Phoenix Condos, Lofts, High-Rises For Sale. Re/Max Condo, Loft Phoenix Specialists

Lofts, an urban living trend, catching on in Valley
High-end lofts are catching on in the Valley, an area known for its affordable fringe subdivisions.

The urban living trend readily found in other large U.S. metropolitan areas is finally gaining popularity in downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. Hip, industrial-looking lofts are becoming a hot investment for baby boomers and young urbanites.

More than half of the 40 units at Lofts on Central Avenue, an Artisan Homes project in central Phoenix, have sold, President Eric Brown said. Developer Kenneth Losh reports similar success at Third Avenue Lofts in Scottsdale; 75 percent of the 88-unit mid-rise is sold.

Developers in the Valley are building lofts from scratch, unlike their counterparts in New York, Chicago and Portland, Ore. There, lofts started out as a way to turn industrial spaces, such as old warehouses and factories, into living spaces.

"I prefer a nice place to go to hang out and not have to maintain the pool or the yard. I just lock the door and I'm out," said Fred Gallow, who will move into Third Avenue Lofts in June. "These lofts have a little sense of soul to them. You see people in the elevator, you see them in the parking garage. Instead of spreading out, our neighborhood goes up." The owner of Fred Gallow Real Estate is both a loft dweller and investor.

When Kristen and Adam Valente relocated to the Valley from Manhattan 2 ½ years ago, they scouted houses, condos and townhouses.

"I just kept saying, 'I would want to knock down this wall, this wall, this wall.' I prefer a big, open space," Kristen said.

The 30-somethings are house-sitting in north Scottsdale until they move into Third Avenue Lofts in April. Adam said they'll enjoy being able to walk to restaurants and bars.

Urban dwellers say there's a whole culture associated with loft living. They want to be close to entertainment, food, drinks and sports. Downtown Phoenix often gets bashed for offering none of that.
"Many of the people who say that don't spend time downtown," Brown said. There's plenty of niche restaurants to try, and it's only going to get better once the light rail opens, he said.

"There's a large segment of people who like to be a part of something while it's happening and not after it's happened."

Urbanites such as Eric Strafel, who lives at Lofts on Central, echo Brown. Downtown Phoenix doesn't feel like a real city now, Strafel said, but someday it will.

"That's exactly why I bought it, for the prospect of things to come," Strafel said. He and his neighbors frequent a wine bar on the ground floor of Lofts on Central.

Price per square foot of lofts built by Artisan has increased, from $120 per square foot in 1999 to more than $200 per square foot today, Brown said.

The typical new Valley home sells for less than $90 a square foot.

The developer of Third Avenue Lofts in Scottsdale said the city has the perfect setting for people who want to live the loft lifestyle.

"If you look at downtown Scottsdale, that's about as close to a pedestrian area as you're going to get in Arizona. Downtown (Phoenix) is years and years away from being pedestrian," Losh said.

In Phoenix or Scottsdale, lofts start in the $200,000 range, but it's common for people to buy two or three units and combine them into one. At the base price, however, lofts are literally shells. Wide-open spaces are broken up using unconventional dividers like frosted glass panels and half walls.

Upgrades such as hip light fixtures, flooring and brushed steel appliances can tack on $20,000 to $150,000, Brown said.

Strafel shopped at specialty furniture shops such as Bova and Copenhagen and turned to magazines and books on loft living for ideas.

Using hanging and half walls, Strafel split 1,500 square feet of open space into three areas for dining, living and working.

"You have to start from scratch. Normal furniture doesn't fit in there so you have to go with very urban, modern furniture," Strafel said.

He opted for a wine bar in the kitchen, installing a high top glass table with a wine cooler underneath. A raised wood floor in the living room was another upgrade.

"What's different is getting up in the morning and stepping on a cold concrete floor," Strafel said, referring to the polished concrete that many buyers integrate into industrial schemes. Brown said not to be fooled by the cut-rate appearance - the poured concrete is actually more expensive than installing regular flooring.

Many loft owners hire interior designers because the homes are tricky to decorate.

"Grandma's dining set is not going in this place," Gallow said. "I've got a decorator, that's part of the fun. I'll get some kind of funky furniture in there and some nice art. But not too much stuff, because I like the open feeling."

In Scottsdale, not all Third Avenue Loft owners buy into the extreme industrial feel, Losh said. All units have carpet and hardwood floors.

"Only 5 percent of the market wants to buy a loft," Losh said. "It's a thin market. The predominant group wants to buy a condominium with loft features, but they want the more finished elegant look."

Gallow recently sold three units at Third Avenue Lofts after buying one for himself.

He tried out loft living in San Diego for seven months, befroe purchasing a 1,200-square-foot unit for $340,000.

He calls Scottsdale the "perfect place" for lofts, and at a much cheaper price than San Diego.

