Neighborly Negotiations

In North Scottsdale, billion-dollar neighbors Optima and ASM are sorting through development concerns. Located near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard, these two projects, a luxury residential community by Optima called Optima McDowell Mountain Village and ASM's new U.S. headquarters, are considering the impact of shared space and differences in their design. Below we go over what they are discussing.

Optima’s Vision For North Scottsdale

Optima’s McDowell Mountain Village, a high-end, 10-story residential complex, is intended to bring upscale living to North Scottsdale. After a rigorous approval process, including a heated Scottsdale City Council debate in 2022, Optima’s project received the green light. The development is set to introduce 1,330 luxury apartments and condos, complete with rooftop pools, panoramic views, and exclusive amenities.

• Scottsdale City Council narrowly approved the project
• Development Review Board later gave unanimous support
• Optima’s project drew over 300 support letters from residents
• Local officials praised the project’s architectural design

Despite some initial resistance from council members and local residents concerned about high-density development, Optima has since made steady construction progress, aiming to open in the near future.

Also Read: Sales At Optima McDowell Mountain Village Are Starting Soon!

ASM’s New Headquarters Raises Questions

ASM, an international tech company, recently outlined plans for a U.S. headquarters adjacent to Optima’s new development. This campus will include a corporate office, research lab, and parking facility. Unlike Optima’s project, ASM’s campus didn’t require rezoning, allowing a faster approval process.

• Corporate campus includes tech offices and research lab
• A five-story parking garage borders Optima’s east side
• Campus expected to host about 1,200 employees
• Development Review Board praised ASM’s design and approved the plan

Concerns arose primarily over the parking garage, which Optima says could obstruct views and impact the residential feel of its community. Optima’s founder, David Hovey Jr., addressed these issues at a recent Development Review Board meeting, suggesting that ASM consider burying part of the garage structure.

Also Read: Semiconductor Company ASM Building New HQ In Scottsdale

Proposed Solutions & Stakeholder Reactions

Hovey’s proposal was more than a request—he offered that Optima could help cover some of the additional construction costs if ASM would agree to lower three of the garage’s five stories below ground. This, he believes, would help protect the luxury appeal that Optima plans to deliver to its future residents.

• Hovey proposed funding part of the garage adjustment
• DRB left negotiations directly to Optima and ASM
• ASM clarified their focus on research over production
• Board members praised ASM’s garage but made no mandates

DRB members commended ASM’s design and ultimately approved the plan, while encouraging both parties to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.

Conclusion

The development process for Optima and ASM highlights some of the challenges facing North Scottsdale’s rapid growth. With both projects moving forward, the conversation around neighborly collaboration remains active. As construction progresses, Optima and ASM have the opportunity to find workable solutions for shared concerns and create an outcome that enhances North Scottsdale’s changing landscape.

Also Read: Optima McDowell Mountain Construction Photos – October 2024