Rising mortgage rates could have a big impact on buying a home when shopping for real estate, economists warn.

Why Buyers May Lose If They Don’t Act Now

The luxurious 21-home brownstone community in downtown Phoenix known as Chateau on Central for more than a decade is now The Arris.

New name, new price for Chateau on Central. Now it’s featuring a multi-million dollar renovation that brings not only a new name, but also completely new interiors and new pricing, starting in the $900s.

Building off its solid foundation, each home within The Arris begins with an unparalleled level of construction quality and is now redesigned to deliver homes with the fresh, modern and vibrant urban lifestyle sought by home buyers today.

This level of quality is paired with inviting new open layouts, and new finish packages featuring: Sollid Cabinetry, Cambria Quartz countertops, Wolf Subzero appliances, Emtek interior hardware, Top Knobs Cabinet Hardware, Cactus Tile and Stone, and Visual Comfort light fixtures to name a few. Homes are 5,200 – 5,800 square feet among five sprawling stories in a traditional brownstone layout. Buyers will have three options to choose from when selecting their home. 

MSI West Investments, LLC acquired The Arris in 2010 and since has invested more than $20 million in the community. They hired A Finer Touch Construction, one of the premier construction firms in Arizona to build out these luxury brownstones.

“We’re excited about infusing new life into this project with a more modern, urban feel and a name that truly represents this community,” said Brad Leavitt, president of AFT. “The Arris, meaning the intersection of two surfaces, couldn’t be a better descriptor for this community. This community truly embodies so many different intersections. Its downtown vibrancy meets upscale living. Its historical roots meet modern lifestyle.”

The former Chateau on Central was built in 2006 and is the only high-end community in the Valley to have so closely replicated Queen Anne style architecture from the late 19th century. Offering an unexpected appearance in downtown Phoenix, The Arris brings the East Coast West with the five-story brick and masonry brownstones on the corner of Palm Lane and Central Avenue. Out of the original 21, there are only 12 remaining homes available for sale. 

“With our work life making us world travelers, we love the easy lock and leave lifestyle The Arris provides,” said Yvette Beaulieu-Kreutzberg, resident at The Arris. “We also can’t beat its location and how it really surrounds us with the culture and vibrancy of urban life. The Arris drew us in not only because of its novel style of vertical living, but also because of its proximity to prime schools.” 

AFT has tapped the experienced, luxury real estate group of Joe Bushong, Chad Christian and Grant Almquist with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty to sell the remaining homes. With a deep knowledge of the downtown and the local luxury markets, the sales team offers a unique perspective on prime luxury property in an urban area. 

“As luxury Realtors who have participated in the sale of many unique downtown historical properties and luxury condos, we are extremely excited and proud to be re-introducing The Arris,” said Almquist. “There is a void of luxury “lock and leave” spacious residences in Downtown Phoenix that The Arris fills. We are seeing more and more young professionals, empty-nesters and even families that want to stylishly take advantage of the awakening urban lifestyle that downtown Phoenix now provides.”

If you are interested in a free consultation to see if buying a Phoenix home is a better option for you, please call or email me today. You may be surprised at what you learn. I have access to programs that offer down-payment assistance with money you do not have to pay back. 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Central or Downtown Phoenix, or just have some questions about anything at all in or about any one of the historic districts in Phoenix, I’d be very happy to help you! Just call or email me anytime.

It’s a celebration of baseball and music, of food and friends, of good times and sunshine in Phoenix. It’s the first-ever Innings Music Festival, scheduled for March 23-25 at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, AZ.

Batter up! Held on the last weekend of spring training baseball here in the Phoenix, AZ Valley, the Innings Festival is jammed with some of the coolest rock ‘n roll bands, alt-country acts and much more.

The music lineup is diverse, from the desert rock of Queens of the Stone Age to the lilting synth-pop of Sylvan Esso and the throwback Valley vibes of the Gin Blossoms. The festival’s three stages will feature great sets from more than 35 artists.

This amazing 3-day event is the perfect weekend entertainment destination for fans of Cactus League Spring Training baseball here in the Valley.

