By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
A 5.8-acre site near the SWC of Van Buren and 55th streets in Phoenix could deliver another 225 units to the market under a rezoning and redevelopment proposal coming before the Planning Commission June 1.
The location is currently divided between vacant land to the south and a motel to the north. The areas are zoned General Commercial and Light Industrial. Owner Clear Sky Capital Van Buren, LP and its partners, through project representative firm Berry Riddell LLC, has requested a rezoning to Multifamily Residence District to allow the development of The Van Buren Residences.
Surrounding uses are residential and commercial. There are multifamily developments to the north, east and south. The south also features an office in a light industrial zoned area. Light rail stations are located half a mile away at 50th and Washington Streets and slightly less than one mile away at Priest Drive and Washington Street.
The plan calls for two four-story buildings. The submitted unit mix shows 36 studios, 74 one-bedroom, 106 two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom units. Sizes will range from 562SF for the studios up to 1,408SF for the three-bedroom units. Planned amenities include an open space courtyard with outdoor seating at the southern building and a 9KSF clubhouse, pool area and open space at the northern.
Planning staff has determined the proposal “will promote a strong pedestrian environment along Van Buren Street with shaded and detached sidewalks that will convey residents safely and comfortably toward bus access, local parks, golf courses and other amenities in the area.”
Staff has recommended stipulations for the proposal, including general conformance to the site plan and elevations and the inclusion of several bicycle-related amenities, including bike parking, outlets for electric bicycle charging and an on-site bicycle repair station.
Clear Sky Capital Van Buren, LP, et al. are the owners. Biltform Architecture is the design firm. The project is represented by Berry Riddell LLC.