Losh is planning more loft projects, including what he said will be the largest urban development in Tempe. The location hasn't been announced, but the development will have 850 lofts and condos starting in the $200,000 range.

There are other Valley loft projects under way, particularly in downtown Phoenix. A historic high-rise has been transformed into the Orpheum Lofts. And near Bank One Ballpark, the Downtown Phoenix Lofts, which are also known as the Stadium Lofts, are attracting buyers.

Erica Sagon
The Arizona Republic

Lofts At Fillmore

The Lofts at Fillmore were the first lofts ever built in Phoenix, Arizona. Features, like hardwood floors, tile and stainless steel counter tops, maple and hickory cabinets, open plans with multiple sleeping areas and exposed brick, ducts and pipes are standard throughout the building. The lower units, where sleeping areas are located in the former basement, are cool and attractive to those who like a rougher finish for both from and function, some with spiral staircases. The upper units tout mountain and city views, skylights, and balconies.

Orpheum Lofts

When it comes to blending Phoenix's past with its future, look no further than Orpheum Lofts. The 1931 Phoenix Title and Trust Building is being reborn as the premier destination for downtown living. Located at the corner of West Adams Street and First Avenue, the 11-story concrete and brick masonry structure is Art Deco at its finest. Features of the lobby include decorative metal detailing crafted during the Depression, etched glass windows, a staircase of opulent marble and terrazzo, and an ornate lobby directory reminiscent of the traditions of the period. Additionally features include an exclusive state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated swimming pool and spa, full service business center, valet parking and a 24-hour doorman.

Address: 114 West Adams Street

44 Monroe
under construction - taking interests

44 Monroe will consist of 33 floors of high-rise living with 202 units for sale. Floor plans start at 993 sq. ft. and expand to 4406 sq. ft.. Price ranges begin in the low 200\'s to over two million depending on floor plan and features. 44 Monroe is at the epicenter of the vibe in downtown Phoenix by day or night. Celebrate culture with the Arizona Opera and Phoenix Symphony just blocks away. Relax with a read at the Phoenix Library. Ponder Picassos at the Phoenix Art Museum or seek out a find at First Fridays in the gallery-rich downtown arts district. Discover Delicacies at an eclectic collection of award-winning restaurants within walking distance. Gravitate to Genius with a stroll to the Arizona Science Center and its IMAX experience. See sporting spectacles with the Diamondbacks at Chase/Bank One Ballpark or the Suns & Rattlers at America West Arena. Or, Preview a Play at the Dodge, Herberger or Orpheum theatres. The Vibe of downtown Phoenix is outside your door.

The Summit at Copper Square
under construction - taking interests

taking interests Twenty-two stories of urban loft-style residences, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliance, marble master baths and some of the best views of downtown that the Valley has to offer. Loft, studio, and luxury condo units featuring one, two, and three bedrooms with spacious custom penthouse opportunities.

Artisan Lofts on Central

40 loft condominiums on Central and Willetta. Developed by Artisan Homes in 2003.

Artisan Parkview

This property was developed by Artisan Homes in 2002. It includes town homes and row houses, a total of 35 units.

Artisan Village

This property is currently under construction by Artisan Homes. It includes 105 units, ten of which are live and work units.

215 E. McKinley

Will break ground March 1st, 2006. It is a 5-story mixed-use project including 12 residential units and 5,000 square feet of office and retail space.

Cosmopolitan Towers

High-rise residential loft building with commercial space on the 1st floor. Construction will start in spring 2006. There are 88 units starting from $150,000. Construction will begin during Spring 2006.

Cosmopolitan Towers consist of 16 stories of residential loft condominiums, ranging from 536 square foot studios to 3,133 square foot two-story penthouses.
Amenities include underground parking, ground floor restaurants, and retail space.

Cosmopolitan Towers are located within walking distance from the Arizona Center Retail Shopping Center, Downtown Phoenix, America West Arena, and Chase Ballpark.

The Residences at 2211 Camelback

The Valley of the Sun's finest example of life beyond the expected awaits your discovery at the most preferred urban residential address in the prestigious Camelback Corridor. The Residences at 2211 Camelback - a sanctuary within the heart of the city's preferred cultural district, teeming with couture boutique shopping, exquisite dining, world-class resorts and spas, championship golf, and a liberal array of fine and perfroming arts venues - heralds Phoenix's

Optima Biltmore Towers

Soon to be the new standard in city living and modern architecture, Optima Biltmore Towers will revise your idea of urbanity as quickly as it will transform the Phoenix skyline. The property's articulation of space, angular ingenuity, and vertical and horizontal exchange will create a residence noteworthy for its sculptural beauty, solar efficiency and insurmountable location.

