Chandler officials are right to be alarmed by a languishing condo/hotel project called Chandler Elevation just south of Chandler Fashion Center.
In recent weeks, the concrete skeleton of the planned 10-story structure has gone from a symbol of unfinished potential to a downright eyesore. Vandals managed to spray paint words and drawings across the top panels of the seventh floor, which was only partially finished before all construction work came to halt in mid 2006. The high-flying graffiti shows in vivid color the danger of leaving a construction project unattended for so long.
Tribune writer Garin Groff reported Monday on another unexpected, but potentially more serious, consequence. City officials have notified project developer Jeff Cline they want clear proof that the building frame is still structurally sound. Doug Ballard, Chandler’s planning and development director, explained the particular method of construction Cline has used relies on running steel cables through the concrete floors for support. But that flooring system needs weight placed on it shortly after installation to bring the concrete up to proper strength, Ballard said.
Cline told Groff that his engineers have determined the building is safe. But no written details have been provided for the city or the public to review.
Until now, Chandler has shown appropriate caution and respect for property rights as Cline struggled to fix his financial problems and restart construction, and then when Cline sought to sell the project instead. But it’s time for Chandler to use all of the legal tools at the city’s disposal to force a resolution of this mess.
Cline needs to immediately clean off the graffiti and improve on-site security to deter any future vandals. If the building frame is safe, Cline needs to swiftly sell to someone who’s prepared to resume work in the near future. If the building isn’t safe or there’s no buyer readily available, Cline or the city needs to tear the building down so someone else can start over at this prime location.
The uncompleted Chandler Elevation has tried the community’s patience long enough
Tribune Editorial