The overall lineup looks incredible – headliners for the three days include Chris Stapleton, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Avett Brothers. Other well-known music acts appearing at Innings Festival are Counting Crows, The Decemberists, Gin Blossoms, Young The Giant, The Head and the Heart and more.

The promoters feel that that the combination of music and baseball is a natural for the warm spring days in the Valley, especially with thousands of visitors here to watch spring training games. Bringing together music fans with baseball fans on a weekend of music is a no-brainer.

But there’s a lot more than music happening that weekend. There will be fun baseball activities like batting cages, speed pitching, and appearances by top MLB baseball players.

Plus, a huge food court will be on premises, featuring celebrity chef demonstrations, led by the Valley’s own Sanctuary chef, Beau MacMillan. He will curate the food at the festival and will lead food demos that highlight different baseball stars and musicians. With more than 20 food tents at the festival, as well as beer, water, and other refreshments, there will surely be enough for everyone!

Click over to Innings Festival Tickets page to buy your tickets.

Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week.

Check out the five exciting events below, and view a complete listing of Tempe events on the Tempe Tourism Office website. Call (480) 894-8158 for more information.

March 7: Spring Training Cinema: Field of Dreams
Hayden Square Amphitheater, Downtown Tempe

March 10: Angels Spring Training: Angels vs. Giants
Tempe Diablo Stadium

March 10-11: Childsplay presents The Snowy Day
Tempe Center for the Arts

March 10-11: Arizona Aloha Festival
Tempe Beach Park

March 10-24: Stray Cat Theatre Presents Gidion’s Knot
Tempe Center for the Arts

Between the Sevens is what it’s called.

Some of Phoenix’s most desirable neighborhoods to live can be found in an area that’s commonly referred to as “between the sevens,” which is the region between Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street throughout Downtown, Midtown and Uptown Phoenix.  

Home to historical neighborhoods like “The Windsor,” prominent office buildings and iconic retail centers, the area between the sevens is also becoming an increasingly attractive place to work and play as new commercial real estate projects take shape, blending modern needs with the area’s rich history.  

The latest projects range from adaptive reuse transformations of a former grocery store and other businesses into multifamily communities or trendy bars and restaurants. It also includes the modernization of older office buildings to meet current standards with lots of natural light, high ceilings, large open floorplates and easy connection to amenities.

Whether its people or companies, everyone is looking for a connected place that’s walkable, vibrant and linked to other amenities and uses, says City of Phoenix Economic Development Director Christine Mackay.  

In addition to providing great transit options such as light rail, buses and the Grid Bike Share program to get around, Midtown and Uptown also boasts incredible dining and shopping options as well as prime office locations for major corporate companies.  

Mackay says the rejuvenation of Midtown started in 2016 when Banner Health moved its corporate headquarters to the Banner Corporate Center on Thomas and Central Avenues.  

Banner retrofitted an old building, bringing it to the 21st century, explains Mackay, which signaled to other large corporate tenants that the area and surrounding communities would support regional and/or national headquarters.  

From there, the 2828 North Central building renovated its bottom floor to include a co-working shared space that’s currently occupied by Mod Phoenix. Meanwhile, the owners of the 2020 On Central building renovated all of its lobbies and shared spaces, which eventually led Facility Source to lease office space.  

“Those three things really set the stage for other building owners to come in and start making dramatic changes,” Mackay says.  

Now, Midtown is experiencing office renovations across the board because so many of the existing buildings were constructed in the 1970s and 80s.  

Mackay also describes an incredible and growing demand to live in Midtown and Uptown. “It’s cultured. It has night life, distinctive dining and pretty much everything is local. It’s exactly what people are looking for today,” she says. 

In addition to new office product and multifamily units, the area between the sevens has also seen a surge in new retail projects as it’s becoming more widely well-known as a foodie hotspot with an eclectic and tasty mix for restaurants and bars.  

Mackay says, “The restaurants, culture and nightlife is really what’s drawing people into this Central City to live.” In fact, she says, there are not less than 100 restaurants in that area for people to choose from.  

