A Community-Informed Vision for Kierland

This Website is intended to provide the Kierland Community information and updates on the Copper Residences at Kierland Planned Unit Development.

Project Summary and Status

Host Hotels & Resorts, the owner of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, is applying for a Planned Unit Development rezoning of 9 holes of the Westin Kierland’s 27-hole golf course. Based on Community Feedback, Host revised its application on May 13th. Please see the link below to the revised application, as well as an updated conceptual site plan and renderings and answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about the project.

Latest submittal to City of Phoenix

Development Units (DU1 + DU2)

The project is organized into two primary development areas located north and south of Greenway Parkway.

Conceptual Site Plan

Development Unit 1 (DU1)

  • Size: Approximately 16 acres

  • Location: Immediately west of The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

  • Product: Resort-style condominiums and potential condo-hotel uses

  • Maximum Unit Count: Maximum of up to 180 units

Refinements made following community feedback include:

  • Significantly increased building setback

  • Elimination of the previously proposed Clubgate Drive access driveway

  • Continued focus on compatibility with surrounding uses

  • Emphasis on quality architecture, landscaping, and owner-occupied housing

The goal of DU1 is to create a carefully designed residential community that integrates with the resort area while respecting nearby neighborhoods.

Development Unit 2 (DU2)

  • Size: Approximately 56 acres

  • Location: South of Greenway Parkway

  • Product: Collection of high-end ownership neighborhoods

  • Maximum Unit Count: Maximum of up to 314 units

Following initial community feedback, DU2 has been revised to incorporate three subarea plans designed to provide greater certainty, clarity, and to create transitions between surrounding uses:

DU2-A — Townhomes / Duplexes

  • Max height: 2 stories / 30 ft

  • Maximum of 78 units

DU2-B — Detached Single Family

  • Max height: 2 stories / 30 ft

  • Maximum of 148 units

DU2-C — Townhomes / Duplexes

  • Max height: 2 stories and roof deck / 45 ft (including roof deck)

  • Maximum of 88 units

Refinements made following community feedback include:

  • Significantly increased building setback

  • A new 2-acre pocket park and a 5-acre linear park

  • Across DU2, building heights and density have been reduced and clarified in response to community feedback.

  • Revised vehicular access locations to mitigate traffic impacts.

A defining feature of DU2 is its open space corridors and trail network, which support pedestrian connectivity and neighborhood integration.

Conceptual Renderings

DU1 CONDO / HOTEL

DU2-B FOR SALE DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

DU2-C FOR SALE TOWNHOME / DUPLEX

DU2-A FOR SALE TOWNHOME / DUPLEX

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The project proposes rezoning the nine-hole Mesquite golf course to residential uses on property located north and south of Greenway Parkway. The remaining 18 holes of golf, including the Ironwood and Acacia courses, are not part of this proposal and will remain in operation as an 18-hole golf course.

  • Efficient Golf Operations

    The Westin Kierland Golf Club can meet its current and projected operational demand with 18 holes of golf. Transitioning from 27 to 18 holes enables more efficient operations with reduced maintenance, management, and water requirements, while maintaining the long-term viability of the golf club.

    Resort Sustainability

    Redevelopment will support continued reinvestment into the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and Golf Club, helping maintain the property as a premier hospitality and tourism destination for Phoenix.

    Housing Demand

    The Kierland area continues to experience strong demand for high-quality, well-located housing options with premium amenities and walkable access to employment, retail, dining, and resort services.

    Sustainability Benefits

    Redevelopment of the Mesquite course will significantly reduce high-water-use turf and result in infrastructure upgrades, enhanced trails, and new parks. Building housing in an infill location will help mitigate urban sprawl.

  • Based on Community Feedback, the Plan Was Updated To:

    • Expand setbacks and buffering

    • Add substantial open space and park amenities

    • Lowered density and defined subareas 

    • Reduce and clarify building heights in DU2

    • Refine traffic circulation and access points

    • Remove Clubgate Drive access

    • Strengthen development and design standards

  • No. The Westin Kierland Golf Club will continue operating as an 18-hole golf course utilizing the Ironwood and Acacia courses. Only the nine-hole Mesquite course is proposed for redevelopment.

    The revised 18-hole configuration is intended to provide a more efficient long-term golf operation.

  • The current PUD proposal includes the following maximum unit counts:

    • DU1 (North Site): Maximum of 180 units

    • DU2 (South Site): Maximum of 314 units

    • Total: Maximum of 494 units

    DU1 is proposed for upscale resort-style condominium and condo-hotel residential uses. DU2 is proposed for a mix of for-sale single-family detached homes, townhomes, and duplex-style residences.

    Any future site plans will be subject to the City of Phoenix Preliminary Site Plan review process.

  • Pricing will be determined based on market conditions at the time of development. The homes are expected to be positioned competitively with other upscale residential communities in the Kierland and Scottsdale area.

  • The project is proposed as a high-end, for-sale residential community.

    • DU1: Resort-style condominiums and potential condo-hotel uses

    • DU2: For-sale single-family detached homes, duplexes, and townhomes

    The PUD allows flexibility for condo-hotel and hospitality-related uses within DU1, consistent with the adjacent resort environment.

