What's Happening in Tempe, AZ…

A new residential development may be coming to Danelle Plaza in Tempe.

The plaza first opened in 1963 and has not seen any new buildings or establishments in 40 years. Businesses and organizations have been working with the City of Tempe to determine how to revitalize the plaza. Artists, members of the community, business owners, and others have been interviewed by staff from the city to hear their ideas.

The city is looking for concepts in workforce and affordable housing, which are both very much sought after in the city. The city owns 3.14 acres of land in the plaza, which has the potential to create 200 apartment units that would provide both housing and customers to the businesses already based in the area.

Designs for the housing need to promote diversity, sustainability, and art, and there needs to be open spaces so that events can be held to celebrate the heritage of the unique plaza and form a lively and welcoming mixed-use community. Poster printing can be used throughout the city to garner interest in submitting designs for such projects.

Once concepts are submitted, they will be reviewed by staff from the Economic Development, Community Development and Human Services and then will go to the Tempe City Council to create a development agreement. The project will then need approval by the Tempe City Council.