(Editor’s note: The story did not some developers)
Phoenix can expect more high-rise buildings as developers have at least three new projects in the works for downtown.
But Betty Reid of The Arizona Republic says at least one expert says the city still lacks that one unique standout building that would distinguish the city’s skyline.
The three proposed high-rise construction projects are:
– Portland Park, a 14-story condo project at Portland Street and Central Avenue.
– Bioscience Partnership Building, a 10-story biomedical research center at Seventh and Van Buren streets.
– Luhrs City Center Marriott at the northwestern corner of Central Avenue and Madison Street behind the Luhrs Building. The California-based family developers (Hansji Corp.) plan to build a 19-story hotel with 320 rooms.
Downtown officials say there’s another planned high-rise on the northwestern corner of Central Avenue and Van Buren Street. However, Phoenix Planning and Development officials said they have not yet received paperwork on the project.
Critics have long complained about downtown Phoenix’s lackluster appeal. The area has improved slightly, with much of the increase in traffic credited to the Arizona State University campus, which draws students to the area, officials said.
However, architect Will Bruder said downtown still needs three things: a pedestrian/bike lifestyle, a modern streetcar and a single distinct high-rise.
Related: 10 tallest buildings in Phoenix http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2014/08/08/phoenix-tallest-buildings/13802083/
