Jeff Cline, the developer for the Chandler Elevation project, is facing more problems.  According to the Arizona Republic:

A crane was operating and men were working Friday on the long-idle Elevation Chandler high-rise, giving the appearance that construction had resumed on the stalled hotel project.

But instead of adding to the building shell, workers were actually removing pieces – taking down scaffolding and dismantling wooden frames on the seventh and eighth floors that had been awaiting a concrete pour since spring.

The work was prompted by a letter Chandler sent to developer Jeff Cline expressing concern about the safety and security of the site, which has been idle since April.

A drive by the worksite this morning showed that not only was the scaffolding being taken down, but that the lower floors were being stripped by workmen as well.  In spite of this though, Jeff Cline reiterated his commitment to the project to the Republic.

Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn said Friday that he and City Manager Mark Pentz plan to meet with Cline on Monday for an update on the project and to see if Cline plans to continue as the developer.

In an e-mail to the Arizona Republic on Friday, Cline said he is continuing as the owner and that neither he nor anyone else has backed out of the project. His short e-mail concluded by saying, "Great to see some things going at the site."

The project, just south of the Chandler Fashion Center, was intended to be a 10-story hotel-condominium tower called Renaissance ClubSport, a new Marriott brand.

Since work stopped, Weitz and the subcontractors have recorded mechanic’s liens worth $5.8 million because Cline has not paid them. The reasons for lack of payment have not been revealed but are widely believed to be related to problems with financing.

Housingdoom has reported on the Chandler Elevation project in the past, since it stopped work in May.  (July 3, and July 30)   The project appears to have fallen victim to the condominium glut the Valley is currently facing.  This may put a damper on other projects planned for the East Valley.

East Valley cities and developers have been enthusiastically embracing a number of proposed condominium projects.  Perhaps everyone involved should stop by the Chandler Elevation project at the corner of the San Tan Freeway and the 101.  They could watch the crane, and the workers, and reconsider.

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