"Phoenix City Council to vote on high-profile Arcadia plans"

Andrew Johnson
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 7, 2007 12:00 AM

The image of one of east Phoenix's most high-profile intersections could change from a low-key, low-rise area to a live-work-play hotspot depending on a City Council decision tonight.

Phoenix council members are scheduled to vote on three mixed-use developments proposed for separate corners at the intersection of 44th Street and Camelback Road.

The site has been the epicenter of a months-long debate in which neighborhood groups have squared off with developers over the building's heights and their compatibility with the surrounding area

Here are the proposals:

• Scottsdale-based Grace Communities wants to build office buildings, restaurants, retail and a boutique hotel on the southwestern corner.
• Phoenix developer Opus West Corp. wants to build a luxury condominium and retail development where Chase Bank has its famous mushroom-shaped bank. This is on the southeastern corner.
• M3 Cos. wants to redevelop an office buildings on the northwestern corner into a resort-style complex with single-family homes, condos, retail, office space and a hotel.

The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in City Council chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St.

Reporter Michael Clancy contributed to this article