More details and discussion have emerged on Optima, Inc.’s proposal to build Optima McDowell Mountain Village, a project consisting of 1,500 multifamily units and 31KSF of commercial uses in six 11-story buildings near Scottsdale Road and Loop 101.
An article in Scottsdale Progress reports Optima hopes to get construction underway on the first two towers – one for apartments and one for condos – before the end of the year. Once begun, construction is expected to take between 24 and 28 months.
Planned unit sizes range from 675SF to more than 2.2KSF. Planned amenities running tracks, Olympic pools, outdoor barbeques and fireplaces and rooftop views. On-site services could include fine dining, café/coffee bar space, office, dry cleaners, financial services and an elementary or preschool.
Open space is targeted at 80%, with 65% publicly available. Open space amenities would include an amphitheater, a fountain and underground parking.
Scottsdale voters approved changes to the City’s general plan last year, which lists “high density” development as capped at 25 dwelling units/acre. Anything denser is termed “highest density,” and the document makes no provisions for development at that scale.
In hearings on earlier projects, Mayor David Ortega strongly implied he sees the 25-unit cap as an absolute and will oppose any development of greater density. Optima McDowell Mountain Village, as proposed, has a density of 69 units/acre.
City Council member Solange Whitehead told the Progress she likes the design and open space aspects but is concerned about the height.
Member Linda Milhaven expressed appreciation for the project’s aesthetics and suggested possibly expanding the footprint and reducing open space to lower the building heights. She said she sees the potential for compromise.
Member Kathy Littlefield is opposed to how much water the proposal’s landscaping and swimming pool plans will consume, along with the height.
Mayor Ortega termed the height and density “excessive.”
In order to proceed, the project will be reviewed for recommendation/approval by the Scottsdale Design Review Board, Planning Commission, Airport Review Board and City Council. (Source)
