Scottsdale OK’s Gentry on the Green

By Melissa Rosequist for Independent Newsmedia

A project seeking to redevelop a multifamily residential area in the heart of Scottsdale has been met with overwhelming, unanimous approval by city officials.

On December 3rd, the Scottsdale City Council voted 7-0 to approve a major General Plan amendment to construct mixed-use development, Gentry on the Green, upon 41.5 acres.

The request is for a four-story development project comprised of five buildings, and additional buildings with up to 156KSF of commercial floor area and up to 1,864 dwelling units to be built over two phases, replacing two 1970s-era apartment complexes.

The owner of Gentry on the Green proposes to demolish the existing apartment and condominiums for redevelopment of a new mixed-use project, which is poised to be open, without walls, officials say.

The demolition and construction would occur in multiple phases over several years.

Phase one, which is 26.53 acres of the total 41.5 acres, will include four residential buildings with approximately 1,214 residential units and 41KSF of commercial floor area to be located on the ground floor of the residential buildings.

Development of Phase Two will likely be 10 or more years in the future and may include up to 650 dwelling units in combination with up to 115KSF of non-residential floor area.

The site is planned to have one access point on east Camelback Road, and three access points onto north 78th Street.

A large linear open space plaza is proposed to be centrally located within the second phase, which is presented to provide passive and active open space, with a pedestrian and bicycle connection from north 78th Street to the Indian Bend Wash.

Gentry on the Green is owned by ColRich/CH Glen and represented by prominent zoning attorneys John Berry and Michele Hammond of Berry Riddell.

In addition to members of City Council lauding the project and its amenities — including public art and a bicycle component — several members of the public commented on the project as well, both for and against the proposal.

A Legacy Project

Berry, of the Berry Riddell law firm, says Gentry on the Green and some of its components are named after former Scottsdale officials who led the charge on the Indian Bend Wash: Bill Walton and Billie Gentry.

Pointing out some of the unique aspects of the project, Berry says the project seeks to improve the area after 47 years of the wash’s initial construction.

“With Gentry on the Green, the proposal in front of you tonight, we celebrate, we embrace the Indian Bend Wash,” said Zoning Attorney John Berry, during his presentation to council.

“This is a project that has more open space than required — 10 percent is required — we’re doing 36 percent open space. Of that open space, 33 percent of the site is public open space, open to the public.”

Berry says it isn’t just about the space, but the quality of public open space available to residents and visitors, pointing out a voluntary public art component.

Plans include a “Walton Pavilion” that will be a gateway to the Indian Bend Wash, such like a trailhead, Berry said.

“It will be a place that will be visible from Hayden; it will be something people will talk about in terms of architecture; it will be a place to rent bikes; for people to meet; it will be a major boon for bicycle tourism,” Berry said, pointing to the proposed pavilion. “This is the selfie-spot along the Indian Bend Wash.”

The public art is valued at more than $1.2M, Berry claims.

In addition, there are sustainability aspects including solar, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting and shaded wide walks.

Overall, Berry says new city revenue will be more than $1.8M annually.

Read more at Independent Newsmedia.