Tempe’s Dorsey Place will appeal to ASU students, parents
July 17th, 2008 categories: Tempe condos, lofts and townhouses
ASU students and parents looking to buy a condo will likely find Tempe’s Dorsey Place an attractive housing option.
For parents seeking to offset college costs by investing in a condo where there child can stay through their college years or for older students returning to college, the 90-unit, four-story complex could be deemed prime real estate.
Located at 1275 E. University Drive, about half a mile east of Rural Road, the development is walking distance from campus and downtown Tempe.
Buyers get a choice of two floor plans: a two-bedroom, two-bath plan at 1,100 square feet and three-bedroom, two-bath plan at 1,300 square feet. In recent months, prices were reduced. Prices start at $299,900 and go to $415,000.
Every unit features granite countertops and porcelain tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, designer carpet, 9-foot ceilings, GE appliances, designer lighting and a balcony.
The community features a heated pool, a courtyard with a fountain, a private mail room, underground parking, an elevator and a room for gatherings.
Security measures at the site include a gate, front door with camera and phone, and cameras throughout the complex. Additionally, units are pre-wired for security systems.
Construction of Dorsey Place was finished this month.
Click here to see more photos.
For more information on Dorsey Place, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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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.
Click here for more images.
For more information on Safari, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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X (Ten) Wine Lofts offers new building, not a conversion
July 7th, 2008 categories: Scottsdale condos, lofts and townhouses
Scottsdale’s X (Ten) Wine Lofts gives buyers loft features in a building built from scratch.
While the genesis of lofts is in converted industrial buildings, they have evolved to include new builds like X Wine Lofts. The great rooms, industrial stairs and hollow metal doors in the units are all features that can be found in traditional lofts.
Other features include Canac European cabinets, granite countertops, Kohler plumbing fixtures, oversized balconies and 9 1/2-foot ceilings.
Located at Osborn Road, just west of Scottsdale Road, the 82-unit, four-story building is within walking distance of over 75 restaurants, 70 galleries, Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn and shopping.
Community amenities include a heated swimming pool and spa, sun deck, fitness center, courtyard and club room.
Prices run from $399,000 to $990,000. There are 11 floor plans with sizes ranging from 889 to 2,140 square feet.
There is underground parking with one designated space for one-bedroom units and two spaces for two-bedroom floor plans.
In keeping with the wine motif, each unit has a U-line wine chiller and floor plans are named after grapes.
The building, designed by Phoenix-based Todd & Associates, Inc., is expected to be completed this month.
Click here for renderings.
For more information X Wine Lofts, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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Bardinger reflects on Phoenix-area architecture, conservation
June 25th, 2008 categories: Interview with an architect
Over almost three decades, Tempe-based architect Ilan Bardinger has designed a slew of Greater Phoenix commercial and public buildings, condo developments and private residences. His accolades include several awards from the City of Tempe and most recently, an Arizona Masonry Guild award.
In my recent e-mail interview, Bardinger commented on the state of Valley architecture, energy conservation and his latest project.
Click here to read the interview.
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Living at 4020 Scottsdale lofts eases transportation needs
June 20th, 2008 categories: Scottsdale condos, lofts and townhouses
When you live at 4020 Scottsdale Old Town Lofts, there’s less need for transportation — public or private.
Restaurants, coffee houses, nightlife, high-end art galleries and Scottsdale Fashion Square mall are all within walking distance of the development at the northwest corner of Scottsdale Road and 1st Avenue. Additionally, the ground floor of the building will soon have a restaurant, dessert shop and a national bank.
Features include the following:
- 10- to 12- foot ceilings and exposed ceilings.
- Sleek and contemporary finishes.
- KitchenAid stainless steel appliances.
- Concrete floors.
- Private patios.
- Reserved parking in the underground garage.
- Elevator to all levels.
Construction of the 21-unit building, which held offices before it was converted, is expected to be completed this month. Prices go from about $465,000 to $676,000 and unit size from roughly 900 to 1,300 square feet.
Tempe-based Architekton, an architecture and planning firm whose past projects include Tempe Center for the Arts and the Arizona State University Foundation Headquarters, designed the lofts.
For renderings, click here.
For more information on 4020 Scottsdale Old Town Lofts, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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Tempe’s Mosaic condos to feature Whole Foods store
May 26th, 2008 categories: Tempe condos, lofts and townhouses
Mosaic in Tempe will offer many amenities, one of the most impressive being a Whole Foods store.
When construction begins in 2009, a 52,885-square-foot Whole Foods Market and Cafe will be built at the bottom of the condominium tower at the northwest corner of University Drive and Ash Avenue. The natural and organic food store will include a sushi bar, pizza kitchen and a gourmet deli.
Other building amenities will include the following:
- Seventh-floor deck with pool, spa, barbecue grills and firepit.
- Private elevator from the Whole Foods entrance to the seventh-floor deck.
- Lobby with valet, 24-hour security, on-site HOA manager, concierge, mail center and seating areas.
- Fitness Center with locker room facilities, steam rooms and private showers.
- Business center with a large conference table and Wi-Fi.
- Resident lounge with catering kitchen and game table.
- Secured above-ground parking with storage for bicycles.
- Additional storage available for purchase.
