Buyer looks to include nearby eatery in project

 

A developer who won the bid Monday for 17 acres of state trust land near Pinnacle Peak is reportedly interested in a project that would include another nearby Scottsdale landmark.

Combining the state land with the 51-year-old Pinnacle Peak Patio restaurant makes sense for a residential or commercial development, said Bob Vairo, president of the Coalition of Pinnacle Peak, a north Scottsdale neighborhood group.

"It sounds like it's headed in the right direction, but we would like to know the details," said Vairo, who was briefed by Scottsdale officials on the developer's plans.

John Wanninger of JTW PPR LLC, which picked up the state land Monday for the minimum bid of $12.75 million, declined comment on his plans for the state land southeast of Pinnacle Peak.

Pinnacle Peak Patio, a Western steakhouse that celebrated 50 years in business in June 2007, is one of Scottsdale's oldest restaurants. But suburban sprawl has infringed on its Old West ambiance and collection of clipped-off neckties.

Pinnacle Peak Patio officials did not return calls.

Vairo, said he had not heard of anyone rallying to support the steakhouse.

The coalition tracked the auction because of its potential impact on Pinnacle Peak Park, a popular hiking and climbing spot in northern Scottsdale, which has seen more than 1 million visitors since it reopened in 2002.

Scottsdale is interested in using a portion of the state land to maintain access to the park's trails. The city needs additional parking to accommodate the flood of visitors who hike the park's 1.75-mile trail.

John Little, Scottsdale's acting city manager, said the city is in a "very good place" to get the parking it wants for Pinnacle Peak Park.

The developer will need Scottsdale's approval of a site plan for any project and "will want to work with the city," Little said.

The Arizona State Land Department identified the property as a resort site, but it could also be used for other commercial and residential uses.

Developer Wanninger is also at work on a hotel and condominium project northeast of Camelback and Scottsdale roads known as Waterview at Scottsdale.

No other bidders showed up at Monday's state land auction to acquire the Pinnacle Peak site. The land sold for $758,477 per acre. Land Commissioner Mark Winkleman was pleased with the deal.

"It ends the (fiscal) year on a high note with two successful auctions at a time when real estate is struggling," he said.