Corrections & Clarifications: Papago Plaza opened by that name in 1959. An earlier version of this story incorrectly said it originally was called Frontier Town.

A developer plans to demolish Scottsdale's oldest shopping plaza, with a pink Pueblo-inspired design, in favor of a more contemporary project.

Pivot Development wants to replace Papago Plaza, on the corner of Scottsdale and McDowell roads, with a mixed-use project that includes:

Aldi's grocery store.

Hotel.

Four-story apartment building above one level of parking.

Four-story parking garage.

Restaurants and retail shops.

No one raised any concerns about tearing down the nearly 60-year-old plaza that has stood mostly vacant in recent years, but some are worried about more apartments in south Scottsdale.

The South Scottsdale Alliance, a group of neighbors and business owners dedicated to revitalization in the area, support the plan. They say the high-profile corner has long needed redevelopment.

"Is the project perfect? Maybe not," said Jeff Berghoff, a founding member of the South Scottsdale Alliance. "But I'm sick of looking out my window every day and seeing it. We're seeing what the future could be and I'm excited about that."

The Scottsdale City Council approved a rezoning request Dec. 12 but called on the developer to meet with residents to address concerns before the project moves further along.

More apartments may be built

More than 20 residents, most opposed to the project, addressed the council ahead of the rezoning vote.

Andrea Alley, who has lived in south Scottsdale for four years, says residents are opposed to more high-density apartments in the area.

"I have a hard time buying the argument that we need more rooftops before retail," Alley told The Arizona Republic. "It's going to redefine the entire intersection for years to come."

The 1.5-mile stretch from 64th Street to Miller Road on McDowell Road has seen 1,015 new apartment units over the last six years.

Mark-Taylor: 536 units.

Skysong: 325 units.

Las Aguas: 154 units.

Some residents point to this surge in apartments as the reason to scale back the number of apartments proposed as part of the Papago Plaza redevelopment.

Jason Morris, the attorney representing the developer, told the council that more residential foot traffic is needed to make the project a success.

"The only way to get that retail and support that retail is rooftops," Morris said.

MORE: 9 new hotels coming to Scottsdale, with six in Old Town

What's in the plans?

Built in 1959, Papago Plaza was renovated into its distinctive look in the late 1980s. Various attempts to redevelop it have fizzled out.

The new plan hopes to bring 274 new apartment units, a 21,000-square-foot Aldi's grocery, a 118-room hotel, four restaurants and retail space.

Morris said future uses could include a splash pad, fountains and gathering space for residents. New curb and gutters, as well as sidewalks with new ADA ramps, will be installed along Scottsdale Road.

More conversation planned

Some residents want more input.

The council voted unanimously to change the zoning for the project and move ahead, with some caveats.

Two public outreach meetings facilitated by the city must be held in January before the developer returns to the Design Review Board for approval to move forward with the project.

Prior to the presentation, only residents living within a 750-foot radius of the plaza were notified about the project. The council asked the developer to increase the radius of notification to 1,500 feet.

The city also asked that Pivot Development provide public art within the plaza, as well as on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and McDowell roads.

"A more comprehensive public outreach process needs to happen," Councilwoman Virginia Korte said, echoing sentiments made by many residents. "That iconic corner deserves and demands higher standards than 'just good enough.'"

Who represents south Scottsdale?

The discussion surrounding Papago Plaza highlights a larger one regarding the city's vision for south Scottsdale, which the city defines as McKellips to Indian Bend roads.

Long marked by a smattering of auto dealerships and Los Arcos Mall, the city created a Scottsdale Character Development plan in 2010 to address revitalization in the area.

City documents accompanying the plaza rezoning request note the area has undergone a significant transition from predominantly auto sales to residential uses.

Allison Walden, a mother of two who has lived behind the Papago Plaza for 15 years, wants to see more retail options and fewer apartments. Walden says she often goes to nearby Tempe Marketplace when looking for activities to do with her children.

"All the money in our neighborhood is being spent somewhere else," Walden told The Republic. "Who is representing south Scottsdale? I just feel like the city has forgotten about this part of Scottsdale."

Reach the reporter at Lorraine.Longhi@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @lolonghi.

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