Almost 20 years ago, the Desert Ridge community of northeast Phoenix was envisioned as a desert oasis, an urban center for the Northeast Valley, a haven where its 25,000 homes would house 63,000 residents heading by bicycle to one of 18,000 nearby jobs, possibly in a high-tech field.
The vision developed in 1989 and 1990, when the Arizona State Land Department, the city and a Land Department-designated private company came together to guide and promote development in a part of town where Phoenix’s last wide-open spaces remained.
But now, almost two years after the last successful land sale in the area, development nearly has come to a halt, with only half the homes constructed, far fewer than 18,000 jobs available, and only one high-tech company in the area. ., the area’s master developer.
It’s not quite how it was supposed to be, but the area is under no time constraints to develop completely.
“Having been a part of this for almost 25 years, we for one had hoped to see the plan develop more quickly,” said Tim Campbell of Northeast Phoenix Partners and the Klutznick Co
Several aspects of Desert Ridge did happen on time:
• Residential developments opened in the early to mid-’90s on both sides of Tatum Boulevard north of Loop 101.
• The 101 freeway was completed, guaranteeing good access.
• Three large employers – Sumco, American Express and Mayo Clinic Hospital – were developed on the southern side of the freeway.
• Desert Ridge Marketplace debuted and became an instant success.
• The JW Marriott at Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, along with the Wildfire Golf Club, was built as planned.
“It was headed in the right direction,” said David Richert, who in the ’90s was an assistant planning director for Phoenix.
At one point, city planners envisioned building upon the Sumco microchip plant and creating a high-tech corridor in the area. Golf courses were considered in the Reach 11 open area on the area’s southern border. A musical amphitheater was planned and later rejected. Space for a college or research institution was set aside and remains available. A major medical campus was anticipated around the Mayo property.
For the Land Department, the place boomed. Land sales surpassed $1 million an acre for three small parcels. Larger parcels also were in high demand. Toll Brothers, Pulte Homes, Meritage and Rightpath Limited all bought several hundred acres, bidding $100 million or more.
“The private sector recognizes the value of the area,” said State Land Commissioner Mark Winkleman.
The economy, however, has had a significant impact. Five landowners returned their land to the department.
Land on the southern side never developed beyond the first three employers and their own expansions.
Despite the challenges, says City Councilwoman Peggy Neely, who represents the area, residents of Desert Ridge “love the lifestyle and convenience.”
“It’s an environment that people like to brag about,” she said, “and it has been developed as a quality community.”
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