On occasion, we’ll see something in Downtown Tempe that makes us just want to give that big “upside-down pyramid” (read “the City of Tempe”) a great-big hug!  Today was one of those days.

While strolling down Mill Avenue, we stopped to admire the newly built “Tempe Gateway” office building and retail tower at 3rd Street and Mill.  Situated next to the 3rd Street Metro Light Rail Depot, we’ve often appreciated the structure from the street.  Our initial impression was that it was a nice enough addition to the Mill Avenue District... proper mix of brick and glass with some nice metal detailing, but that was about it.  However, we had never taken the time to venture around the back.  Today, we decided to go take a peak and wander to the western side of the building.  When we got there, what were our eyes shocked to see?  An urban park filled with art installations, trees, benches and grass-- yes, grass!  All of this was creatively wedged in between the Tempe Gateway building, the light rail depot, and a parking garage!  Granted, one might think it is a bit of a stretch to call this area a “park”, but at the very least, it certainly is a very well placed urban plaza!

The City of Tempe’s development guidelines typically require a percentage of a developer’s budget to be used for “art” and open space (retention). So, Opus, the now defunct developer of Tempe Gateway may have had as much to do with the urban park as Tempe did. Whatever the case may be, we’d like to take a moment to say “Thank you, City of Tempe!”  If you see us trying to wrap our arms around the upside-down pyramid, now you’ll know why!

(We recommend everyone takes a look for themselves, but until then, scroll down for a few photos of the Tempe Gateway development and urban park.)

Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000

Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development