Standard features in the units will include Bosch stainless steel appliances, Kohler plumbing fixtures, undermounted sinks, European-style cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling windows with Low-E glass.
The 239-unit, 23-story tower will have six townhomes, nine penthouses, 48 flats and 176 tower condos, between 509 and 3,300 square feet. Prices will go from the low $300s to $2.9 million.
Otak, a Lake Oswego, Ore.-based architecture, engineering and design firm with a Tempe office, designed the tower to minimize exposure to the harsh western sun and maximize exposure to the north-south corridors.
Mosaic is now accepting reservations.
For more renderings, click here.
For more information on Mosaic, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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Phoenix set to have more green condos
May 11th, 2008 categories: Phoenix condos, lofts and townhouses
Another green residential development is in the works for Phoenix.
The Victor, a planned 37-unit condo development, will have a variety of sustainable and green building materials and finishes to help it achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for environmentally sensitive building quality. The certification is obtained through the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit coalition of builders, manufacturers, developers and public and private organizations.
The infill project was designed by [merz] project, a Phoenix-based architecture and urban design firm. The firm also designed Phoenix’s Galleries at Turney, which was the first residential development in Arizona to receive LEED certification.
LEED features will include low-E windows, xeriscape landscaping, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency water fixtures and dual-flush toilets.
The site for The Victor, which is now being excavated, is located at 15th and Pierson streets, between Camelback Road and Highland Avenue.
Its location will add to its eco-friendliness by placing residents close to major businesses in the Biltmore area, reducing commute times, improving quality of life and decreasing environmental impact.
At a marketing event, held last month at Copenhagen Imports in Phoenix, architect Joe Herzog said the design, which includes a street-level pool and bench seating along a secure perimeter, aims to promote interaction with the community.
There are five floor plans: live/work, two bedroom flat, private yard, private garage and one bedroom flex. The units range from 1,600 to 2,160 square feet. Pricing begins at $395,000.
In addition to the private garages available in some units, there will be on-site underground parking and street parking available.
The development is offering buyer incentives for the first 10 contracts. One of the most compelling is a $25,000 package, which includes interior design services, appliance upgrades and furniture. As another incentive, the seller will make purchase price adjustments to reflect any subsequent price drops.
The Victor is expected to open in 2009.
To view renderings and the materials used for the interior and exterior, click here.
For more information on The Victor, contact Joe Kovesdy.
See also
LEED-certified Galleries at Turney garners media attention
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At Tempe Urban Living, the name says it all
May 7th, 2008 categories: Tempe condos, lofts and townhouses
From its name to its modern design, Tempe Urban Living screams urbanity.
Designed by innovative Tempe-based architect Ilan Bardinger, the interior design of the townhouses show an emphasis on open spaces with clean lines and ample natural lighting. The outside has masonry blocks, multi-colored smooth cement boards, decorative concrete and rusted gates.
Interior features include Bosch appliances, Italian wood veneer cabinets, Italian porcelain tile floors, quartz counter tops, Toto sinks and toilets, recessed and decorative lighting and upgraded carpet in bedrooms.
Units have generous concrete paver rooftop decks with hose bibs, electric outlets, TV, computer and phone cabling and optional retractable canopies. At the back entrance of each residence is private covered parking.
The 15-unit development, located at Fifth and Roosevelt streets, is a five minute walk from downtown Tempe.
The one- to three-bedroom townhouses go from 1,097 to 2,755 square feet. Pricing begins at $350,000 and tops out at $999,000.
Click here to see more photos.
For more information on Tempe Urban Living, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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LEED-certified Galleries at Turney garners media attention
April 22nd, 2008 categories: Phoenix condos, lofts and townhouses
The Galleries at Turney, eight detached residences in Phoenix, is receiving local and national media attention for its green construction.
According to Modus Development, the developer of the infill project at 4410 N. 27th St., Galleries at Turney is the first Arizona residential project to attain the Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) certification for homes from the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit coalition of builders, manufacturers, developers and public and private organizations, contributing to interest from media outlets, including “NBC Nightly News,” American Builders Quarterly, East Valley Tribune, Arizona Republic, KTVK 3TV News.
In order to acquire the LEED certification, developments must show performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
For information on the eco- friendly design and features, click here.
Each two-story interior is about 2,000 square feet and leading-edge contemporary design with spacious interiors, state-of-the-art appointments and large floor-to-ceiling windows to bring light to each room.
Outside there are secured, two-car garages and decks providing spectacular views of the downtown Phoenix skyline to the south and Camelback Mountain, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and nearby Esplanade and Biltmore buildings to the north.
List prices are $700,000-$800,000.
For more information on Galleries at Turney, contact Joe Kovesdy.
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Writing for kontakt has its perks
April 20th, 2008 categories: The life of a Realtor
Every other month, I take some time to write for kontakt magazine, a Valley design and architecture publication. It’s a great way to stay abreast of residential building styles and trends for my clients and make important business contacts (i.e., contractors and architects). Additionally, I advertise my real estate services in the print issues.
In the latest issue, I explored the redesign and construction of a large Paradise Valley home. Click here to read the April/May feature. (Note: You can enlarge the photos of the home by clicking on them.)
My December/January feature of a Phoenix historic home with a very modern-looking addition is still available too. Click here to read that one.
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