Category Archives: Luxury Homes

Phoenix among top housing markets to watch in 2019

2019 Housing Market Outlook In Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix will be one of the top housing markets to watch in 2019, according to a report from real estate website Trulia.

Phoenix top housing marketsThe analysis, released Thursday, highlights the 10 markets poised for growth in the coming year. Phoenix ranks No. 7 on the list, just behind Fresno, California and ahead of Columbia, South Carolina. Colorado Springs, Colorado topped the rankings.

Trulia examined the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, measuring each on five metrics including job growth over the past year, vacancy rates, starter home affordability and percentage of the population under age 35.

The Valley’s strong job growth, 2.9 percent, in the past year, along with starter home affordability and low vacancy rates helped the market attain its spot in the rankings. According to Trulia, residents in Phoenix spend just 33.7 percent of their income on housing, which signals strong starter home affordability in the market. The Valley also has a ratio of 1.3 of inbound vs. outbound searches on Trulia’s website. That means more people are interested in moving to the market than those searching to move away.

Trulia’s report also zeroed in on the hottest neighborhoods in each top market. In the Valley, it’s Agritopia in Gilbert, which saw home values appreciate 14.6 percent year over year. Homes in the neighborhood also saw the average number of days on market drop by 18 days, according to Trulia.

As the local economy has continued to add jobs and grow, the housing market around Phoenix has seen a healthy year in 2018. Several homebuilders have scooped up land for new communities and restarted once-dormant projects to meet demand. A recent housing study found existing home prices climbed nearly 6 percent in October.

Millennial’s are said to be some of the hottest first-time homebuyers in Phoenix.

Growth (Rank) Vacancy Rate (Rank) Share of Income Needed
to Afford Median Priced Starter Home (Rank)
Ratio of Inbound-to-Outbound Home Searches on Trulia (Rank) Share of Population Under 35 (Rank) Overall Score
1 Colorado Springs, Colo. 3.3% (8) 4.8% (35) 35.4% (63) 1.8 (17) 23.6% (8) 26.2
2 Grand Rapids, Mich. 2.0% (22) 3.7% (16) 23.2% (34) 1.1 (41) 21.7% (30) 28.6
3 Jacksonville, Fla. 2.0% (24) 4.2% (26) 23.4% (35) 2.4 (7) 20.7% (52) 28.8
4 Bakersfield, Calif. 0.6% (56) 6.4% (68) 14.3% (6) 2.3 (8) 23.1% (12) 30.0
5 Austin, Texas 2.5% (14) 3.4% (12) 45.0% (79) 1.1 (47) 24.4% (4) 31.2
6 Fresno, Calif. 1.6% (32) 3.5% (13) 47.1% (81) 1.6 (22) 22.6% (16) 32.8
7 Phoenix, Ariz. 2.9% (9) 4.0% (20) 33.7% (59) 1.3 (32) 20.9% (47) 33.4
8 Columbia, S.C. 0.4% (69) 6.1% (63) 13.7% (5) 2.1 (12) 22.3% (20) 33.8
9 El Paso, Texas 1.0% (51) 5.5% (48) 33.5% (58) 2.4 (6) 23.2% (11) 34.8
10 Oklahoma City, Okla. 2.0% (20) 6.9% (76) 21.1% (27) 1.3 (33) 22.3% (21) 35.4
Note: Rankings from among the 100 largest metros.

Whether you’re looking to buy a single-family home in Phoenix, AZ, a Historic Phoenix home, or, If the condo lifestyle is something you’re considering, or, if it’s all you can afford now, please give me a call for  free, no obligation consultation. I specialize and LOVE working with first-time homebuyers and am am FIRM believer that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION. I’ll take all the time with you that you need!

Downtown Phoenix Growing Popularity is Pricing Out Many Residents

Downtown Phoenix growth

Downtown Phoenix’s Metro housing boom is blanketing the area with thousands of new apartments and condominiums.

Downtown Phoenix growth is pricing out residents with 1000s of apartments shutting the door on some who want to live in historic PHX homes.

But the rents and prices for the new homes will shut the door on some who want to live in the area. and home prices in historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Phoenix are soaring as the area becomes more popular, further limiting Metro Phoenix potential buyers.

“It’s heartbreaking that the teachers and those working in the area’s hotels and cafes can’t afford to live in downtown,” said Cindy Dach, downtown Phoenix proponent, resident and business owner. “The area won’t be diverse unless we plan housing for everyone.”

