Multifamily Develop. Proposed Near Metrocenter Mall

By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX 
MK Company Inc., recently submitted plans to the City of Phoenix for a new multifamily development, known as Metro Lofts, at the NEC of Dunlap and 29th Avenues. 
The site is located on approximately 7.32 acres at 9201 N. 29th Avenue, and is immediately adjacent to the Arizona Canal, “which is envisioned as a regional amenity and transportation route for bicyclists and pedestrians,” according to the project documents. It is also near a future light rail station, Metrocenter Mall and a water treatment facility. 
The Scottsdale-based developer is requesting to rezone the site from Commercial and Planned Shopping Center to Commercial, Height Waiver / Density Waiver. 
The development is proposed as a 204-unit multifamily development, consisting of a mix of 110 one-bedroom, 79 two-bedroom and 15 studio units in three- and four-story buildings. The average dwelling unit size will be approximately 812 square feet. 
The conceptual building elevations include, “a mix of colors, textures, offsets, and recesses. The elevations also depict upper floor balconies and ground level patios.” 
A centralized amenity with a courtyard area and pool will be provided for residents as well as bicycle parking and a bicycle repair station. 
Plans call for a total of 307 parking spaces comprised of a mix of garage, reserved and visitor spaces; however, the city is requiring a total of 410 spaces – 307 for residents and 103 for visitors. According to the documents, “Due to the many policies which envision a walkable urban center and light rail being extended to the area, the applicant may be requesting a parking reduction after the property is rezoned.” 
The project was approved at the Phoenix North Mountain Village Planning Committee and according to the Planning and Development Department, is still set to be heard at the April 2nd Planning Commission meeting, though they are not sure if the meeting will be publicly held, or virtual. 
MK Company, Inc. is the developer of Metro Lofts, and the architect is BMA Architecture. Withey Morris, PLC is the representative for the project. A request for the general contractor has not been returned by press time.