By Lee Shappell | Tempe Tribune
What will happen with Shalimar Golf Club and Danelle Plaza – two lightning-rod parcels with potential for housing development?
Will City Council’s makeup shift with three incumbents facing re-election in March?
What will become of city-owned property at Warner Road and Hardy Drive that has been home to the Arizona Cardinals for nearly four decades?
And can the city and those who help the homeless in city parks reach an accord on a set of permitting laws?
Those questions loom large for Tempe in 2026.
Developer BB Living has a sales agreement in escrow to buy the 44-acre Shalimar GC from Jane Neuheisel for $22 million and build high-density luxury houses and townhouses on it, contingent upon successful rezoning.
Neighbors, who incorrectly describe the plan as apartments, are livid and vigorously fighting rezoning. They like their green space.
It is expected to reach City Council in the first half of this year – but certainly not before the March 10 election.
Incumbent Council members Jennifer Adams, Arlene Chin and Berdetta Hodge are seeking reelection. They’re challenged by Joe Forte, Brooke St. George, Elvis Taska and Bobby Nichols.
Danelle Plaza, where principals agreed on virtually nothing for 60 years, saw ownership consolidated from dozens into three parties, and with it progress began toward redevelopment that would include housing.
Rezoning was approved in 2025 to allow housing – likely affordable and low-income. Determining what that might look like is expected to be decided in 2026, and it could get dicey as those with vested interests weigh in.
The Cardinals bought a 218-acre parcel near Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road in north Phoenix and will be leaving their city-owned south Tempe headquarters of roughly 14 acres.
That is both a loss and an opportunity for the city. Will the site become an entertainment venue? Office building? Homeless shelter? Or be sold for any number of uses? The answer lies in the year ahead.