Some affordable housing is planned in the city’s core, but not enough, say housing advocates. Building affordable housing in the area is tough due to rising land prices.

“We need the entire spectrum of housing in downtown Phoenix,” said Patricia Garcia Duarte, CEO of the housing non-profit Trellis. “Many people forget affordable housing is needed to create a healthy community.”

Luxury, luxury and more luxury in Metro Phoenix Phoenix, AZ

Most of the 8,000 apartments recently built, underway or planned in downtown Phoenix are in luxury complexes with rents higher than the average Valley mortgage.

The average apartment rent in downtown Phoenix is $1,608, according to ABI Multifamily. The average apartment rent for a one bedroom for the entire city of Phoenix is $1,050.

Millennial Adrian Zaragoza rented in downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row neighborhood for five years before buying a new condo in the area’s Portland on the Park development last year.

“I saw rents rising, and the chance to buy a condo before those prices climbed too,” he said.

Zaragoza said all of the new development going on downtown “is exciting,” but he’s glad to be his own landlord and not dealing with rent hikes.

If too many apartments go up and don’t fill up fast, rents could fall in downtown Phoenix.

Also, though rents are high in downtown Phoenix, they are still $50 to $100 lower a month than rents in downtown Scottsdale and Tempe.

Can you still find an affordable house In Phoenix, AZ?

Aysia Williams and Benjamin Hughes rented in Phoenix’s Woodland Historic District, on the western edge of downtown, for about a year before trying to buy their first home.

“We fell in love with the area, but saw prices and rents climbing fast,” Williams said. “We knew we wanted to buy, but there was a lot of competition for the houses we liked.”

Woodland is part of the 85007 ZIP code, one of central Phoenix’s more affordable neighborhoods. The area, which has also attracted many investors, saw its overall median home price climb 10 percent to more than $192,000 in 2017. Sales in the area jumped nearly 20 percent last year.

The couple’s house, for which they paid less than $250,000 a few months ago, was never even listed for sale. They were renting in the neighborhood and searching for a home they could afford when they met a longtime homeowner who didn’t want to sell to an investor.

People talk about the gentrification of central Phoenix pricing too many first-time homebuyers out. Buyers can still find affordable homes if they look hard enough.

Home prices in most other historic neighborhoods around downtown Phoenix are much higher. Prices in nearby the nearby Roosevelt historic district and Willo historic neighborhood can easily top $500,000.

Housing downtown workers can afford

Phoenix Housing Director Cindy Stotler said downtown Phoenix has 1,001 affordable units which is more than most people realize.

The issue is that those units are reserved under federal law for “very low-income” individuals who have a median annual income of  $14,000-$38,000.

Stotler said the real downtown housing gap is in “workforce housing,” for middle-income individuals who make $38,000-$48,000 annually. These individuals would have to pay nearly 50 percent of their income to afford living in market-rate housing downtown which is not reasonable or sustainable, she said.

“To me, the area that we’re missing in downtown is the working people’s housing. And people who are not like a lawyer or something and making a lot of money, but they’re just average working people,” she said. “There’s no regular housing for them. We’re not building that.”

To get workforce housing downtown, the city likely won’t be able to rely on traditional developers, Stotler said.

Land prices are high, which makes it difficult for developers to offer middle-income rents and still turn a profit on their projects, she said.

Garcia Duarte said financing is also difficult for more affordable housing, which deters some developers from building it. 

Stotler is looking to city-owned land in downtown as a possible solution to this issue. She hopes to find developers or non-profit groups that may be able to build middle-income housing on these lots.  

Affordable housing to market-rate

Phoenix’s housing department owns and operates three affordable housing properties in the downtown core.

  • Deck Park Vista: Located at Third and Moreland streets, Deck Park Vista has 56 subsidized senior apartments. The average household income is $17,848 and only two of the units qualify as workforce housing.
  • Ambassador West: This complex located near Van Buren Street and Fifth Avenue has 102 units. The average household income is $24,159 and only 28 of the units qualify as workforce housing.
  • Reflections on Portland: This small, 18-unit complex at Second and Portland streets has five workforce housing units. The average household income is $35,245.

Stotler would like to take some of the city’s housing projects and redevelop them as denser projects with more units available for middle-income households.

