PROJECT INFO

Scope: Mixed-use Development

Location: City of Tempe, Arizona

Size: 139,500 sf

Status: Schematic Design

PROJECT description: 

The new project design seeks to revitalize the town center by concentrating civic and commercial activities alongside higher-density residential uses within walking distance of key transit nodes. A diverse mix of building types and uses is planned, with higher-density commercial and residential functions strategically located near existing and potential transit stations to encourage sustainable urban living.

With a commitment to preserving the existing built fabric—particularly privately owned structures—the project leverages city-owned parcels and properties held by Guina Group to forge a cohesive master plan. Initial interventions focus on reconfiguring the ground-level vehicle network, defining a clear hierarchy of circulation and access. While retaining portions of existing surface parking, a new vehicular loop is introduced, connecting the site’s two entry points at Southern and Mill Avenues, enhancing flow and accessibility.

Central to the development are two key elements: the mixed-use buildings and the podium. The mixed-use cluster comprises three distinct residential typologies—a senior lifestyle campus, workforce housing, and a blend of affordable and market-rate apartments—each designed to operate autonomously while offering comprehensive living amenities and active lifestyle programming. Anchoring the site, the podium spans community and city-owned parcels, functioning as connective tissue and pedestrian infrastructure that links all buildings and uses. This unifying platform bridges the old and new, providing a vibrant public realm that serves as a civic stage for community engagement. Elevated bridges further connect residences and commercial areas to the central event space, activating the site’s inner edge and fostering dynamic public interaction.

MI00