Mixed-use project near Scottsdale Fashion Square 'months out' from construction

The developer has already laid the foundation for a large project in an area that is prominent in Scottsdale. However, vertical construction will still be a few more months away.

Hazel & Azure will be back before Scottsdale's Development Review Board on Thursday. The development would include more than 500 luxury apartments and 14,000 sq. ft. of commercial space at the ground floor. The developer wants to approve hardscape and landscaping plans for improvements on the Arizona Canal bank next to the project.

These approvals are needed for the project to begin building vertically. Jason Morris, the land-use lawyer for Hazel & Azure at Withey Morris Baugh PLC said. The Salt River Project, Maricopa County Flood Control District, and the City of Scottsdale were all involved in the improvements to the canal banks.

Morris stated that "we just reached an agreement with all the government entities and can now move forward on the improvements to the canal." Morris said, "We will go to DRB on Thursday, and I believe that the council must also bless it, about a month after, assuming that we keep to schedule."

According to the project documents submitted by Scottsdale's Development Review Board, improvements proposed include improved pathways, enhanced landscaping and paving at street intersections, and redevelopments of existing drainage swales.

Morris believes that vertical construction will likely be "months away" if the project is approved by the city council and the development review board. Morris told the Phoenix Business Journal that the project will last 18 months once it gets started.

Morris stated that "nothing has stopped in the construction plans or the project itself since the DRB approved it originally."

Hazel & Azure offers a variety of amenities

The project will consist of two buildings with 532 units. It is being developed by ZOM Living, based in Orlando, Florida. ZOM Living was unanimously approved for the Hazel & Azure site plan, landscaping plan, and building heights in September.

The Hazel building is expected to house the majority of the planned residential units. 362 units are planned. This building will be situated to the north. Hazel is also the location of most ground-floor components, with over 13,000 square foot planned. Azure, located to the southeast, includes 170 apartments spread across the 12 stories of the building, with 960 square foot for retail on the ground floor.

Plans also include a rooftop swimming pool at the Azure Building that would allow views of Camelback Mountain and the Arizona Canal. The two buildings share 837 parking spots for retail and residential parking.

ZOM Living announced its Arizona debut in early 2021 with a $500-million investment. The company plans to build 1,600 luxury apartments within the metro Phoenix area. ZOM Living purchased 33 acres in Phoenix and Scottsdale from bankruptcy proceedings, paying $82 Million for four parcels including the 3.78 acre site opposite Fashion Square.

CallisonRTKL Inc., the architect for Hazel & Azure is Atwell Group.

Fashion Square's surroundings could change dramatically in the next few years. HCW Development LLC, in addition to its planned Hazel & Azure project, is on schedule to open the 11-story, 262-key Caesars Republic Scottsdale Hotel by February 2024.