Developers present 16-story, 110-unit plan for 250 Rio Salado; council schedules second hearing

Representatives for the applicant presented a planned area development (PAD) change to convert a previously approved office tower into a 16-story residential tower at 250 West Rio Salado Parkway, describing 110 for-sale units (75 two-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom units), townhomes fronting a rehabilitated Ash Avenue walk, pocket parks and a parking podium.

Manchula Vaz of the applicant’s law firm said the project reuses the previously approved building massing and emphasized preservation of the historic Ash Avenue roadway and added open space. Mike Duffy, the project’s planner, said the residential substitution would change traffic patterns and estimated "about approximately 80% decrease in vehicle trips" compared with the previously approved office use because residential traffic patterns differ from office traffic.

During council questions, members pressed for details about incorporating a Veterans Memorial and for assurances that nearby music venues would not cause quality-of-life conflicts. Vice Mayor Garland asked about soundproofing for residents near concert venues; the applicant said units would include triple-pane windows and homeowner CC&Rs with restrictions on short-term rentals. Councilmember Perez noted the site’s proximity to light rail as a transit advantage; presenters also said they planned guest parking and would coordinate overflow parking and access with adjacent parking facilities.

The PAD was introduced and the council opened the public hearing. No audience members addressed the council on this item tonight; the council closed the hearing and scheduled the second and final public hearing for Jan. 22, 2026.