Three years after a proposed single-family master-planned community near the Sonoran Preserve along Sonoran Desert Drive was first introduced to the community, the project’s plans— which require approval from the City of Phoenix―are back on the table.
Taylor Morrison is proposing to develop 1,420 homes on the only privately owned 473-acre parcel between the Sonoran Foothills Community and Cave Creek Road. The property is under the same trust ownership as the 80-acre parcel that exists today as Sonoran Gate, a 255-home development built by Taylor Morrison to the west, but also within the Sonoran Preserve.
Formerly known as MacEwen 480, the development now called Verdin, near the popular Apache Wash Trailhead surrounded by State Trust Land, requires approval of a zoning change with the City of Phoenix from S-1 (low density farm or residential uses) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) to allow construction for up to three homes per acre.
Plans were paused by the developer in May 2019 to allow for more internal work with City of Phoenix Streets and Transportation Department and Parks and Recreation regarding the design according to the builder’s legal representative, Susan Demmitt, of Gammage & Burnham.
Now the builder has resubmitted its proposal with the City to get the ball rolling again. Informational presentations in November were held during public meetings of the North Gateway Village Board and Desert View Village Board, which serve as advisory committees to Phoenix City Council.
If approved, lots will range in size up to a third of an acre in gated and non-gated neighborhoods within the community governed by its own homeowner’s association. Planned community amenities include a private community center and outdoor recreation facilities, including a pool and sport courts, open space and a trail system with connections to the Sonoran Preserve.
Verdin’s proposed site plans include 1,420 homes.
Since its introduction, the project has been met with concern by members of the Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council and a group named “Save our Sonoran Preserve” due to the project’s density and its impact on the recreational activities and wildlife in the Sonoran Preserve.
In response to the concerns for preservation of the adjacent Sonoran Desert, Demmitt said Taylor Morrison’s Verdin team has formed a partnership with the National Wildlife Federation to establish design guidelines for the community, focusing on preservation and the protection of native habitats within Verdin.
Plans include creating certified wildlife habitat open spaces throughout the community such as habitats to support monarch butterfly recovery efforts with native milkweed and plants; nature playscapes instead of traditional playground equipment in some areas to allow for imaginative environnmental play; and native landscape yard plans designed in partnership with the Wildlife Federation.
“There’s been a lot of sensitivity as to how this project will be designed… we’ve tried hard to create a development framework for a natural organic feel with natural edges and open access to the preserve,” Demmitt said.
Roads and Schools
As for future plans for road improvements along Sonoran Desert Drive, Demmitt said the builder is working with closely with the city to support the buildout of Sonoran Desert Drive and is proposing to contribute between $12 million and $16 million toward the widening of the roadway to six lanes between Cave Creek Road and Loop 303.
The community would be served by the Deer Valley School District, which under the current boundaries, students would attend Desert Mountain School and Boulder Creek High School.
Next Steps
Community outreach meetings are tentatively planned for early spring, with dates yet to be announced.
Final approval for rezoning with the City of Phoenix is targeted for late spring.
If approved, Demmitt said construction would consist of three phases, with earthwork beginning as early as fall 2022. She said first home completions could come by 2024, but complete buildout is anticipated to be an eight-year project, ending in 2032.
A community website, www.verdinphoenix.com has been created to keep residents informed about community meetings and the project approval process.
Key Points: Taylor Morrison’s Partnership with National Wildlife Federation
• Set aside 100 acres of open space with preserved natural areas and wildlife habitats
• More than 7 miles of trails and community paths
• Coordinate with City of Phoenix to create public trail connection between north and south parts of Sonoran Preserve
• Design with an open edge to the preserve
• Follow specific design guidelines to become a National Wildlife Federation Certified Community
Source Verdin Phoenix