Since late December, many of you have written UrbanLiving360 inquiring about affordable living near the new light rail line. We recommend St. Croix Villas, a little known condominium development at Fillmore and 1st Street. This is a lushly landscaped, surprisingly tranquil gated community of 60 townhomes. It is truly the most walkable location in the heart of Downtown Phoenix - ASU, Civic Space Park, the Public Market, a 24-theater AMC, and dozens of boutique restaurants are within a block of St. Croix. Everything Downtown Phoenix has to offer, from baseball to the opera, is just a stroll away.

Prices for a 1000+ sf townhome at St. Croix Villas run in the low $200,000 and HOA fees are low. Best of all, the development is FHA approved for first-time homebuyers - all you need is a 3.5% down payment.

For more information about St. Croix Villas, click here. We will be happy to send prices and availability.

I live at Lofts at Fillmore, just a half block from the light rail in Downtown Phoenix. While it was being built I felt like I was waiting for water to boil. Just a few months ago, I watched the empty cars go by as they tested the lines. I tapped my foot, impatient…impatient…impatient.  I just couldn’t wait. I didn’t know why but I just couldn’t wait.

The light rail is here now and it is so much more than I ever expected. It is quiet, convenient, and it allows me enjoy the faces of my neighbors. Two things have surprised me:

1) I never realized that driving is stressful. I never noticed the stress when I was driving - I only noticed  the lack of stress when I wasn’t driving anymore. The contrast is astounding. When I ride the train I read, talk to other riders, or just sit. I love this time - it is a special gift I give myself. Others take a bubble bath, I ride the train.

2) I never expected that the light rail would expand my horizons. Not only is Downtown Phoenix my playground, Tempe has now become a place I play. I simply walk my bike onto a train and then ride all over Tempe. I have learned the Orbit routes (the free shuttle in Tempe) and meet my girlfriends for happy hour at Tempe Marketplace. I ride around the ASU campus and eat at the Mill Avenue restaurants that I avoided because I didn’t like all the traffic. Downtown Phoenix is my first love but I am glad I have discovered Tempe.

If you haven’t taken a ride, take the time. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Century Plaza used to be an office building. I watched the steps - the office workers moved out, the building was gutted, and work began. It took a long time, and frankly, I was dubious. But I must say, I am pleasantly surpised at the final result. Century Plaza is contemporary, has great views, and is right across the street from a light rail station. They will have a wine bar, a coffee shop, and yoga. The amenities like the pool and fitness room are great.  I recommend you take a look - you will be impressed.

UrbanLiving360 - Downtown Phoenix Lofts, High-rises, and Unique Condominiums

CityScape is real and is going to happen! Construction begins next month, first move-ins 2009, and completely finished by 2011. There will be 1200 condominums, 2 boutique hotels (400 beds), 600,000 sf Class A office space with Wachovia Financial as their anchor tenant, and 250,000 sf retail/restaurant space including AJs Fine Foods and PF Chang’s. At $900 million, this is the largest private investment project in the history of Downtown Phoenix. We are so proud of you, Phoenix!

urbanliving360 - Downtown Phoenix Lofts, High-rises, and Unique Condominiums 

By the summer of 2009 we expect to be enjoying DNA, “Downtown’s Newest Addition”. This 5 story boutique hotel and condominium project will host a market and wine bar - a lovely addition to Cibo and Palatte just down the street. This area of Downtown Phoenix is truly becoming pedestrian friendly. We are lovin’ it!

urbanliving360.com

Downtown Phoenix’s most anticipated new mixed-use project, CityScape, will be unveiled October 22nd. At an event hosted by its tenants, AJ’s Fine Foods and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, CityScape has promised to make major announcements. For an update, give me a call at 480-232-9699. I also will be posting it on this blog and my website, www.urbanliving360.com.

Eva

I have been waiting for this one!! The vacant lot across the street from the Phoenix Art Museum now has a name - One Phoenix. Three towers, each 34 stories tall, will connect downtown with midtown Phoenix. The developers say there will be 900 luxury condos with retail, including a high-end grocery store, on the ground floor. Prices will start at $500,000 and range in size from 800 to 2000 square feet. Construction is expected to begin in 2008 and with an estimated completion of 2012.

Construction is just about complete at Summit at Copper Square and it’s not too late to be a part of the action. Whether you want to party from your corporate balcony overlooking the Chase Field baseball fans or you simply want to soak up the majestic penthouse views of South Mountain, there is an opportunity for you. And, don’t forget the future Jackson Street Entertainment District! Call 480-232-9699 for information. There are still great deals to be had!

