Developers of the Waterview at Scottsdale hotel and condominium project, deemed too massive by city planners, have modified the proposal with alternate designs and more open space and pedestrian walkways.
Scottsdale Canal Development LLC proposed no change in the height of the four 72-foot buildings and two 65-foot buildings proposed along the south side of Arizona Canal and the north side of Camelback Road, east of Scottsdale Road.
But Waterview consultant Susan Bitter Smith said more pedestrian access has been provided between the neighborhood and canal.
In addition, some building corners have been angled to reduce the perception of building length and massing. The buildings will also have “stepbacks,” which means the highest parts will be toward the middle of the building and lower along the street and canal.
“We have more open space and more pedestrian connectivity in between the buildings to break up the continuity of the buildings,” Bitter Smith said.
The plan proposes about 200 hotel rooms, 146 condo units and up to 18 single-family residences on the 11.5-acre site.
Two pedestrian bridges are planned over the Arizona Canal and a public plaza near Scottsdale and Camelback roads. The Salt River Project substation at the intersection today is proposed to be relocated east of the project, across from single-family homes.
Scottsdale principal planner Mac Cummins wrote the Sept. 10 letter to Waterview that outlined 83 concerns, saying the project was too massive, does not blend with the surrounding residential neighborhood and has unresolved issues with the relocation of a Salt River Project electric substation.
Cummins said Thursday he has not reviewed the new submittal and could not comment on the changes, but hopes to have a response in the next few weeks.
Even with the revisions, a number of issues are likely to be raised or require variations from the city’s regulations.
Waterview does not plan to comply with the city’s zoning rule that requires buildings to be no more than 200 feet in length above 38 feet, citing the unusual site configuration. Although it reduced the project’s square footage from 775,035 to 703,000, that’s still above what’s allowed under current city regulations.
Waterview is also seeking a modification from the city’s standard requiring all buildings within 300 feet of a certain residential district not to exceed 38 feet in height. The northernmost building closest to the homes remains at 65 feet, but it does step down to 35 feet closest to the homes.
While the city’s letter said SRP must still apply for a conditional use permit to relocate its substation, Waterview’s letter states that SRP believes because of its status as a quasi-governmental entity it is not required to be reviewed by the city.
Waterview also submitted designs of a screen wall for all four sides of the SRP station, which has run into opposition from its nearest neighbors.
Bitter Smith said Waterview is planning a formal neighborhood open house in November to review the revised design.
Brian Powell
