Littlefield, who voted against approval along with Councilman Ron McCullagh, said the developer's attorney "sat on" the letter until Tuesday so nearby homeowners couldn't do anything about it.

Littlefield said Echo at Windgate is just the another example of "a developer comes down here, hires an expensive zoning attorney and tries to convince the council to change the zoning so they can make a ton of money."

"All the neighbors are opposed and who are we representing?" he said. "There's unanimous opposition by the residents. They hate it and ... they believe it will bring down property values."

McCullagh said the lineup of public speakers could be divided between "people who stand to make money off of the project and the residents at whose expense it would be." The neighbors have a right to rely on what the city said would be the zoning for the property, he said.

Councilwoman Linda Milhaven, who made the motion for approval, said the buildings won't be as tall and the complex will be "less intrusive" than what's currently allowed on the property.

John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Deco, said the proposal is a "down zoning" from what would be allowed under the current zoning. He also said the complex would be "high-end" condominiums that would be larger and less dense than apartments, and that an appraiser hired by Deco concluded that the development would have a positive impact on nearby property values.

Zach Forman, a Windgate Ranch resident, said Charley Byxbee, the seller of the property, failed to disclose a development agreement with the city that limits the density of the project. He also said Starpointe Communities abandoned numerous condominium projects before becoming Deco.

"How about Deco clean up the mess they made before moving on to another?" he said.

The 2005 agreement capped the allowable development on the parcel so the use of the property would be consistent with the developer's share of the cost for infrastructure, according to the city planning staff.

Residents argued the agreement clearly stipulates an 80,000-square-foot maximum for development, while the rezoning would allow 168,878 square feet. Berry said development agreements are not written for "the average citizen," which drew laughter from Windgate residents.

Byxbee said the residents are attempting to block a viable development and that economic recovery requires private investment, which will generate more taxes for the city and increase retail leasing activity.

Berry said a $250,000 fee for infrastructure has already been paid and all conditions have been met, so the agreement should be terminated. The council's vote terminated the agreement, which was set to expire in 2015.

Project supporters included the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, McDowell Mountain Ranch Vendors,Bashas' Vice President Johnny Basha, Ice Den President Mike O'Hearn, real estate agents and business owners.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 5, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Scottsdale council approves contentious Echo at Windgate condos

Scottsdale council approves contentious Echo at Windgate condos

Todd & Associates An artists rendering of the proposed Echo condominium project near Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.


The Scottsdale City Council Tuesday cleared the way for a two-story condominium project that nearby homeowners say is too dense and intense, and will decrease their property values.

Deco Communities, formerly Starpointe Communities, plans to build Echo at Windgate, a 13-building complex with 104 condominiums on a nearly 11-acre site that wraps around the Windgate Crossing shopping center northwest of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. Residents of nearby Windgate Ranch remain opposed to the project.

After a lengthy hearing that included nearly 40 public comments, the council voted 5-2 to approve a non-major General Plan amendment, rezoning and the termination of a previous development agreement with the city for the site.

Windgate Ranch homeowners filed a legal protest over the requested rezoning from commercial-office uses to multifamily residential. The protest would have forced a 6-1 supermajority council vote for approval, but was deemed insufficient after one of the homeowners rescinded their support.

Keith Niederer, senior city planner, said the letter alerting the city that the property owner had rescinded arrived at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, but had been signed by the homeowner on Aug. 26. Councilman Bob Littlefield, who voted against approval along with Councilman Ron McCullagh, said the developer's attorney "sat on" the letter until Tuesday so nearby homeowners couldn't do anything about it.

Littlefield said Echo at Windgate is just the another example of "a developer comes down here, hires an expensive zoning attorney and tries to convince the council to change the zoning so they can make a ton of money."

"All the neighbors are opposed and who are we representing?" he said. "There's unanimous opposition by the residents. They hate it and ... they believe it will bring down property values."

McCullagh said the lineup of public speakers could be divided between "people who stand to make money off of the project and the residents at whose expense it would be." The neighbors have a right to rely on what the city said would be the zoning for the property, he said.

Councilwoman Linda Milhaven, who made the motion for approval, said the buildings won't be as tall and the complex will be "less intrusive" than what's currently allowed on the property.

John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Deco, said the proposal is a "down zoning" from what would be allowed under the current zoning. He also said the complex would be "high-end" condominiums that would be larger and less dense than apartments, and that an appraiser hired by Deco concluded that the development would have a positive impact on nearby property values.

Zach Forman, a Windgate Ranch resident, said Charley Byxbee, the seller of the property, failed to disclose a development agreement with the city that limits the density of the project. He also said Starpointe Communities abandoned numerous condominium projects before becoming Deco.

"How about Deco clean up the mess they made before moving on to another?" he said.

The 2005 agreement capped the allowable development on the parcel so the use of the property would be consistent with the developer's share of the cost for infrastructure, according to the city planning staff.

Residents argued the agreement clearly stipulates an 80,000-square-foot maximum for development, while the rezoning would allow 168,878 square feet. Berry said development agreements are not written for "the average citizen," which drew laughter from Windgate residents.

Byxbee said the residents are attempting to block a viable development and that economic recovery requires private investment, which will generate more taxes for the city and increase retail leasing activity.

Berry said a $250,000 fee for infrastructure has already been paid and all conditions have been met, so the agreement should be terminated. The council's vote terminated the agreement, which was set to expire in 2015.

