032426_STUDYSESSIONMINUTES.PDF

Minutes of the study session of the Development Review Commission, of the City of Tempe, was held in Council Chambers 
31 East Fifth Street, Tempe, Arizona 
 
Present: 
City Staff Present: 
Chair Andrew Johnson 
Jeff Tamulevich, Director, Community Development 
Vice Chair Michelle Schwartz 
Ryan Levesque, Deputy Director, Community Development 
Commissioner Linda Spears 
Michelle Dahlke, Principal Planner 
Commissioner Joe Forte 
Chris Jasper, Senior Planner 
Commissioner Stefan Richter 
Robert Mansolillo, Senior Planner 
Alt Commissioner Robert Miller 
Whitney Mayfield, Planner 
 
Warren Rivera, Planner 
 
Joanna Barry, Administrative Assistant 
Absent: 
 
Commissioner Barbara Lloyd  
Commissioner Larry Tom  
Alt Commissioner Rhiannon Corbett 
Alt Commissioner Charles Redman 
 
 
 
 
1) CALL TO ORDER: Hearing convened at 5:17 p.m. and was called to order by Chair Johnson 
 
2) REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 
 
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: 
2A) Development Review Commission – Study Session 2/24/26 
2B) Development Review Commission – Regular Meeting 2/24/26 
 
REVIEW OF PROJECTS ON MARCH 24, 2026, REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 
 Item #4A – ATKIN RESIDENCE (PL250445) – on consent 
 Item #4B – RATZKEN RESIDENCE (PL250450) – on consent 
 Item #4C – WILSON ROW (PL260020) – on consent 
 Item #4D – MALEE SPA (PL260052) – to be heard 
 Item #5A – LUX HOLDINGS MDPP (PL250166) – to be heard 
  
 
3) PROJECT UPDATES BY STAFF (CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS): NONE 
 
4) REVIEW OF PAST AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS WITH STAFF: 
Michelle Dahlke, Principal Planner, advised the Commission of the items on the April 14, 2026 DRC agenda. 
 
5) PRESENTATION(S): 
Minutes 
Development Review Commission 
STUDY SESSION 
March 24, 2026

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION 
STUDY SESSION 
March 24, 2026 
 
2 
 
 
5A) Update on the Downtown Tempe Historic Core Plan. The presenters are Mark De La Torre of MIG and Corky 
Poster of PMM. 
 
Mark De LaTorre, MIG, went over the background and purpose of the Downtown Historic Core Plan and stated that 
they are now in Phase 3 of the process. He gave an overview of the engagement and public participation that has 
occurred so far and the key takeaways from that process.  
 
Corky Poster, PMM, went over the five goals of the plan and the plan boundary.  He stated that at the urging of the 
Historic Preservation Commission they have included Tempe Butte as part of it but stated that it is not a development 
site but rather a key part of the area.  
 
Mr. De La Torre went over the six policy categories in the draft plan and the feedback they have received on them.  
 
Mr. Poster went over their recommendations and design guidelines. 
 
Commissioner Miller stated that it is his understanding that both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Historic 
Preservation Foundation would like them to expand the boundary further to go from “A” mountain/Rio Salado down to 
College Avenue and over to Farmer because in that area there are properties that have historic value.  He stated that 
he thinks an opportunity to tell a better story about the community will be missed by not doing this.  Commissioner Miller 
stated that he likes their idea about trying to keep height down and thinks height can be scaled down even more as 
they can affect the view sheds.   
 
Mr. Poster stated that they have met with developers who do not want there to be any restrictions and the Historic 
Preservation Commission who want the boundaries expanded. He stated that they are trying to walk that very fine line.  
 
 
6) ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session adjourned at 6:01 p.m. 
 
 
  
 
Prepared by: Joanna Barry, Administrative Assistant 
Reviewed by: Michelle Dahkle, Principal Planner