Mackay points to the success of projects like The Yard, along Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue, as an example of the pent-up demand for restaurants nearby, which has spurred other retail and dining destinations to follow like The Colony, built by LGE Design Build in 2016.  

Looking ahead throughout Midtown, Mackay says, the renovations of Park Central Mall is “the last missing piece before the area returns to full throttle.” Meanwhile in Uptown, she predicts, the completion of Arrive Phoenix will “really prove the market and show what a destination hotel looks like in that area.”  

ARRIVE Phoenix

DEVELOPER: Vintage Partners; Venue Projects 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Venue Projects 

ARCHITECT: Arrive Hotel & Restaurants  

LOCATION: 400 & 444 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix  

SIZE: 45,000 SF; 79-rooms 

VALUE: $20M 

START/COMPLETION: Q1 2018 – Q4 2018 

Located at what’s been called the Valley’s “hottest intersection” by the Urban Land Institute of Arizona, the project transforms a trio of mid-century gems into Uptown Phoenix’s newest dining, entertainment and urban hotel hub.

The two-acre site will also host a boutique coffee shop, poolside taco bar, gourmet ice creamery, and nautical-themed rooftop craft cocktail bar featuring 360-degree city views. For the project, Vintage Partners teamed up with Venue Projects, the visionary developers behind The Newtown and other successful adaptive reuse projects like Windsor/Churn and The Orchard along Central Avenue. 

First Place-Phoenix

DEVELOPER: First Place AZ 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: hardison/downey construction 

ARCHITECT: RSP Architects  

LOCATION: 3001 N. Third St., Phoenix  

SIZE: 81,525 SF; 56-units 

VALUE: $15M 

START/COMPLETION: January 2017 – March 2018 

The $15 million residential property for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities will be a first-of-its-kind facility that First Place AZ plans to expand into a worldwide model. First Place AZ Founder, President and CEO Denise Resnik started the nonprofit to ensure that housing and community options are as bountiful for people with autism and other neuro-diversities as they are for everyone else. The project provides a one-of-a-kind approach that combines apartments, a residential training program and a national leadership institute to advance more independent and community integrated living options. 

The Curve at Melrose

DEVELOPER: P.B. Bell 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: M.T. Builders 

ARCHITECT: Studio 15 Architecture Inc. 

LOCATION: 4333 N. Sixth Dr., Phoenix 

SIZE: 204-units; 308,618 SF 

START/COMPLETION: August 2016 – Early 2018 

The Curve will consist of 204-luxury apartments in a vibrant and eclectic urban Melrose District neighborhood positioned within walking distance of Indian Steele Park, light rail as well as numerous locally owned shops and restaurants. Included in the property’s luxury amenities are several that were selected by public vote in 2015, which include a resort-style pool and spa along with an outdoor kitchen and gas grills. P.B. Bell also worked with the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association on plans to reserve three display windows at the property to spotlight community-curated work and displays. 

The Osborn

DEVELOPER: Trammell Crow Company; High Street Residential 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Chasse Building Team 

ARCHITECT: ESG Architects 

LOCATION: SWC of Seventh Avenue & Osborn Road, Phoenix 

SIZE: 190-units; 45,000 SF (retail) 

START/COMPLETION: July 2017 – August 2019 

The Osborn is a mixed-use grocery anchored retail shopping center and multifamily development. The project sits on a 5.96-acre site located in the heart of Midtown Phoenix where the city’s oldest Bashas’ grocey store, originally built in 1956, used to be located. The site benefits from immediate adjacency to many major employers, desirable affluent neighborhoods, abundance of social venues and high visibility with over 50,000 vehicles passing per day. 

