Lake Eerie

Java magazine's mysterious architectural digress

A A A Comments By David Holthouse Thursday, Jan 20 2000

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Thus far, that's all the Belz Corporation has delivered on its commitment to Tempe Town Lake. Five ducks, a red carpet and a temporary fountain.

Financing for the cornerstone of development along Tempe Town Lake is, at best, stalled, at worst, doomed. There is no mention of this in Rumpeltin's article for Java. He didn't even mention the ducks.

Paolo Vescia

Snowbirds on the path to glory along Tempe's $150 million "miracle."

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Now, what happens if it becomes clear there will be no Peabody Hotel on Tempe Town Lake? First of all, Belz Corporation is supposed to pay the City of Tempe $300,000. Chump change.

After that, plausible worst-case scenarios get nasty, fast. You see, in their eagerness to bring in a luxury hotel with international name recognition, Tempe's leaders gave Belz Corporation development options on other land around the lake, whether owned by Belz Corporation or not. Which means that even if Belz doesn't build a five-star hotel on Tempe Town Lake, it can still build on the lake shore.

And guess what Belz Corporation builds, besides Peabody hotels?

Outlet malls. Lots of them.

Am I sounding coherent yet?

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