For example, Deck Park Vista is a garden-style apartment complex with just 56 units on two acres of land. Stotler said she could fit between 200-400 units on the land.

“It’s a poorly designed project for the downtown,” she said.

Stotler said the city has 10 other senior housing options across Phoenix, including some near downtown, like the Warehouse District, where the current residents could be moved to accommodate a new multistory project on the land with 200 workforce units and 50 affordable units.

Financing the project won’t be easy. While the city gets federal assistance to provide low-income housing, there are far fewer resources to build and provide middle-income housing, Stotler said.

“That’s where I’m struggling right now, is where we can get the funding to build all these workforce units,” Stotler said.

Pressure to build affordable In Phoenix, AZ

In most large cities, particularly those on the East Coast, it’s common practice to require developers who build market-rate housing to contribute to an affordable housing trust fund, which allows the city to build affordable housing.

Phoenix can’t do this. State law prohibits cities from creating such trust funds, Stotler said.

Instead, the city council can, and has, put pressure on developers to include a percentage of affordable or workforce housing in its projects if they want special perks from the city like a tax break or extra height.

Recently, the developer of an apartment project planned at the Arizona Center agreed to reserve 10 percent of its 354 planned units for workforce housing in exchange for a tax break.

Whether you’re looking to buy a single-family home in Phoenix, AZ, a Historic Phoenix home, or, If the condo lifestyle is something you’re considering, or, if it’s all you can afford now, please give me a call for  free, no obligation consultation. I specialize and LOVE working with first-time homebuyers and am am FIRM believer that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION. I’ll take all the time with you that you need!

TAPESTRY ON CENTRAL LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT – MIDTOWN PHOENIX

FOR RENT AT TAPESTRY ON CENTRAL IN DOWNTOWN/MIDTOWN PHOENIX- Only $1,350/mo. 16 W Encanto Blvd., Unit 407 Phoenix, AZ 85003

rent,tapestry,condo,central,ave,poolside,downtown,midtown,luxury,condominium,neighborhood,area,realtorCheck out this FANTASTIC & immaculate POOLSIDE LUXURY condo OPEN FLOORPLAN with the balcony overlooking the pool in a MIDTOWNDowntown Central Phoenix location that just can’t be beat!

Literally just STEPS away from the Encanto Light Rail stop, and, borders the Willo Historic District, this pristine condo is a perfect place to call home. Water, sewer & trash included in rent along with INCREDIBLE amenities this complex at Tapestry on Central has to offer:

Resort-like heated lap pool & jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Dry Sauna, huge clubhouse w/full kitchen, exterior gas grills/BBQ area, private movie theater room, underground, secure, gated parking garage & perfectly manicured grounds. Walk or Light Rail to fabulous restaurants, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, US Airways, Chase Ballpark, Symphony Hall, Herberger, Orpheum Theater & more!

VERY Large Master Bedroom with His & Hers closets leads to both the living room, the bathroom AND the living room AND your private Balcony! Full Master Bathroom with Separate Tower & Tub PLUS Walk-In Shower AND Dual Sinks.

The kitchen has gorgeous granite countertops, Dishwasher, Disposal, GAS OVEN & Built-In Microwave & Fridge. Washer & Dryer INSIDE Unit with added laundry cabinets!. Front Entry Closet & pantry also gives plenty of room for your coats & food! Fob entry access to ALL amenities give this luxury condo all you can desire in a luxury condo complex!

Downtown Phoenix Skyline Changing Thanks to Housing Construction, Jobs

Downtown Phoenix Skyline Changing

The downtown Phoenix skyline in the downtown region is changing rapidly, thanks in large part to thousands of new apartments being built as well as scores of new tech jobs landing in the area.

The downtown area is receiving a boost from 2,000 apartments that have been finished during the past two years and will get another 3,000 during the next few years, according to a story from Azfamily.com.

Downtown Phoenix SkylineBuilding high-rise apartments and condos started prior to the Great Recession, with towers such as 44 Monroe on the northeast corner of First Avenue and Monroe Street. But that building came to a halt as the real estate economy cratered.

Two apartment complexes, the Stewart and the Link, both under construction, will bring roughly 569 apartments to downtown within the next two years.

During the past few years, more apartments have come online, and current building is slated to add more than 10,000 apartments during the next year.