Uptown Plaza

DEVELOPER: Vintage Partners 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Kitchell 

ARCHITECT: Nelsen Partners 

LOCATION: 100 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix 

SIZE: 116,787 SF 

START/COMPLETION: 2014 – June 2016 

The Valley’s first retail center located outside of Downtown Phoenix is being restored to its former glory and street appeal as a result of wall-to-wall renovations over the last three years. The property’s renovation aims to restore this iconic shopping center — originally constructed in 1955 by the Del Webb Co. — to its stylish brick-lined, mid-century roots and appeal. The 11-acre renovation includes restoring the original brick façade, adding new landscaping and successfully securing a variety of local, regional and national tenants like Shake Shack, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Huss Brewing Company’s flagship taproom, Creamistry, Flower Child and more. The latest phase included updates to the exterior of AJ’s Fine Foods. 

The Grid

DEVELOPER: ABI Multifamily 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Alexander Building Company 

ARCHITECT: Corgan 

LOCATION: 5227 N. Seventh St., Phoenix 

SIZE: 16,281 SF 

VALUE: $3M 

START/COMPLETION: Q4 2017 – Q2 2018 

The two-story adaptive reuse project will transform the former Uptown Phoenix office building into a refreshed Class A office for ABI Multifamily on the top floor and co-working space on the first floor. A large multipurpose room will be used for entertaining, training and a yoga room open to the community. The design repurposed raw industrial materials, while still maintaining a sleek modern feel. In addition, a perforated metal canopy and second skin will be added to create new dynamic exterior spaces while protecting the building from the harsh summer sun of the desert. 

Dignity Health Third Avenue Parking Garage Expansion

DEVELOPER: Dignity Health 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JE Dunn Construction 

ARCHITECT: GLHN Architects & Engineers  

LOCATION: 2929 N. Third Ave., Phoenix 

SIZE: 177,000 SF 

VALUE: $11M 

START/COMPLETION: December 2017 – July 2018 

While the area’s public transit options like buses, light rail and Grid bikes have made commutes easier, parking is often a top-concern for companies and tenants considering a move to the Central City. That’s why the Dignity Health’s St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix is embarking on a campus-wide parking solution that will add approximately 500 new spaces. 

Park Central

DEVELOPER: Plaza Companies; Holualoa Companies 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: DPR Construction 

ARCHITECT: richärd+bauer architecture 

LOCATION: 3121 N. Third Ave., Phoenix 

SIZE: 337,000 SF 

VALUE: $57M 

START/COMPLETION: Q4 2017 – Fall 2018 

“Our goal is to transform Park Central into a truly innovative and exceptional work environment for companies in the ‘New Economy,’” says Sharon Harper, president and CEO of Plaza Companies, which also led the the successful transformation of the Los Arcos Mall in Scottsdale into the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center – SkySong. As Phoenix’s first-ever mall, Park Central benefits from an exceptional location and unique retail history. In total, 337,000 square feet will be revitalized into several distinct districts, each with its own identity.  

If you are interested in a free consultation to see if buying a Phoenix home is a better option for you, please call or email me today. You may be surprised at what you learn. I have access to programs that offer down-payment assistance with money you do not have to pay back. 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Central or Downtown Phoenix, or just have some questions about anything at all in or about any one of the historic districts in Phoenix, I’d be very happy to help you! Just call or email me anytime.

COMING SOON: 1409 E HOOVER AVENUE, PHOENIX, AZ 85006 IN THE WONDERFUL CORONADO HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD

The Coronado Historic Neighborhood In Phoenix Booming! It’s one of the most coveted neighborhoods in all of Central and Downtown Phoenix Historic Districts.

This FANTASTIC 1947 Mid-Century Transitional Ranch home just kisses the outer border of Coronado historic district in a prime location with superior curb appeal! This 1,450 SF classic 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home PLUS a 240 square foot detached studio/workshop was literally gutted down to the studs and rebuilt & remodeled from the inside out!

All new wiring IN the walls, new electrical panel, new copper plumbing, new period thermo paned windows, new drywall, new flooring, new ductwork, new kitchen, new bathrooms, master bedroom walk-in closet, new roof, new flooring, new stucco exterior, new paint, new 12-foot sliding solar clicker RV gate & solar attic fan. You should see all the amazing new construction and rehabs happening on this street alone, let alone the entire Coronado neighborhood!

