Swaback Partners planned the 1,040 acres of undeveloped land surrounding the hotel. The resultant Biltmore master plan was regarded to be the largest and most significant rezoning in the city's history. The property is now fully built out. Not only is it the least dense development in the area, its own property values have skyrocketed and it has been the catalyst for creating the most highly valued urban core in the entire city.
Swaback Partners was asked to develop a series of conceptual planning alternatives for future development of the B-2 Ranch, the B-2 South 364, and the Biosphere 2 Campus. The B-2 Ranch and the B-2 South 364 consist of about 1,660 acres of land located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The most striking characteristic of the land is the panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the southeast. At the center of the property lies the 140-acre Biosphere Campus, home of the world-renowned Biosphere 2.
Encompassing more than 13 square miles, DC Ranch represents just under seven percent of the total area of the City of Scottsdale. Its varied topography extends from low lying desert terrain to dramatic mountain peaks, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, all within the geographic heart of the City. Approximately half of the 8,311-acre site has been designated as preserved open space.
The DC Ranch Master Plan includes 8,000 dwelling units, two resorts, two golf courses, an innovative K through 12 educational complex, schools, and churches, 4.5 million square feet of non-residential uses. As a result of the close coordination between the developers and City, the Master Plan was unanimously approved by both the Scottsdale Planning Commission and City Council.
Despite the variety of different functional requirements, a strong overall community character was attained through the use of authentic architectural responses to the desert environment: simple walls, deep-set windows, overhangs, covered terraces and patios. These elements, when combined with a consistent palette of materials and colors, become harmonious components of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
Swaback Partners prepared the Master Plan for the entire garden, including a new entry, extensively landscaped parking areas and the restoration of a complex of historic buildings. The Center is a complex of decentralized buildings located along the northern edge of the 50-year-old botanical garden. Interior exhibits prepare visitors for the subtle shapes and fragrances of the exotic Sonoran Desert Landscape. The 63,000 square foot facility includes a restaurant, gift shop, a pyramid-like cactus and succulent pavilion, as well as, comprehensive provisions for research, education and all related maintenance facilities.
Swaback Partners lead a multi-disciplinary group of real estate professionals on the master planning, entitlements and overall architecture and design direction for this dynamic part of the Southeast Valley that is poised to become one of the major employment centers in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. With this in mind, Swaback Partners envisioned EASTMARK as a dynamic urban development that would be made up of several mixed-use special districts and villages. The master plan and design vision for the property has been organized to carefully balance the integration of a 21st century desert urban lifestyle that includes; travel and transport, commerce, entertainment, education, recreation, culture and a variety of housing options.
As part of the master planning process, Swaback Partners crafted the design framework for the planned Gaylord Resort and Convention Hotel that is anticipated to include 1,500 rooms and ½ million square feet of convention space.
Kohler Village may well be the most historic and continuously developing new community in the country. The first plans for Kohler Village were prepared during the early 1900's by the Olmsted firm of Brookline, Massachusetts. The Village has since come to epitomize the power of sustained commitment to the integration of architecture and planning.
Kukui'ula is located on the southern shore of Kauai, the "Garden Island." It is a fitting description and a major source of inspiration for the planning of this 1,000 acre project. Land planning is on-going and Swaback Partners is involved in all aspects, including recently assisting the entitlements team in submitting a zoning application with the County of Kauai to adjust the previously approved zoning of the project to accommodate a Tom Weiskopf signature golf course. In addition, the application allowed the project team to reduce the overall density from approximately 3,400 units to 1,500 units.
Community amenities such as a recreation facility, resort-style spa and clubhouse, a beach facility, commercial/retail, and an intricate network of paths and trails throughout create a relaxed, rural resort lifestyle.