    Also, CC&Rs will stipulate no short-term rentals of less than 6 months for DU-2 units or any DU-1 units that are not part of a condo-hotel operation.

  • Host Hotels & Resorts will establish extensive development standards through the PUD, CC&Rs, architectural controls, and design review requirements to ensure the project is developed to a high-quality standard compatible with the adjacent resort and surrounding community.

    As owner of the adjacent Westin Kierland Resort, Host is highly motivated to ensure the development reflects the quality and character of the Kierland area.

    DU1

    Host may develop DU1 directly, partner with another developer, or sell the property to a qualified development partner.

    DU2

    DU2 is expected to be developed by homebuilders of a caliber similar to those involved in the redevelopment of The Phoenician. Any future builder will be required to comply with the standards established through the PUD and governing CC&Rs.

    All future development applications will remain subject to the City’s public review and Preliminary Site Plan approval process.

  • In response to community feedback, the development plan now includes clearly defined subareas and building height standards.

    DU1

    • Maximum 4 stories

    • Maximum 54 feet

    DU2-A

    • Maximum 2 stories

    • Maximum 30 feet

    • No roof decks permitted

    DU2-B

    • Maximum 2 stories

    • Maximum 30 feet

    • No roof decks permitted

    DU2-C

    • Maximum 2-story building plus roof deck

    • Maximum 45 feet

    • Roof decks permitted

    These revisions were made to create more predictable transitions adjacent to existing neighborhoods.

    Click here to view the conceptual site plan, including building heights.

  • Building setbacks were significantly revised in response to community feedback to create stronger transitions and buffering from adjacent neighborhoods. The development plan includes substantial setbacks, open space corridors, parks, trails, and landscaped buffers to create visual and physical separation from surrounding uses.

    DU1

    Adjacent to streets: 30 feet

    Adjacent to residential uses west: 160 feet

    Adjacent to non-residential uses east: 0 feet

    The 160-foot setback substantially exceeds nearby residential setbacks and creates a major landscaped open-space corridor adjacent to existing condominiums.

    DU2

    Adjacent to 66th Street: 60 feet

    Adjacent to Acoma Drive: 80 feet

    Non-street perimeter setbacks: 10 feet

    Additional separation is provided through parks, trails, landscaped buffers, and open space areas, including:

    New 5-acre linear park along Acoma Drive

    New 2-acre pocket park

    Expanded perimeter setbacks along major streets

    These design changes were specifically incorporated to improve compatibility with surrounding uses.

    Click here to view the conceptual site plan exhibit that includes building setbacks.

  • The Mesquite golf course area will transition from private golf turf to a residential community that incorporates extensive open space, landscaping, trails, parks, and pedestrian amenities.

    The remaining Acacia and Ironwood golf courses will remain in operation.

    The revised PUD includes:

    DU1

    • Minimum 30% open space

    • A minimum 160-foot-wide building setback along the west property boundary

    • Perimeter trails and landscaped open space corridors

    DU2

    • Minimum 20% open space

    • A new 2-acre pocket park

    • A new 5-acre linear park along the south boundary

    • Extensive perimeter trail systems and landscaped open space corridors

    Click here to view the open space exhibit.

  • Yes. The project includes an extensive network of shared-use paths, pedestrian trails, and connections throughout DU1 and DU2.

    The trail system will:

    • Connect DU1 and DU2 through existing underpasses beneath Greenway Parkway

    • Connect to existing public sidewalks and pathways

    • Provide publicly accessible perimeter trail systems

    • Include approximately 12,900 linear feet of community trails and pathways

    • Create improved pedestrian connectivity within the Kierland area

    Perimeter trails will be dedicated to the City in a 20’ easement to ensure these trails remain publicly accessible in perpetuity.

    Click here to view the Trails exhibit.

  • The existing 9-hole Mesquite course is expected to remain operational through January 10, 2028. The Mesquite course is anticipated to officially close beginning January 11, 2028.

    The remaining Ironwood and Acacia courses will continue operating as an 18-hole golf course following the transition.

  • Yes. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) was completed and accepted by the City of Phoenix in October 2025. An additional addendum was also prepared in response to updated access configurations and community feedback.

    Key findings include:

    • Study area expanded to evaluate 15 intersections

    • Existing arterial and collector streets currently operate with available capacity

    • The proposed development is not expected to create significant congestion impacts

    • The project is expected to contribute less than 1% of future roadway volumes in the study area

    • Existing constrained intersections are regional conditions and are not caused by the project

    • Minor signal timing adjustments will be implemented where necessary

    • The revised access plan disperses traffic throughout the site rather than concentrating it at a single location

    The project team will also continue coordinating with the community and the city on potential speed management measures, as appropriate.

    Click here to view supplemental traffic exhibits.

  • The revised circulation plan includes the following primary access locations:

    • Commercial driveway connection near 66th Street and Kierland Village Center

    • 68th Street and Acoma Drive

    • 66th Street and Acoma Drive

    • Westin Kierland Resort main entry drive

    • In response to community feedback, the previously proposed Clubgate Drive access for DU1 was removed.

