(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) — The Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment of aging apartment complexes at the southwest corner of Camelback Road and the Indian Bend Wash into Arizona’s first bike-centric, arts-focused sustainable mixed-use development.
The Scottsdale Council voted 7-0 at its Tuesday meeting to approve zoning and development plans for Gentry on the Green.
Gentry on the Green is a creative mixed-use redevelopment of 41.5 acres by ColRich, a family owned company with a national reputation of high-quality developments across the United States.
“Our plans for the property are unlike anything proposed before in Arizona. Gentry on the Green brings new life to an important location near downtown Scottsdale with creative focuses on sustainability, the arts, recreation and bicycle tourism. We are very grateful for the support and shared vision from the community and Scottsdale City Council,” said Jessica Damschen, Project Manager at ColRich.
Gentry on the Green is named after Scottsdale City Councilwoman Billie Gentry. She served on the Scottsdale City Council for 16 years between 1970 and 1986. Councilwoman Gentry played a crucial role in the creation of the internationally recognized Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, one of the greatest municipal achievements in Scottsdale’s history. What started as a barren concrete-lined flood control project is now a popular oasis of trails, bike paths and parks as well as America’s first green flood control solution.
ColRich’s Gentry On The Green will build on Councilwoman Gentry’s original vision for the Greenbelt by better connecting Indian Bend Wash to Old Town Scottsdale.
The Gentry on the Green redevelopment will bring significant increases in open spaces for the property compared to the existing, older apartment complexes. Those complexes were built in the 1970s. More than 30 percent of the new project will be open, publicly accessible space.
ColRich plans a mix of residential, neighborhood retail, office and hospitality components at the Gentry property as part of its $375 million investment. The evolution of the property will offer new housing options close to downtown Scottsdale. Because of the long duration of the redevelopment displaced residents will have the option to move into adjoining complexes owned by ColRich allowing for a progressive relocation plans for eligible residents.
The development’s centerpiece is ‘The Walton Bike Pavilion’ which will be a new tourist attraction connecting to the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. The Bike Pavilion is slated to feature a café, retail, art exhibits, bike rentals and a tourism promotion office.
The Walton Bike Pavilion as well as other open spaces at the project will propel bicycle tourism in Scottsdale, an untapped tourism market that will take full advantage of Scottsdale’s substantial bicycle infrastructure.
The Walton Bike Pavilion will be a central and popular gathering place for local and tourist bicyclists. Cyclists will be able to ride north on the Greenbelt’s extensive bike paths or south to Tempe Town Lake and beyond. The Bike Pavilion will be surrounded by The Grove and The Great Lawn, open spaces ideal for community events, picnics and relaxation.
Bicycle tourism can have a major impact. In Wisconsin, for example, bicycle tourism has a $1.5 billion annual economic impact. Scottsdale has 174 miles of bike lanes and another 129 miles of paved shared-use paths. The city is one of only 39 communities with a Gold level or higher rating by the League of American Bicyclists. Scottsdale has a Gold status and Gentry on the Green could help the city go Platinum with the national cycling organization.
ColRich is also making a voluntary and impressive commitment to public art at Gentry on the Green. Public art investments will equate to more than $1.2 million with permanent, temporary and thematic art installations scheduled to be featured as part of the redevelopment and its significant open space.
Plans approved by the Scottsdale City Council increase open space on the property and include solar energy panels on top of parking structures, shade canopies as well as rainwater harvesting to direct water to desert-friendly plants and trees.
Gentry on the Green will also create a major, new large public open space called The Paseo. The area is more than two football fields long and opens into the Indian Bend Wash. The Paseo will feature art installations, shops and dining options, a splash pad, an outdoor living room and potentially a farmers’ market.
The project was represented during the entitlement process by John Berry of Berry Riddell LLC with architecture handled by DAVIS.