Author: Lyle Plocher
Lyle is the Designated Broker at Urban Connection Realty, specializing in "urban" Phoenix real estate, including the historic neighborhoods, lofts, condos and small creative use commercial buildings. Lyle has been in Arizona off and on since 1984, with the most recent stint starting in 2004, hanging out in and promoting Downtown Phoenix. Lyle can be reached at lyle@phoenixdowntownjournal.com or at 602.373.3725.
Jackson Street warehouse gets a facelift
Not everyone is scaling back or closing up shop as evidenced by the renovation of this warehouse space at 22 E Jackson St, in the Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District. The new owners are renovating the building for use as their offices. As you can see from the exterior photo, they are in the process of exposing the brick. It’s really very attractive.
Looks like ….
Live in a Loft on Central
The epitome of downtown Phoenix urban living would be to live right on the light rail line, with a restaurant downstairs, the Library across the street, a pharmacy a few blocks away and the grocery store within bicycling distance, don’t you agree? Some fortunate soul will seize the opportunity to enjoy the just described locale by acquiring this bank-owned, 2-story loft at the Artisan Lofts on Central, that just came on the market.
Reduced prices at Portland 38
If you are in the market for an urban, loft style condo in the Downtown Phoenix area and have not checked out Portland 38, you may want to take a peek. The complex, which was designed by local Architect, Michael Underhill, offers some sleek design features including sand-blasted interior block walls, polished concrete floors, Miele stainless appliances, CeasarStone counters, 2′ tile baths, designer lighting, Kohler ‘Stillness’ fixtures, and Western windows.
Prime Commercial Property on Roosevelt Row
Here is a great opportunity for a creative entrepeneur who has a few bucks, to snag this Bungalow on a prime, highly visible corner in the heart of Roosevelt Row. Located at ground zero of the Downtown Phoenix art scene, this property is zoned commercial with on-site, paved parking behind the structure. Ideal place for a live/work gallery, restaurant, hair salon, professional office or ?
Living near Chase Field has never been more affordable
You may be one of those rabid Diamondbacks fans who has given thought in the past to living near Chase Field, but ruled it out because it was too expensive a proposition. Well, with baseball season now underway and given the drastic decline in real estate prices in the last 18 + months, you might want to revisit the possibilities.
Mezzo is marvelous
Internationally renowned architect Will Bruder has created life and art at Mezzo. A place to take in the sunset from your private terrace. It`s a place to pick fresh organic herbs and vegetables from the community garden for tonight`s dinner party. It`s a place close enough to your office, the market, museum, and favorite hot spots – that makes driving optional. Wall-to-wall windows, exposed masonry, natural wood or stone flooring, a modern kitchen with high-end stainless appliances cherry cabinetry, and a dining and living area that extends to your private terrace.
Like a loft but want a yard? You need The Gallery House!
If you are looking for the spacious open feel of an urban loft with the conveniences of a house with an attached garage & large yard, this is it. Appropriately named, The Gallery House, this charming and unique home, was built in 2008 with energy efficient Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS). The open floor plan is designed for today’s lifestyles placing emphasis on entertaining, indoor/outdoor living, and artistic display. Must walk through to appreciate the quality of space, amazing Kitchen and attention to finish & detail. The house has dual pane low-e windows, french doors to large patios, tankless water heater, designer plumbing fixtures & cabinetry and a gas fireplace.
Downtown pharmacy set to open at CityScape next year
CVS Pharmacy will open a drugstore in downtown Phoenix’s CityScape complex, company officials will announce Wednesday. It would be the first time since 1976 that a pharmacy stood in the downtown neighborhood south of the Interstate 10.
The planned 13,000-square-foot drugstore could open as early as June 2010 on the southwest corner of Jefferson Street and First Avenue, said Michael DeNitto, a CVS regional director.
Foreclosure Sales Activity is Heating Up
Not only in Downtown Phoenix, but throughout Maricopa County, the sale of foreclosed homes increased dramatically in March. The number of residential homes sold in March of 2009, was the greatest number sold since October 2005. According to statistics compiled and reported by Fletcher Wilcox, V.P. with Grand Canyon Title Agency, there were 6,893 closings in March and 68% of those homes were “lender owned” homes. Another interesting statistic was that 38% of the homes sold for under $100,000. The inventory of available homes in the under $100,000 price range is down to about a 3 month supply. These stats are indicating that the market is in recovery at the bottom of the home sale price range, according to Fletcher’s report.
Law Firm signs lease at CityScape
Jennings Strouss & Salmon PLC signed a lease with RED Development for 54,000 square feet in the first phase of CityScape, a three-block mixed-use project under construction in downtown Phoenix.
The law firm expects to move into the new office in June 2010. It is 20,000 square feet smaller than the space Jennings now occupies at the neighboring Collier Center.
