Arizona State University (ASU) and Catellus Development Corporation, a nationally recognized master developer, are taking an important step toward creating a world-class urban community immediately adjacent to ASU’s Tempe Campus. Following several months of due diligence and market analysis, Catellus worked in collaboration with ASU to develop a preliminary master development plan to transform the 330-acre Athletic Facilities District at the northeast end of the Tempe campus. The plan includes new and renovated NCAA athletic facilities, with more than seven million square feet of office, multifamily residential, hospitality and retail space, interconnected with vibrant sidewalks, bicycle paths and urban open spaces.
The careful study and planning invested in the project reflect ASU’s dedication, written in the university’s charter, to take responsibility for bettering the broader community. In pursuit of that mission, ASU and Catellus are inviting the public to view the plan and offer comment at an open house next week.
“This is a highly visible and prominent development that demands thoughtful planning and execution,” said Greg Weaver, executive vice president of Catellus Development Corporation. “We will collaborate with ASU and many other future partners to transform the district in a manner that maximizes financial returns for the University, while simultaneously creating a world-class, sustainable, urban neighborhood for the greater community.”
The facilities district will generate revenue to help fund the renovation and reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium and other University athletic facilities, without the use of tax dollars, through payments made by new private real estate development projects on University-owned land. ASU has partnered with Catellus to oversee the development, marketing, leasing and management of the district.
“This is an important step in what will be a well planned process over many years to develop property adjacent to ASU in a way that serves the community and the University,” said Morgan R. Olsen, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Arizona State University. “ASU is committed to being a positive force in the communities we serve and, working with Catellus and our other partners on this project, we will set high standards and are confident that it will attract quality development.”
Activity is already underway in the district at Sun Devil Stadium. That project is being phased to permit the venue to remain open during renovations. Work on the first phase has started, with all three phases scheduled to be complete prior to the 2017 football season.
“The district and its capacity to generate revenue for the university and Sun Devil Athletics typifies the progressive thinking for which Arizona State has become known,” said Ray Anderson, Vice President and Athletic Director at ASU. “The development of the district will create a sustainable revenue stream necessary to support and invest in championship-caliber facilities for our 23-plus athletics programs and will benefit our 550-plus student-athletes.”
The district’s preliminary land use plan reflects a phased approach to private development over the next 20 years. An initial phase that may include office, multifamily and retail development is expected to be underway as soon as 2016.
The preliminary master plan will be available for review during a public open house to be held on June 23, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Representatives from ASU and Catellus will be on site to answer questions and review district plans with attendees during the open house. The open house will be held at Gallery 100, located at the Tempe Center, 951 South Mill Avenue, Suite 199. Attendees will also be able to provide comments for the project team to consider as the master plan continues to evolve.
“We are excited to share our first draft of the master plan for the district,” said Brian Kearney, senior development manager with Catellus Development Corporation. “Feedback from the open house and other meetings with stakeholders will continue to evolve our thinking as we strive to develop a community that will offer unforgettable life experiences.”
The district is located at the north end of the Tempe Campus. It encompasses most University-owned property generally bounded by Sun Devil Stadium, Veterans’ Way, University Drive, McClintock Road and Tempe Town Lake.
Until a permanent name is selected during the next phase of planning and development, the area will be referred to as the ASU Athletic Facilities District, or simply the district.
