By Sammy Williams for AZBEX
Developer, The Dinerstein Companies of Houston is doubling down on their investment in student housing near the University of Arizona by proposing a new, 130-unit high-rise just two blocks from campus. The eight-story building, dubbed Aspire Tucson Phase II, is directly west of Aspire Tucson, a 12-story community set to open in August 2019.
The mixed-use student housing development is located in the heart of the Main Gate entertainment district and will replace the current Chase Bank site at the SWC of Park Avenue and First Street. The property is zoned C-1 and thus the height and density are appropriate for student housing near the University.
Aspire Tucson Phase II isn’t just a step up from a dormitory – from the underground parking garage to the rooftop pool, residents will find modern amenities and a sense of community within the shared living spaces. Thirteen studios, 26 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom, 46 four-bedroom, 19 five-bedroom and 20 six-bedroom units are available, with each student signing individual leases.
With 228KSF of living space and 5,700 SF of retail, Aspire Tucson Phase II will offer students the ability to live, study and recreate on-site. Amenities like a social lounge, tanning room, fitness center, indoor/outdoor bike room, private study rooms and study café, fenced-in pet park and outdoor gaming courtyard make sure students only need to leave to attend class.
If students do choose to venture out, the site will encourage multi-modal transportation, being within walking distance of the University and two streetcar stops. A ride-share pick-up zone will provide access to ride-share vehicles while not blocking traffic along Park Avenue or 1st Street. Aspire Tucson Phase II will also meet the environmentally conscious design requirements of the Main Gate Overlay District (MGO), and the developer’s goal for the Project is a silver LEED certification.
According to the developer’s application, “While both this project and Aspire I share similar design elements, materials and colors, the project has a unique design that is illustrated in the design package. The project uses a variety of materials, colors, bulk reductions and fenestrations to create an interesting design that complies with MGO. Of significance is the project’s east side facing the University, where the design incorporates a series of vertical and horizontal articulations different from any other MGO project.”