By Adrienne St. Clair for Arizona Builder’s Exchange
Arizona State University and Ryan Companies have submitted a proposal to the City of Tempe to build the 777 Tower at Novus mixed-use office/retail building and central plaza on the NWC of Rural Road and University Drive.
The new development will be in the first phase of the redevelopment of the NOVUS Innovation Corridor, a 20-year master plan with a $30B total estimated valuation. The project will be built on two parcels – 1.4 acres – of the overall corridor. The whole development is expected to include three office and retail buildings, as well as a parking garage to be built by ASU.
This first phase project includes a 105-foot high, six-story building with 170KSF to use for both office and retail space. However, all the retail space will be ground level.
Just south of the building on the same site will be a large plaza, a public space “for socializing, recreation and general relaxation of employees,” in line with the goal of commercial public space as defined by the city. Additionally, the developer has planned a variety of trees on the site to provide shade on the central plaza and along the walkways.
According to city documents, the property lies within both the Mixed Use-Educational zoning district and the Rio Salado Overlay district, and there is no need to request a zoning change. The documents also note that the proposal conforms to the Novus Innovation Corridor land use plan, which states this site should be developed as mid-to-high-rise office space.
There is an Architectural Review Committee for the Innovation Corridor, and the committee already approved plans for the 777 Tower at Novus back in June. The ASU/City of Tempe Joint Committee also recommended approval on condition of several stipulations, including things like public restroom security measures and notes about waste and recycling.