Plans for a 14-story student apartment complex will move forward, following a new court ruling that defeated a historic neighborhood’s protest.
The city’s ordinance creating special zoning along the streetcar line near the University of Arizona’s Main Gate will stand, Pima County Superior Court Judge Richard Gordon ruled late Thursday.
The historic West University Neighborhood, which is part of the zoning overlay area, had collected thousands of signatures on petitions to fight the city council and take the issue to voters. But Gordon decided the City Clerk’s Office was correct in throwing out the petitions because they were missing certain legal disclaimers.
Among the neighborhood’s complaints are the new rules on building heights. The old rules allowed 4-story buildings. The new rules allow 14-story buildings in certain locations.
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The goal is to encourage new, high density projects close to the planned streetcar line that would boost streetcar ridership.
Campus Acquisitions, the Chicago-based developer of the 14-story building, wants to have 586 apartments ready for students in August 2013. The company plans an adjacent 13-story building to open in 2014.
The complex would be southwest of Speedway and Park Avenue, close to existing dorms and parking garages.
Campus Acquisitions’ permits are being reviewed by the city. Final approval is at least a few weeks away.
Plans call for a rooftop pool, outdoor terraces, exercise rooms and study rooms, according to the company’s website.
Read more in tomorrow’s Arizona Daily Star.