Project supporters included the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, McDowell Mountain Ranch Vendors,Bashas' Vice President Johnny Basha, Ice Den President Mike O'Hearn, real estate agents and business owners.

by Edward Gately - Sept. 5, 2012 The Republic | azcentral.com




Scottsdale council approves contentious Echo at Windgate condos

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

A five-building condominium complex under construction west of Scottsdale Fashion Square now will include an 11-story building along Camelback Road and 288 additional units.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to approve an amended site plan, amended development standards and a downtown infill-incentive district application for Optima Sonoran Village, at the southeastern corner of Camelback and 68th Street. In 2010, the council approved a site plan that included 493 units and a maximum building height of 65 feet.

Scottsdale new development projects

Optima, the developer, sought the increased height and unit count under the city's downtown infill-incentive district and plan, which allow developers to request amended development standards.

Bob Littlefield was the only council member to vote no. He opposes the infill-incentive district and plan, saying developers are using them to increase the value of their property while offering public benefits the council already should require for approval.

"You had an approval and you should have stuck with it," he said. "This is gold digging."

Mayor Jim Lane said he had concerns about the impact on traffic and the surrounding neighborhood, but he now believes "this will be a positive addition to Scottsdale."

The approval allows Optima to increase the height of the building along Camelback by four stories. The complex descends in height toward the south, with the lowest buildings adjacent to single-family residences.

Optima plans to invest $400 million in the complex, and the first phase should be completed in 2014. Optima also developed the Optima Camelview Village condominiums at Scottsdale Road and Rancho Vista Drive.

The length of the building along Camelback has been reduced by more than 40 percent, while the amount of commercial space in the complex also has been decreased from 40,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet, said John Berry, a zoning attorney representing Optima.

David Hovey Sr.,Optima's president and owner, said Optima Sonoran Village will be the "best development Optima has ever done." This past weekend, Optima received a top award from the American Institute of Architects for Optima Camelview Village.

"We as a family have personally invested $800 million in downtown Scottsdale," he said. "Within three years, this will be a completely finished development that will be a great asset to Scottsdale."

Some nearby residents, such as Howard Schwartz, expressed concerns that the higher unit count will lead to more vehicles and more traffic on 68th Street. Others, like Paula Christensen, thanked Hovey for cooperating with neighbors and addressing their concerns.

Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she has opposed the infill-incentive district and plan because they hadn't prompted projects that were beneficial to the public. Optima Sonoran Village, however, is an exception, she said. She once resided at Optima Camelview Village.

"We should all be thrilled that the Hoveys and their projects are a part of our community," she said.

Councilman Ron McCullagh said he agrees with much of Littlefield's perception that the district and plan will change the character of the city, "but it's done and it's time to move on."

"I'm very happy once again to see that this project has the neighborhood's support," he said.

by Edward Gately - May. 24, 2012 08:37 AM The Republic | azcentral.com



Scottsdale condo project gets OK for changes

Phoenix Optima condo developer set for 3rd effort

Rendering courtesy of Optima The project will be called Optima Sonoran Village and will be located on nearly 10 acres at the northeastern corner of Camelback Road and 68th Street in Scottsdale, according to co-developers Optima Inc. of Glencoe, Ill., and DeBartolo Development LLC of Tampa.



The developer of two luxury-condominium projects in the Phoenix area said it has secured land and financing to develop a new project near Scottsdale Fashion Square.

The project will be called Optima Sonoran Village and will be located on nearly 10 acres at the northeastern corner of Camelback Road and 68th Street in Scottsdale, according to co-developers Optima Inc. of Glencoe, Ill., and DeBartolo Development LLC of Tampa.

Like its sister project, Optima Camelview Village, 7177 E. Rancho Vista Drive in Scottsdale, Optima Sonoran Village will be a multiphase residential project made up of tiered levels covered with greenery, the developers said.

Unlike the two previous projects, which include Optima Biltmore Towers, 4808 N. 24th St. in Phoenix, the next Optima project will begin as an apartment community.

Optima Sonoran Village's first, 210-unit phase will be developed by Optima Sonoran Village Phase I LLC, a joint venture between Optima, a multifamily-housing developer, and DeBartolo, a real-estate investment firm specializing in multifamily, hospitality, retail and mixed-use projects.

The first phase is scheduled to break ground in 2012 and begin leasing in 2013, the developer said.

Architect and Optima founder David Hovey said Optima Sonoran will be similar to Optima Camelview in that its architecture will be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment.

"Each residential unit will have a private, landscaped green roof terrace creating an indoor-outdoor experience for our residents and a dynamic visual esthetic for the development," he said.

Optima acquired the 10-acre site in July 2009. The company declined to provide estimated development costs, apartment sizes or monthly lease rates.

Optima Sonoran's initial phase will consist of a seven-story terraced building with 210 luxury residential units.

Eventually, five interconnected buildings will be linked by bridges with supporting commercial, retail and restaurant services, and over 5.5 acres of landscaped courtyards interspersed with pools, spas, water features and sculptures, the company said.

The entire project will be completed in five phases and may be converted to condominiums in the future, an Optima spokeswoman said.

Most luxury-condominium developers have been struggling lately, while upscale-apartment operators have been enjoying growth in occupancy and lease rates.

by J. Craig Anderson The Arizona Republic Nov. 24, 2011 06:42 PM




Phoenix Optima condo developer set for 3rd effort