By: The city and Arizona State University are moving ahead with a new proposal to locate the university's School of Journalism in a yet-to-be built structure on the northern end of downtown.
A plan to locate the journalism school in a signature high-rise development in downtown Phoenix has collapsed, marking the first major setback in the ongoing effort for the Tempe-based university to create a campus in downtown Phoenix.
But Phoenix and university officials said last week that they still hope to move the media-based college and a public television station off the Tempe campus by fall 2008.
??One way or another it's going to be down here and open,'' said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
Officials have less than 24 months to select a developer, design and construct the property and get it ready for move-in.
??If we can't get this building ready to roll by sometime in November, then no, (having it ready by fall 2008) isn't realistic,'' said City Councilman Tom Simplot.
The new campus opened this month and initially will serve as home to the College of Nursing, the College of Public Programs and the University College.
The journalism school is considered the most crucial component of the new campus' second phase, in part because it boasts an enrollment of nearly 1,800 students.
Most of those are undergraduates who are more likely to live in downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix officials had hoped to locate the school in a mixed-use project that would include retail, residential and office space, as well as onsite parking.
The project was touted by leaders as a signature development, and a gateway to the rest of the campus.
But the project came in significantly over budget, and there were concerns it couldn't be completed in time.
The city now plans to put the school two blocks north on city-owned land.
Ten companies have sent documentation to the city expressing interest in building the project. A selection is expected in November.
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