The all new kitchen with Emerald Pearl granite counter tops, antique white cabinets with white, subway tile back-splash, ALL NEW high-end stainless steel Whirlpool Gold/Maytag appliances (range hood, dishwasher & fridge) and a Frigidaire Gallery 5-burner, dual oven with convection oven are a cooks dream.

The custom, glass French doors with additional side French windows brings in natural light and opens up to a very large backyard with professionally done gorgeous desert landscaping with a perfect grass combo.

Some additional features include the sliding solar clicker RV gate which is ready for two 110 Volt auxiliary hook-ups; 3 220-Volt outlets throughout property including the studio, new gas hot water heater, and SO much more.

This home has been gently lived in and impeccably maintained. All work done by licensed, bonded & insured contractors.

More details & professional photos coming soon!

Coronado Historically Modern Home Tour In Phoenix, AZ is Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at Coronado Park – 1717 N 12th Street, Phoenix 85006

The Coronado Neighborhood Association welcomes you to the “Coronado Historically Modern Tour.” Once again, we will gather at Coronado Park to enjoy food, music, a lively street fair and homes open to tour.

The Coronado Neighborhood Association welcomes you to the 2018 Coronado Home Tour. Once again, we will gather at Coronado Park and enjoy food surrounded by music, a lively street fair and historically modern homes open to tour.

Visit historical homes in Revival, Norman and Bungalow styles in the Coronado Historic District near downtown Phoenix in this tour’s 31st year. A street fair featuring local vendors, food trucks, bicycles and classic cars is part of the celebration. 

The District PHX Street Fair and entertainment stage at Coronado Park are FREE for all to enjoy!

This year’s tour will highlight both homes with a preserved history and ones that are fully renovated. Coronado is home to many types of architecture including Craftsman and and California Bungalows, Spanish and Pueblo Revival, Tudor style homes and Early / Transitional Ranch style homes, among others. 

VEHICLE PARKING: Coronado is a residential neighborhood, so you may park in front of any home throughout the area and walk to Coronado Park (two blocks north of McDowell Rd. between 12th and 13th Streets). Please be courteous of residents and do not block driveways.

BIKE PARKING: We encourage you to ride your bike to the event. There will be several bike racks available at Coronado Park and one in front of each location on the tour so you can lock your bike up. Please make sure to pick up your bike by 4pm.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. Coronado Park, 1717 N. 12th St., Phoenix. $15 online until Feb. 24, $20 day of; free for children under 18. thecoronadoneighborhood.com.

10 AM – 4 PM Coronado Home Tour
10 AM – 4 PM “The District PHX” Street Fair
11 AM – 3 PM Free entertainment stage

50+ local vendors, food trucks and live entertainment

Ticket Information

Adults – $20 Day of (advance tickets available for $15 until February 24th, 2018) Kids (under 18) – FREE

Pick up your wrist band (your pass to the homes on tour) and Tour Guide at the ticket booth in Coronado Park.

A Neighborhood That’s a True Community

Located in Midtown Phoenix, the Coronado neighborhood (often referred to as Greater Coronado) covers over 1-3/4 square miles (just under 1200 acres) and includes around 4,000 households. Three historic districts – Brentwood, Coronado and Country Club Park – make up much of the neighborhood. Hundreds of small businesses thrive on the neighborhood’s periphery.

The western side of Coronado was constructed largely between 1920 and 1930 and reflects the California Bungalow and Spanish Colonial Revival building styles; the northern side is predominantly ranch styles common of the 1940’s. Throughout the neighborhood you will find the occasional contemporary infill home. Much of our neighborhood falls within the Phoenix Historic Preservation zoning guidelines.

The Coronado neighborhood is centrally located and has direct access to major freeways, is within close proximity of the Phoenix downtown & Central Corridor, the “arts district”, the light rail line, and three major hospitals.

The Coronado Neighborhood Association, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit was established in May 1985 and has been serving the neighborhood for over 30 years.

If you are interested in a free consultation to see if buying a Phoenix home is a better option for you, please call or email me today. You may be surprised at what you learn. I have access to programs that offer down-payment assistance with money you do not have to pay back. 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Central or Downtown Phoenix, or just have some questions about anything at all in or about any one of the historic districts in Phoenix, I’d be very happy to help you! Just call or email me anytime.