    Due to site topography, roadway spacing requirements, and City engineering standards, direct vehicular access from Greenway Parkway is not feasible.

    Click here to view the access points exhibit.

  • Yes. The applicant met with the Paradise Valley Unified School District in August 2025. The district confirmed that it has adequate capacity to accommodate the projected number of students generated by the project.

    Nearest schools include:

    • Sandpiper Elementary School

    • Desert Shadows Middle School

    • Horizon High School

    Nearby emergency services include:

    • Phoenix Fire Station #31

    • Desert Horizon Police Precinct

    New residential development will also contribute additional tax revenue and development impact fees that support schools and public services.

  • Yes. Infrastructure improvements associated with redevelopment will be funded by the

    developer as required by the City of Phoenix.

    Potential improvements include:

    • Upsizing approximately 770 linear feet of existing 10-inch sewer line to a 15-inch line along the north side of Greenway Parkway, if determined necessary by the City

    • Replacement of approximately 3,200 linear feet of existing pipe along Sweetwater Avenue with a 24-inch line

    The City’s water and utility providers have confirmed there is adequate capacity to serve the project.

    The redevelopment is also anticipated to significantly reduce water consumption compared to the existing golf course use through reduced turf area and drought-tolerant landscaping.

    Click here to view the sewer plan exhibit.

  • Drainage systems and stormwater retention basins will be designed to meet or exceed City of Phoenix requirements. The development of the project will not have an adverse drainage impact on surrounding properties or cause any additional Special Flood Hazard Zone Areas.

    Proposed stormwater retention volumes will exceed pre-development conditions to offset runoff from the development’s impervious areas. In addition, stormwater leaving the project will be maintained at or below historical levels.

    Click here to view the stormwater exhibit.

  • The project incorporates multiple strategies intended to reduce urban heat island impacts and improve pedestrian comfort.

    These include:

    • Shade requirements for sidewalks, pathways, trails, and parking areas

    • Large canopy shade trees throughout the site

    • Drought-tolerant landscaping

    • Solar-reflective building materials where appropriate

    • Expanded landscaped open space areas and parks

    The PUD also requires shading studies and compliance with applicable Phoenix sustainability standards.

  • Yes. A wildlife study has been completed as part of the planning process.

    Key findings include:

    • The golf course is already a highly modified environment

    • No federally listed endangered species were identified on-site

    • No critical habitat areas were identified within the property

    • The site is not located within a designated wildlife corridor

    • Existing vegetation consists primarily of golf course landscaping and desert-adapted plant material

    The redevelopment also creates opportunities to:

    • Reduce long-term irrigation demand

    • Reduce fertilizer and turf maintenance requirements

    • Expand drought-tolerant landscaping

    • Improve sustainability through water-efficient design

    Environmental compliance and wildlife protection measures will be implemented during construction.

    View the Biological Study summary slide by clicking here.

  • The project is currently undergoing review by the City of Phoenix as part of:

    • A Minor General Plan Amendment

    • A Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning application

    The application is presently in the City review process following the second submittal completed in May 2026.

    Following staff review, the project will proceed through the public hearing process, including:

    1. Paradise Valley Village Planning Committee

    2. Planning Commission

    3. Phoenix City Council

    Additional opportunities for public input will continue throughout the process. Following the rezoning process, each phase of the project will be required to be processed through the preliminary site plan application process for approval of site plans and building architecture.

    Additional opportunities for public input will continue throughout the process. Following the rezoning process, each phase of the project will be required to be processed through the preliminary site plan application process for approval of site plans and building architecture, followed by construction document processing.

    Click here to view the visual project timeline

  • Interested residents can sign up for updates and submit comments through the project website:

    https://www.kierlandcommunity.org/

    The website includes project updates, plans, contact

Community Benefits

This reinvestment brings meaningful benefits to both residents and visitors:

✅ Preserving the Kierland Golf Experience:

  • 18-hole course remains operational

  • More sustainable and efficient long-term golf operation

✅ Parks, Trails & Open Space:

  • 2-acre pocket park

  • 5-acre linear park

  • Publicly accessible trails

  • Expanded open space/setbacks

  • Greenway underpass trail connections

✅ Water Conservation:

  • Reduction in high-water-use turf

  • Drought-tolerant landscaping

  • Modern irrigation systems

  • Long-term water efficiency improvements

✅ Infrastructure Improvements:

  • Sewer upgrades

  • Robust storm retention

✅ Resort Reinvestment:

  • Supports continued investment in the Westin Kierland Resort

  • Protects a major tourism and economic asset for Phoenix

✅ Housing Opportunities:

  • All homes for sale

  • High-quality residential development

  • Walkable community integration

Exhibits

Questions

We believe great communities are built through dialogue — and we want to hear from you.

If you have questions, comments, or ideas about the proposal, please share your feedback directly with the project team using the form below. Your input will help guide refinements and ensure this project reflects the priorities of Kierland residents.