Scottsdale City Council reviews BB Living's Cabezon townhome community design plans

During the City Council meeting on June 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around the reconsideration of the development review board's decision regarding the BB Living at Cabezon project. This proposed development aims to create a new townhome community consisting of 191 units on an 18-acre site, situated within the Cabezon master plan area.

Principal Planner Greg Bloomberg presented the project, highlighting its location and the surrounding developments, which include office buildings and hotels. The development review board had previously approved the project on April 17, 2025, with a favorable vote of 5 to 1. However, the City Council decided to review this decision due to concerns raised about the project's design compatibility with the surrounding area. Specifically, council members expressed worries regarding the color schemes and overall architectural style, questioning whether they aligned with the community's aesthetic standards.

Bloomberg outlined two design themes proposed for the townhomes: the "modern desert prairie" and the "Spanish" theme. The modern desert prairie design features stucco and stone elements, while the Spanish theme incorporates mission tile roofs. Both designs aim to adhere to Scottsdale's sensitive design principles, which guide the evaluation of building aesthetics.

John Berry, representing BB Living, emphasized the company's commitment to high-quality design and its connection to Scottsdale, where its headquarters is located. He noted that BB Living has successfully developed communities across multiple states and expressed pride in bringing a project to their hometown. Berry highlighted that the proposed development includes 29% more open space than required, reinforcing the project's community-oriented approach.

The discussions during the meeting reflect the ongoing balancing act between development and maintaining the unique character of Scottsdale. As the council deliberates on the project, the outcome will likely influence future developments in the area, particularly regarding design standards and community integration. The council's decision on this matter is anticipated to shape the landscape of Scottsdale and set a precedent for similar projects moving forward.