Two Biltmore Estates

Overlooking the Adobe Golf Course of the world famous Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa are 38 distinctive residences in a private gated enclave. Now available for purchase, Two Biltmore Estates offers and opportunity to own a home in prestigious Biltmore area.

A private enclave of exclusive residences, The Two Biltmore Estates in Phoenix represent the most luxurious of living opportunities in Phoenix real estate this decade

La Terraza at Biltmore

In the heart of uptown Phoenix's desirable Camelback corridor sites Montecito's latest condominium community - La Terraza at Biltmore. With spacious interiors, exquisite styling and a host of amenities, La Terraza delivers an extraordinary lifestyle and value. Plus, it pits you at the doorstep of all the exciting Biltmore district has to offer, such as fine dining, upscale shopping and endless entertainment activities.

Just a few of the Condo's, Townhouses and Scottsdale urban living available in Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale and North Scottsdale. Search our Free MLS for all Condo home listings

Scottsdale waterfront Residences Scottsdale Condos: New development proposed for downtown Scottsdale. The Water view at Scottsdale would be located at the NW corner of Buckboard and Camelback, along the east side of the canal. A Mixed-Use project, Water view would include hotel units, condos, and "penthouse" residences.

Barolo Place Barolo Place offers eight fabulous floor plans ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet. And this refreshing new community features everything your palate desires: attached two-car garages, a swimming pool, cabanas, and proximity to all the fine dining and entertainment that makes Scottsdale famous. Located on 74th Street and Shea, Barolo also offers easy access to world-class golf, shopping centers, and the convenient Loop 101. All this starting from the $400s.

Main Street Plaza Downtown Scottsdale Main Street Plaza Phase II 54 total residences including ten exclusive town home designs, four penthouse suites and 40 luxury condominiums housed in two buildings overlooking the historic Scottsdale Artists' school and adjoined by a central courtyard, pool and private cabanas. Price Range: $300,000 to $4,000,000

Residences on Main Residences on Main is nestled in a quiet corner of the city yet convenient to stellar shopping and entertainment and the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. In addition, homeowners will enjoy some Hotel Valley Ho concierge services including valet parking privileges plus a classic Grecian-style pool and spa

X (Ten) Lofts 82 loft style residences, "X" is within walking distance to over 75 restaurants, 70 art gallery's, one of Arizona's premier medical centers, the southwest's most upscale shopping center in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Amenities include oversize balconies, refrigerated wine storage, open floor plans, pool, spa and a theater room. X (Ten) offers a unique living opportunity in downtown Scottsdale. Available units range in price from mid $500K's to $900,000.

HOTEL VALLEY HO The private condos, ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 square feet, will be on levels three through seven. The hotel will offer a management program for owners who want to lease their condos while they're not using them. Price range is $400,000 to more than $1 million.

The Plaza Lofts at KIERLAND from single professionals to families to winter visitors, anyone seeking a contemporary urban lifestyle The Plaza Lofts. Residents will enjoy their close proximity to the nearly 70 high-end specialty retailers, superb dining and entertainment options.

OPTIMA CAMELVIEW VILLAGE This 720-unit, urban residential resort lifestyle compound, comprised of 11 seven-story terraced towers, marks Scottsdale's first venture into green roof architecture with ecological benefits . Pricing on remaining units runs from the high $300s to $4 million

The Landmark Located on the northwest corner of 71st Street and Tierra Buena on the Kierland golf course in Scottsdale, Arizona. Set in the heart of the 730-acre master planned community of Kierland in Scottsdale, The Landmark is the ultimate in chic urban living

Antigua Condominiums Located in Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch is one of the most successful master-planned, low-density communities in the Southwest. With two impeccably manicured championship golf courses, 18 miles of walking, rollerblading, hiking trails and bicycle paths, Price: $190,000 - $390,000

ZACHER CITY Distinctive Urban Upscale Single-Family Communities in Highly Desired Central Corridor. Three-Story Loft Homes With Elevator & The Latest in Solar Power Coming Standard! Ask About our Incentives!!!

The Overlook at Scottsdale Mountain Located in the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. A community with all the extras you would expect in this sought-after Scottsdale location. state of the art exercise facility, library, catering kitchen and gaming area that is second to none. There are several floorplans to choose from including condominiums

Phoenix Condo's, Lofts, High Rises, Townhomes
for Sale

Lofts At Fillmore

Orpheum Lofts

44 Monroe
under construction - taking interests

The Summit at Copper Square
under construction - taking interests

Artisan Lofts on Central

Artisan Parkview

Artisan Village

215 E. McKinley

Cosmopolitan Towers

The Residences at 2211 Camelback

Optima Biltmore Towers

Two Biltmore Estates

La Terraza at Biltmore

Phoenix Condo's, Lofts, High Rises, Townhomes Homes

Phoenix Condo's, Lofts, High Rises, Townhomes for Sale