The continued rise of Phoenix as a place to live is fueled by an increasing number of technology and other jobs in downtown. The city has more than 300 tech firms within the downtown area which also are surrounded by amazing Historic Districts, compared with 67 in 2012, according to city officials.

If the condo lifestyle is something you’re considering, or, if it’s all you can afford now, please give me a call for  free, no obligation consultation. I specialize and LOVE working with first-time homebuyers and am am FIRM believer that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION. I’ll take all the time with you that you need! 

OPEN HOUSE AT REGENCY ON CENTRAL IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX UNIT 2001

This Saturday, from 1pm-3pm, Laura Boyajian, Listing Agent and REALTOR for Unit 2001, is holding another open house for residents and the general public at the Regency House, also known as Regency on Central.

This newly designated historic high-rise sits in Ashland Place Historic District and is just flat out stunning!

Come to 2323 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 In Midtown Phoenix and say HELLO! MLS # 5782288

OPEN HOUSE AT REGENCY ON CENTRALThe first one was a huge success and SO much fun! Many of you came & met for the first time, and others who knew each other hung out, drank wine together and chatted like a fun party!

Come check out the MARVELOUS views of this 20th floor unit from one of the TWO balconies, and, check out the amazing, timeless, stylish and highest-of-end remodel possible!

great room,living,regency house,central,district,phoenix,az,agent,real,estate,downtownThe views from this unit in the sky are absolutely incredible and we hope you’ll join us for some wine & Hors d’oeuvres. For more information, feel free to call Laura Boyajian anytime at 602.400.0008. We look forward to meeting you!

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. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!

Arcadia Home Once Considered for Governor’s Mansion Sells for $3.875M

A home in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood that once was considered for the Arizona governor’s mansion recently sold for $3.875 million.

Arcadia Governor's Mansion in ArcadiaThe stunning Arcadia home at 5105 E. Exeter Boulevard is a Spanish Colonial Revival estate and sits on nearly two acres of greenery at the base of Camelback Mountain. There are five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Check out a similar 1926 Spanish, Pueblo Revival for sale in Arcadia right now by clicking here.

The Arcadia Neighborhood, centrally located near the core of Downtown Phoenix, shares a very close border to Scottsdale, AZ, is in the heart of it all. Click here to view Arcadia homes for sale and click here for all Phoenix Metropolitan homes for sale. If you’re interested in historic Scottsdale homes for sale, click here.

The property also served as the residence of Miss Kitty from “Gunsmoke” for 17 years.

It boasts arched windows, iron balconies, a Moreno tiled entryway and has a living room with an 11-foot coved ceiling. The fireplace is modeled after the one at the Phoenician while the former basement has been transformed into a 1,500-bottle wine room, wine-tasting room and large workout room.

The gourmet kitchen features light-colored slab granite, a commercial six-burner gas range, double ovens, double dishwashers, three sinks, SubZero refrigerator and a large walk-in pantry.

The grounds also feature numerous patios, a 42-foot long pool, 12-person spa and outdoor kitchen.

The approximately 6,400-square-foot property sold on March 20, 2018.

Central Phoenix Homes of all architectural styles, old and new, is part of what makes our Arizona city so appealing.

Read the History of the Arcadia Historic Neighborhood

Arcadia, AZ Today

Interesting in buying or selling Arcadia Real Estate? Contact long time resident and Realtor, Laura B. today.

New Name, New Price for Chateau on Central

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.

Chateau on CentralBuilding 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.

Historic Phoenix Sees Major Rejuvenation ‘Between the Sevens’

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

Between the 7's in Central 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

Between the Sevens in Historic 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

Historic Phoenix Real Estate

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

Historic Central Phoenix

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

Historic Commercial Buildings on 7th Ave in Central Phoenix

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

Modern Meets Historic in Historic Phoenix Neighborhoods

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

Commercial Buildings Near 7th Ave in Phoenix, AZ

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

Construction Between the 7's is Ongoing

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.

Willo Historic Neighborhood In Phoenix Hosts 30th Anniversary Home Tour

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

Annual Home Tour in Historic Willo District Phoenix

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.

Willo Historic Home Tour returns February 11, 2018

The history and charm of downtown Phoenix’s historical neighborhoods will be on display at the 30th Anniversary Willo Historic Home Tour & Street Fair. 2018 Willo Historic District Home TourSponsored 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.

And, 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: 30th Anniversary Willo Historic Home Tour

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

WHERE:  3rd 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.