Phil Hertel: Laveen Planning Committee

By working closely with the community, Champion developed a retail center to be proud of, community planner says. “Some real estate developers kick and scream when community planning councils ask for changes to development plans,” says Phil Hertel, vice-chairman of the planning council in Laveen, Arizona. “But not Champion. They were very cooperative. They went above and beyond our expectations, and voluntarily made many improvements. As a result, we ended up with a retail development everyone in our community will be proud of.” Hertel says he was initially opposed to Champion’s proposed retail development on a prominent corner in Laveen. “They wanted the zoning changed from residential to commercial, and I thought we had too much commercial space already. But Champion listened to all of our input at their first presentation, and returned with some really creative ideas. They incorporated our suggestions, and addressed many of our concerns about noise, parking, and lighting.” The final result, Hertel says, is a development that sets a new benchmark for retail development in the community. “Champion’s project is fresh, high-quality, and simply outstanding. It stands head and shoulders above the developments on the other three corners.” Hertel adds that Champion’s development in Laveen will have a tremendous positive impact on the community. “This project stands at the gateway to our community. Because of its high quality, it will attract top-notch tenants, and lots of high-quality customers. This development sets a new standard that will raise everyone’s expectations about what’s possible in Laveen.” “Because of Champion, and their collaborative approach, we have a retail development that will stand the test of time.”