Artsy Cosanti apartments cruise ahead

May 9—Cosanti is now two-for-two.

First, at a curious March 21 Development Review Board meeting, board members not only unanimously approved the artsy apartments — they urged Cosanti to build an extra floor.

Cosanti, which was originally to be called Sundown Commons but changed its name after a partnership with the Cosanti Foundation, scored its second round of approval at the April 24 Planning Commission meeting.

The commissioners did not give unanimous approval, however, with push back from Christian Serena, who voted against recommending the project.

Scottsdale City Council will make the ultimate decision on the apartment complex at Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road.

Commissioner George Ertel did faintly echo the Development Review Board, saying reducing the apartments from the original 240 to 196 was unfortunate. "We've lost 44 opportunities for people to live in Scottsdale. Some people say that's good, I say that's not so good.

"The Cosanti tie-in is great," Ertel added.

Planning Commissioner Joe Young raised questions and mild concerns about proposed trees along Shea. He and Barney Gonzales wanted larger trees in a second row illustrated on the plans.

"We're happy to do that," said John Berry, the attorney representing the project.

Cosanti Commons nods to Paolo Soleri, the famed Italian architect behind Cosanti Foundation and Arcosanti.

The project, according to Berry, will provide the Cosanti Foundation — headquartered a half-mile away in Paradise Valley — with dedicated exhibit space to display artwork and provide use of "flex space" for the Cosanti Foundation's educational programs.

In the public comments section, Ivan Fritz, CEO of the Cosanti Foundation, said "we are happy with our partnership" with the apartment complex, citing workshops that the foundation can hold at the complex, where art will also be displayed.

One neighbor was far from dazzled, however, summarizing her opposition: "too many apartments."

Patricia Badnock said she was concerned about traffic and increased crime, calling the project "unacceptable."

Ertel agreed the complex would bring more traffic, but said it would not make a huge impact on an already-busy area.

The proposed project is near the bustling intersection of Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road: Butterfield's Pancake House, Caramba Mexican Food, Happy Hamburgers, Andiamo Pizza, Pita Jungle, U.S. Egg, Safeway, Red Star CBD, GNC, CVS and dozens more restaurants and shops.

This mini-downtown almost always seems busy — but developers say they want to "flip" an unsuccessful business venture into three floors of apartments.

Questioned about water use, Berry said the rezoning to allow for apartments instead of businesses will save water.

"There were a number of restaurants here — they all consumed more water than we will," Berry said.

At 7000 Shea Boulevard, High Street Residential plans to develop 9 acres west of one of the city's busiest intersections.

The developer's rezoning request is to "allow for a synergistic mixed-use community comprised of existing commercial/retail and new residential development including housing for first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers."

According to the people behind Cosanti Commons, "This proposal will bring an estimated $100 million reinvestment to a struggling retail center."

The original plan was for four stories — but the developer agreed to drop that to three.

After feedback from neighbors, "We have opted to eliminate the fourth story on this project," Berry said.

"There will be a reduction in units to about 196," the zoning attorney said, adding the building has been moved back further from Shea Boulevard.

"We listened to the community and made those changes," Berry said.

Berry stressed Cosanti "is an underground-parked project."

The zoning attorney next will take the Cosanti show to Scottsdale City Council, at a date to be determined.