Attachment C - VPC Summary-Info Only - Z-TA-2-20-7.pdf

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
Z-TA-2-20-7
INFORMATION ONLY 
Date of VPC Meeting 
June 8, 2020 
Request 
Amend Section 1202.C. (Regulating Maps, Height 
Map) of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance to replace the 
Downtown Code Height Map to amend height 
provisions from a maximum height of 525 feet to a 
maximum height of 540 feet at approximately 200 feet 
south of the southeast corner of 2nd Avenue and 
Fillmore Street, and amend Section 1209.C.1.a. 
(Taylor Street Pedestrian Paseo Guidelines) to move 
the Taylor Street Pedestrian Paseo approximately 100 
feet north of the required alignment for a portion 
between 2nd Avenue and approximately 150 feet east 
of 2nd Avenue. 
VPC DISCUSSION:
Four speaker cards were submitted in favor, wishing to speak. 
One speaker card was submitted, wishing to speak.  
Nick Wood, representing the applicant, with Snell and Wilmer, LLP introduced the 
proposed project. Mr. Wood displayed aerial images to review the surrounding area 
and renderings of the proposed building. Mr. Wood explained that this proposal is to be 
the tallest building in Arizona, at 545 feet, and ended his presentation by showing the 
proposed changes to Downtown Code maps for height and the Taylor Street Paseo 
alignment.  
Chair Rachel Frazier-Johnson asked the applicant if the hotel included in the project 
would be a national hotel brand. Mr. Wood replied that they are currently negotiating 
with the hotel brand, but it will be a high-end hotel company that the committee will 
recognize.  
Eva Olivas asked about the materials used on the project, if any heat mapping had 
been performed on the proposed area with the reflective materials, will the project 
contribute to the heat Downtown and if the applicant had gotten any feedback from 
nearby businesses given that this project would change the character of the area. Mr. 
Attachment C

Central City Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
Z-TA-2-20-7
June 8, 2020
Page 2
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Wood responded that they and CCBG, the local architect, will have an answer 
regarding heat mapping when they return to the committee for recommendation and a 
landscape plan to show the shading is being developed. Mr. Wood added that 
Crescent Ballroom stated they were excited to have residential nearby.  
Sean Sweat stated that in the previous presentation (TA-1-20), they are proposing to 
add a height bonus and he would have preferred to see a change in height bonus 
provisions for this proposal rather than amending the height map. Mr. Sweat continued 
that he was disappointed to see an additional street on 2nd Avenue and would like to 
see more access on the alley.  Mr. Wood responded that in speaking with staff, they 
would like to evaluate projects in the Business Core on a case by case basis for 
increased height rather than amending the height bonus provision. Mr. Wood continued 
that the extra lane was not their idea as they are working with the Street Transportation 
and Fire Department through the development review process, and they will continue 
to work on the streetscape and will address it further when they return for 
recommendation.  
Chair Rachel Frazier-Johnson stated that walkability and shade is key and with three 
lanes of traffic it will be tough to maintain the level of walkability that currently exists 
along 2nd Avenue.  
Ash Uss stated that as someone who walks 2nd Avenue daily, she shares the same 
concerns about shade on the streetscape.  
Eva Olivas asked if the traffic study was complete and if the committee could review it. 
Mr. Wood said he could check with the traffic engineer on the level of completeness of 
the report and can send it to the committee once complete.  
Darlene Martinez also requested renderings of what the proposed building will look 
like in the neighborhood.  
PUBLIC COMMENT: 
Barbara Lewkowitz, a member of the YMCA Board to the east of the project, urged the 
committee to consider parking at the proposed development for the YMCA, stating that 
this location is home to 120 low-income residents and serves many elderly patrons.  
Mr. Wood responded that the developer will be providing parking on site for the YMCA 
and Ms. Lewkowitz can call him at 602-382-6269 to discuss further.