Safari sets new standards for Scottsdale luxury communities
July 13th, 2008 categories: Scottsdale condos, lofts and townhouses
With its access to a plethora of high-end stores, restaurants and thoughtful environmental design, the large canal-front development Safari Drive seems destined to redefine the Scottsdalian idea of a luxury community.
The 14-acre mixed-use development at the northeast corner of Camelback and Scottsdale roads is within walking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, which has a Barneys New York department store, 30 upscale stores and underground parking scheduled to be constructed by the fall of 2009. Safari is also close to Old Town Scottsdale restaurants, shops, art galleries and nightlife.
Of course, residents don’t have to leave their community to shop and eat.
That’s because working with Valley developers Vanguard City Properties and The Wolff Company, renowned Seattle-based architecture, planning and design firm Miller-Hull Partnership created the community to have its own goods and services.
Of Safari’s 11 buildings with residential space in them, four buildings will contain retail stores; two will have restaurants; one will have live/work floor plans. The property’s remaining four buildings provide space for two additional restaurants, retail, a spa and health club and offices.
The size of the residential units, which consist of live/work lofts, flats and townhomes, is expected to run 800 to 2,857 square feet. About half of the first phase’s 89 units have sold. The units still available for purchase are 1,040 to 2,857 square feet and are priced from $710,000 to $2.14 million.
Safari has a significant architectural design, thanks to the oft-laurelled Miller-Hull, which won the 2003 American Institute of Architects (AIA) award for best firm.
The inspiration for the design of the buildings came from the cactus, which because of its grooved form is at least partly shaded at all times. Similarly, the undulating building exteriors provide pockets of shade to reduce heat on the building facade and give residents who linger outside a haven from the sun. The use of thermal mass and deep overhangs provide additional passive cooling. Active cooling techniques include the use of an evaporative cooling tower to emit cool air to gathering spaces.
Materials like exposed burnished concrete block, weathered steel and integral-colored stucco are durable and require little maintenance. Aesthetically, the fine grain finishes and warm colors are pleasing.
Interior features include floor-to-ceiling glass, Scavolini Italian cabinets, Waterworks fixtures and Bosch stainless steel appliances.
The community’s fireplaces, water features, three pools, outdoor kitchen and fire pit area and art pieces will help serve as gathering areas.
The development’s groundbreaking was in May 2005. It is expected to be completed in 2010.
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For more information on Safari, contact Joe Kovesdy.