Willo Historic Neighborhood, one of Downtown Phoenix’s first historic suburbs, will host its home tour and street fair on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018.

An Example of an English Tudor In Willo Historic District

The tour invites visitors to explore a variety of architectural home styles, including Tudor, Spanish Revival, Bungalow and Ranch, constructed from the 1920’s through the 1940’s.

The street fair at the event will offer handcrafted goods, unusual gift ideas, jewelry, antiques and local artwork. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden and music, including a dueling piano bar.

“Willo Home tour offers the community a chance to see a historic part of Phoenix,” Tour Chairman Don Vallejo said. “It will also give people a chance to see the renovations and what the future holds for the city.”

To make the 30th anniversary tour special, Willo partnered with The District PHX, a real estate company that has helped put on other local home tours in the past.

“Willo is one of the coolest historic neighborhoods in the city,” said Brett Borinstein, The District PHX community relations manager. “The pride of the home owners is obvious, and we’re excited to work with them.

The fair opens at 9:00 a.m. and the tour starts an hour later.

Parking is available at the parking garage located at 1st Avenue and Holly. Guests are also welcome to park in any available location within the neighborhood. Trolleys will be continually running throughout the day.

“This is our first year working with Willo,” Borinstein said. “But I know they’re expecting their biggest and best one yet.”

If you go

What: 30th Anniversary Willo Home Tour

When: Sunday, Feb. 11. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street fair opens at 9 a.m.

Tickets: $18 Advance tickets and information on the Feb 10 Twilight Tour and Willo Affair can be found here.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Central or Downtown Phoenix, or just have some questions about anything at all in or about any one of the historic districts in Phoenix, I’d be very happy to help you! Just call or email me anytime.

The Willo Historic Home Tour will Flaunt Its History

The Willo historic home tour 2018 will show off its history and charm of downtown Phoenix’s historical neighborhood and will be on display at its 30^th Anniversary home tour & street fair.Sponsored by The District PHX, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 11 in the historic Willo Historic Neighborhood, attendees can view 13 historic residences and a fire station museum.

The street fair features a classic car show, beer/wine garden, live music, food trucks and more than 80 vendors. Advanced tickets are $18 and can be purchased at WilloPhx.com or on-site the day of the event.

Visitors to the Willo Historic District will experience a variety of architectural styles including Bungalow, Tudor Revival, Greek Revival, American Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Pueblo Revival and Ranches.

The Willo neighborhood is located between Seventh and First Avenues, north of McDowell and south of Thomas. Once considered the suburbs of Phoenix, Willo is comprised of 22 subdivisions developed by various entrepreneurs from the early 1900s through the 1940s.

“Now at 30 years, the Willo Historic Home Tour is Phoenix’s largest and longest running historic home tour, reflecting an enormous amount of pride Willo residents continue to have for their neighborhood,” said Don Vallejo, co-chair of the 2018 Willo Home Tour Committee.

“This all-volunteer festival represents our main fundraising activity for the non-profit Willo Historic Neighborhood, providing funds for neighborhood events, improvements and beautification.”

The District PHX is the main event sponsor and helps foster the collaboration between neighbors and investors to restore, improve and revitalize the charm of Phoenix neighborhoods. The organization works with homeowners who need or want to sell their home quickly, regardless of the reason.

At the same time, The District PHX helps neighbors protect their most important asset, their home, by revitalizing or rebuilding the property completely in harmony with the existing neighborhood. 

WHAT: 30^th Anniversary Willo Historic Home Tour

WHEN:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 11, 2018

WHERE:  3^rd Avenue and Monte Vista Road in the Willo Historic Neighborhood, Phoenix

TICKETS:  $18 in advance at WilloPhx.com and $20 at the event. Admission to the Street Fair is free.

For tickets, as well as more information on the event and the Willo Historic District, visit www.willophx.com. For more formation on The DistrictPHX, visit www.thedistrictphx.com.