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Equinox, a large apartment complex under construction at Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive, will put thousands of folks right next to the Metro light-rail line that opens in December. And it will be a big factor in the rejuvenation of Apache Boulevard, officials say. Equinox will have 408 apartments and 956 parking spaces. But 300 of those spaces are being set aside as a park-and-ride facility for light-rail travelers. Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said figuring out how to deal with the park-and-ride aspect of the site was the key to developing Equinox. Hallman said that agreements with the federal government, which funded much of the light-rail line, called for a 300-space parking facility on what is now the Equinox site. "We were faced with putting a huge, bare, ugly, asphalt parking lot - a heat sink, an environmentally bad idea - on this site," Hallman said. "But by working with Gray Development, who came to us with plans for Equinox, we created a shaded structure where commuters can leave their cars in shade and safety. But we've also created beautiful places to live with thousands of square feet of retail. "This is, I believe, the most important light-rail (related) project that has been done." Bruce Gray is president of Phoenix-based Gray Development. He said intense planning went into creating an apartment complex that would wrap around a parking structure and also include retail space. He also said a great deal of research went into considering the viability of putting a high-end, $75 million apartment building on Apache Boulevard, long a rundown part of Tempe and Mesa. "In a few years, what Apache Boulevard will look like will knock your socks off," Gray said. "In a few more years, you won't recognize it. So many good things are happening here." Gray said considering that Equinox will be close to one of the largest universities in the Untied States and will be right next to the light-rail line that thousands of people will ride every day, "this investment is not a risk. We specialize in urban infill, high density, high-quality housing. This is what we do and this is a very good project for everyone." The one-, two- and three-bedroom Equinox apartments will range from 483 square feet to 1,060 square feet and cost about $850 to $1,700 per month. Equinox apartments will generally consist of mezzanine lofts on the fourth level and stacked apartment homes on the three adjoining lower levels. Amenities at Equinox include 9-foot ceilings in most units, "luxury" kitchens, connections for phone, TV and Internet, full-size washers and dryers, security systems, controlled-access parking gates, a clubhouse with lounge, coffee bar, conference room and fitness center, and a community swimming pool with spa. Hallman and Gray said it all adds up to good news for Tempe and Apache Boulevard. John Toliver agrees, and he should know. His family has owned Toliver's Carpet One at 1920 E. Apache Blvd. for 65 years. "This is progress," Toliver said of Equinox. "It's very positive for Apache Boulevard and the city. With this and with the changes we're already seeing, Apache is looking much better." |