Willetta 9 unit listed at $314,900

• 1086 inside square feet (excluding patio)
• 3M Prestige window film on all windows except large upper window in living room
• Custom paint throughout
• $10K in window shades
• Upgraded light fixtures throughout
• New A/C unit in Spring ‘07 with 5 year warranty
• Corner unit with only 1 shared common wall

Level 1

• Custom keypad garage entry
• Private 1.5 car garage
• Office/ studio room
• Private patio/ enclosed yard- largest backyard in development
• Exposed block walls
• Polished concrete floors

Level 2

• Stainless steel kitchen appliances
• Exposed wood ceilings and trusses
• 20′ ceilings in great room
• Upgraded bathroom with glass shelf, light, dimmer and jacuzzi tub

Level 3

• $5,000 custom Poliform wardrobe in bedroom
• Steel ball fan in bedroom
• Amazing unobstructed views of Downtown Phoenix
• Loft area flex space
• Void space overlooking great room

Call Eva at 480-232-9699 to take a look at it.

Views don’t get any better than this! And the 1,000 sf balcony is larger than many urban condos!  This spectacular Tapestry penthouse has caught my eye - listing for $749,900. Call Eva at 480-232-9699 if you would like to see it.

  PRD845

  Viridian

The revitalization of Roosevelt just keeps rolling along. PRD845 construction is complete and the new “green” project next door to them, Viridian, will break ground later this year. It won’t be long before the First Friday brigade will elect to walk between the art galleries on Grand and those on Roosevelt Row.  Forget those pesky shuttles!

Update: Viridian has been cancelled. The parcel is for sale.

The developers of George (Christensen Court) have spared no expense in these contemporary living spaces. They should be complete by October. Call Eva at 480-232-9699 for availability.

Update: These spectacular condos are ready for move-in!

Cielo Phoenix’s initial pre-construction prices are just about over. I just received word that Cielo Phoenix will be increasing prices within the week. If you wish to receive information on the property, contact me at 480-232-9699.

Update: It appears this project bit the dust!

After ascending a construction elevator attached precariously to its side, I stepped onto the 22nd floor of 44 Monroe and was blown away. Not literally, of course! The views blew me away!  To the south were high-rises, the baseball stadium, and the huge Copper Square mural. To the north? Mountains, green historic districts, and Central Avenue high-rises. It was unexpectedly spectacular.  If you want to go with me next time, call me at 480-232-9699 and I will arrange a hard-hat tour.

We have been holding our breath. Would the new contractors finish PRD845 to the standards expected by the developers and Studio MA, the project architects? It appears they have. After ripping out substandard workmanship and starting over, PRD845 is approaching completion. The finished product is unique and the first of its kind in a changing Downtown Phoenix landscape.

A 934 sf studio and a 1900 sf one-bedroom plus flex room are available for sale. Call Eva at 480-232-9699 for details.

Purchase a ready-to-build high-rise condominium in the heart of Downtown Phoenix! All the pieces are included, all the hard work is done. Variances have been granted, surveys are complete, and the zoning is in place. After design review and site plan submittal, it is possible for you to break ground in 6-8 months. Price: $6,346,645

Contact Eva Kenney at urbanliving360.com, 480-232-9699

Century Plaza announced today that it is adding six penthouses with rooftop gardens and 20′ceilings to the top floor of its high-rise on Central Avenue. These Downtown Phoenix penthouses will range from 1,800 to 2,800 sf with expected prices of $1.4 million to $2.1 million. Reservations for these penthouses begin in 60 days. Call 480-232-9699 for more information.

Many people have called wanting one of the retail/condos at Artisan Village. One has finally become available for $575,000. These coveted storefront condominiums are in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Phoenix and is a hoppin’ place each First Friday. Give me a call at 480-232-9699 for more informaiton.

David Wallach, the developer of Summit at Copper Square, has announced his newest downtown Phoenix condominium project, Omega. Across the street from the romantic Orpheum Theater and right next door to the Orpheum Lofts, Omega will rise 32 stories into the air. (FYI, Orpheum Lofts has 10 floors, 44 Monroe has 34 floors.) We look forward to hearing the details…

Join me this Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Lisa G’s! The architects of Forma, one of downtown Phoenix’s new upscale condominiums, will be there to discuss their project and the revitalization of 3rd Street. To RSVP, e-mail give me a call at 480-232-9699.