When it opened as the Jefferson Hotel in 1915, the six-story Barrister Place building was the tallest in the state. In 1960, it served as a brief backdrop in the movie, “Psycho.” The city bought it 25 years ago and it’s sat vacant for the last six.
On Wednesday, a city subcommittee approved a developer’s plan known as Jefferson Place on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street.
Geoff Beer with Crescent Bay Holdings said they want to preserve the Barrister building’s architecture while showcasing local shops and restaurants on the street level.
“They thrive on visibility and what’s so critical to them is to have people see their store," Beer told subcommittee members.
In addition to retail, plans call for about 25 condo units to be sold in the Barrister building with more units available in two new buildings right next door.
If the full city council approves, the developer will pay Phoenix $2.28 million and the city will reimburse the developer up to $1.9 million for public infrastructure improvements and historic restoration.
The Jefferson Place project will house 88 condo units featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. Construction is scheduled to begin no later than Dec. 31, 2017, and will be completed within 36 months.
