By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
Lafferty Development is requesting a rezoning for 1.16 gross acres at the NWC of Madison and 13th streets in Phoenix to allow the creation of Madison Street Apartments, a 160-unit, 10-story multifamily community.
Plan Details
The site is currently split between multifamily zoning with a transit-oriented overlay and commercial office with a transit-oriented overlay. Lafferty has requested rezoning under Phoenix’s Walkable Urban Code, specifically: Walkable Urban Code, Transect 5:7 District, Transit Eastlake-Garfield Character Area.
The property is located within 250 feet of the 12th Street / Washington / Jefferson light rail stations, according to the staff report.
Surrounding uses include vacant land, offices and single-family residential. The project narrative points out that, because of the volume of vacant property in the immediate area, “the proposed building would be creating an urban development precedent for the neighborhood,” which could serve the ongoing goal of revitalization.
It goes on to say, “The overall look of the project will be modern with quality exterior cladding. The building will become an iconic structure in the neighborhood with a direct relationship with the two streets it faces.”
According to the project narrative, “The apartment building will be composed of one below grade level for parking plus two above grade levels forming a podium. The podium will have parking on all levels plus amenities and utilities on the first floor. The tower levels three to 10 will be composed of apartments, containing 20 apartments per floor, for a total of 160 apartments.” Overall density will be 139 units/acre.
Planned amenities include a community room, a café for residents and the general public, and a small on-site retail dispensary for basic needs on the first floor. The tower rooftop will feature a walking/running track and landscaped areas with artificial turf, a dog park, a swimming pool, a pickleball court and a grilling/picnic area.
City staff found the height should be limited to 80 feet unless Lafferty dedicates 30% of the units for affordable housing, dedicates 30% of the area for public open space, records a Deed of Conservation for the dedication of an eligible historic property or makes a payment in lieu of $4.06/SF for 30% of the total gross residential square footage. The payment would go to City’s Housing Trust Fund when the building permit is issued for a height taller than 80 feet.
The rezoning was recommended for approval by the Central City Village Planning Committee in its Aug. 11 meeting. The Phoenix Planning Commission will hear the request Sept. 4 before it advances to City Council for consideration on Oct. 15.
Lafferty Development is the project owner. The design firm is AAK Architecture & Interiors, Inc. (AAKAII). The general contractor is Lafferty Construction.
