An opportunity to redevelop a prime parcel of land in downtown Tempe is available to companies interested in a mixed-use high-rise project. The City of Tempe is looking for a developer to build a high-rise mixed-use project at the site of the former Tempe Performing Arts Center, 124 E. Sixth St. To be clear, this is not the location of the Tempe Center for the Arts on Tempe Town Lake.


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It’s in the heart of the historic Mill Avenue district and a five-minute walk from Tempe Town Lake, one of Arizona’s most popular destinations. The property is within blocks of streetcar and light rail lines as well as Arizona State University’s main campus. It is adjacent to the City Hall Parking Garage and Ragsdale-MLK Park.

“Downtown Tempe consistently ranks as one of the most desired places for economic development,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “This is an exciting opportunity to significantly improve the use of this existing property to create much-needed attainable housing for our diverse workforce.”

“This is an opportunity for a developer to create something very special,” said Economic Development Director Mike DiDomenico. “This City of Tempe wants to partner with a developer that can show a vision for this city’s future by providing a building designed for the needs of both today and tomorrow.”

The City is looking for firms that have the background and experience to deliver a project with rental housing units designed for all income levels, office space and ground floor commercial space. They should have experience with using the International Green Building Code for Construction and be able to ensure that the site promotes walkability.

Because the City of Tempe owns this land, there are greater opportunities to include affordable housing. It is hoped that at least 20% of the units will be considered affordable.

This property is currently zoned City Center, and is located within the Transportation Overlay District. The General Plan 2050 projected land use and residential density for the site are Mixed-Use Urban Core, which is greater than 65 dwelling units per acre.

Responses must be submitted through the City’s procurement portal at https://tempe-gov.bonfirehub.com by 3 p.m. MST on Sept. 16.