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After 2.5 yrs of hotel work, our @VenueProjects team is shifting into homes. The mission is simple: build more of them where less of them used to be.
First up is a prototype property we’re calling 4Square. 4 homes replacing 1.
Thread
First up is a prototype property we’re calling 4Square. 4 homes replacing 1.
Thread
The site is a 12k corner lot w/ a single, 1948 home. Technically historic by age, but tired and architecturally unremarkable. Property is surrounded by a grab bag of single and multi family.
R-4 zoning means it’s bound for a higher and better use. We think 4Square is that use.
R-4 zoning means it’s bound for a higher and better use. We think 4Square is that use.
We’re building four detached 2/2 rental units. Super efficient at 808sf/ea. Arranged to create private patio stoops + shared courtyards.
Site plan threads needle of a dozen different competing dev/zoning standards, but works because we managed a parking reduction via variance.
Site plan threads needle of a dozen different competing dev/zoning standards, but works because we managed a parking reduction via variance.
Turning one house into four is a drop in the bucket, especially amidst the feverish sea change that is Phx’s rapid daily pop growth. But it’s exactly the kind of incremental density our neighborhoods need.
If we want to see this happen at scale, tho, a lot needs to change.
If we want to see this happen at scale, tho, a lot needs to change.
This is a big experiment for us. It’s a firsthand window into a process I want to know more about, a process I hope we can help make easier for others.
So I plan to learn out loud and share regular project updates via this thread, good bad and ugly.
Let’s build some homes!
So I plan to learn out loud and share regular project updates via this thread, good bad and ugly.
Let’s build some homes!
Monday thru yesterday we saw our first buzz of activity in awhile, and I do mean buzz literally.
Discovered over weekend that a
colony had taken up residence in the chimney of what we had thought was an empty house. Luckily, the state of AZ affords them no squatters rights.
Discovered over weekend that a
colony had taken up residence in the chimney of what we had thought was an empty house. Luckily, the state of AZ affords them no squatters rights.
After calling around, managed to find a kind beekeeper (Scott @ Beesville Bee Farm in case you’re in the market) who was 1. fairly priced, 2. readily available, and 3. willing to do a live removal. The s were evicted by Tuesday night, just in time for crews to be on-site Wed.
s were evicted by Tuesday night, just in time for crews to be on-site Wed.
Then yesterday the sun rises as it does, another day dawned, and we proceeded on pulling back APS’ overhead power feed + the required environmental abatement of old door/window sealant and some roof mastic (old bldgs are a ton of biohazard-laden fun).
Clearing the way for demo!
Clearing the way for demo!
Earlier this week I traded emails and a CC number with the City of Phx so that we could reinstate an expired demo permit (cost: $37.50).
We now have, as we had before, 30 days to take down the existing house.
Demo contract is drafted and out for signature. Almost there.
We now have, as we had before, 30 days to take down the existing house.
Demo contract is drafted and out for signature. Almost there.
