Downtown Tempe Lofts & Condos

The New Urban Realty Tempe Blog

Urban Realty & Development — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:45:24 -0600

For all those looking to stay on top of all things involving Downtown Tempe, make sure to check out and subscribe to our new blog location!

New Link Here: Downtown Tempe Life, Lofts & Condos Blog

Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000

Urban Realty & Development

I Recall... Mill Ave in Fall...

Urban Realty & Development — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:39:40 -0500

Many of the more astute Mill Avenue dwellers have noticed a tree planting frenzy occurring on our beloved “Main Street” in Downtown Tempe.

Over the years, some of the great Ficus trees that shade Mill Avenue have succumb to our Summer Monsoons, vandalism, insects, or the crazy micro-burst thunderstorm last year that clocked winds up to 100 miles an hour! The new trees are replacing the large holes and stumps where the previous Ficus once stood. While that may be obvious, what is not so obvious is that the new trees planted will drastically change the look of Mill Avenue come Fall. The new trees are the “Chinese Pistache” tree and according to web sources “The leaves of the Chinese Pistache are lustrous and dark green in the summer and a beautiful orange to red in the fall.”

While some of our Ficus trees are still standing grand and tall, the plan is to replace the Ficus with the Chinese Pistache as the Ficus age. There is no doubt that this new burst of color along Mill Avenue will insure that the already popular street will become even more popular during the fall and winter months. Way to go City of Tempe!

Tom Tokoph | 602.549.0000

Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development

Beginning this April- "Music On Mill" Avenue

Urban Realty & Development — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:39:33 -0500

In an effort to help create a more vibrant Mill Avenue District, the Tempe community group has created a new street experience called “Music on Mill”. Beginning April 9th, 2009, the weekly event will be held every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm along Mill Avenue. According to published reports, the plan is to create:

“a showcase of local musicians and performers. Music on Mill is a nod to Tempe's vibrant music history, and particularly Mill Avenue, where all of the bars were located that sprouted such bands as the Gin Blossoms, The Refreshments, Dead Hot Workshop and the Meat Puppets. Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate public space and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District. Musicians scheduled to perform for “Music on Mill” can easily be identified by branded donation buckets that will be placed at each of their locations. The public is encouraged to donate towards performances so musicians return week after week. Merchants are also being prompted to host live musical acts within their venues to add to the “Music on Mill” experience.”

While we are excited about the prospect of adding this new energy and creative experience to Mill Avenue, we hope that this look backwards to what Mill Avenue “used to be” isn’t a substitute for what Mill Avenue could become. Mill Avenue has too much potential! That potential will not be fully realized by trying to recreate what Mill Avenue used to be. A totally different, unique experience, one that may include a music scene, will be what makes the “New Mill Avenue” special. Hopefully, Music on Mill gets that new experience rolling.

For more information, please visit our local blog at www.Tempe360.com

Tom Tokoph | www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com

Centerpoint Condos in Downtown Tempe

Urban Realty & Development — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:37:30 -0500

April 8, 2007

Tallest Tempe building still rising

Garin Groff , Tribune
A new condo tower has become Tempe’s tallest building — and it’s not even finished yet. The Centerpoint Condominiums building has reached 17 stories and is growing one level every week.

That means workers will top off the 22-story tower in about five weeks.

Then they’ll set a new city record with a 30-story tower next door. That should top out at year’s end.

The latest addition to the downtown skyline has gone up with little fanfare after some initial complaints that the project was too tall.

Project developer Ken Losch said he could understand some objections from Arizona natives who were used to houses on big lots with pools. But Losch, a principal in Avenue Communities who lived in major Canadian cities, said more and more people from other big cities are demanding the types of high-rises popping up across the Valley.

“Remember, half the people who live here are from urban centers and we’re really dying for urban experiences, and we don’t have it,” Losch said. “People are starving for it.”

They’re not just looking for something tall, he said. Rather, they want to walk to restaurants and offices and live near a transportation system like the Metro light-rail line.

Avenue Communities has 200 workers on site, busy 24 hours a day. Most of the building remains a concrete shell, but workers have installed framing, plumbing and even a few glass panels on the lower floors. Residents should be able to move in this spring. About 100 potential buyers are on a waiting list and the company is just starting to write contracts for some units, Losch said. The condos range from 400 square feet to 8,000 square feet with selling prices ranging from $300,000 to $3 million.

The company plans to build two more 30-story towers on the site, perhaps starting them in 18 months.

The condos will eventually reach 370 feet, making them taller than Hayden Butte. Tempe has limited other downtown buildings to 300 feet, but even some elected officials think the city has given developers too much vertical leeway.

Councilman Ben Arredondo said he’s concerned about the towers blocking views and flooding the downtown with too many cars and people. “I don’t think we’ve done a real close analysis of the impact those buildings are going to have,” Arredondo said.

Arredondo grew up in Tempe and recalls running through downtown to play in Tempe Beach Park. He said he understands Tempe can’t stay the small town of his youth, but he said he doesn’t want it to become another Manhattan. “At what point do you become too dense for a small community?” he said.

Tempe’s tallest
Centerpoint 30-story tower: 345 feet, 370 feet with equipment Hayden Butte: 332 feet Centerpoint 22-story tower: 258 feet Hayden Ferry Lakeside 12-story office building: 198 feet Sun Devil Stadium: 186 feet Hayden Flour Mill silos: 168 feet Manzanita dorm at ASU: 163 feet

If you have any interest in being a part of this up and coming city, and relish the idea of exchanging the hassle of traffic with a short elevator ride to the heart of the city, please call Tom Tokoph with Urban Realty & Development. We would be more than happy to tell you all about the fantastic growth of downtown Tempe and represent you as our client.

Urban Realty & Development specializes in the Downtown Tempe Lofts, Townhomes & Tempe Condos market. We live & work in the heart of downtown Tempe so we have a passion for Tempe real estate. We look forward to sharing that passion with you! "Life is in the heart of the city!"

Tom Tokoph

Urban Realty & Development

Designated Broker

602-549-9000

www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com

Some Construction Photos of Centerpoint:

Urban Realty Deal of the Week

Urban Realty & Development — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:22:58 -0600

"EDGEWATER AT HAYDEN FERRY LAKESIDE"

This 1,727 Square Foot Condo located on the 1st floor of the Edgewater building boasts a very large patio, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and easy access to the beautiful Tempe Town Lake park and boardwalks. Enjoy this Downtown Tempe Condo and everything else that Mill Avenue has to offer! Hayden Ferry Lakeside is mere moments away from 100’s of restaurants, bistros, coffee shops, the Metro Light Rail, Sky Harbor Airport, and ASU.

Priced at $399,900 (only $232/ s.f.!), this is the lowest priced two bedroom unit Urban Realty has ever seen available at Hayden Ferry Lakeside!

Click here for more information and pictures on this Edgewater at Hayden Ferry Lakeside condominium.

MoJo Yogurt Gives Away Free Yogurt

Urban Realty & Development — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:10:53 -0600

On Friday, February 20th between 1pm and 8pm be sure to swing by the new MoJo Yogurt in downtown Tempe (on Mill Avenue and 3rd Street) for FREE yogurt! You’ll get to enjoy some of the best “good-for-you” yogurt around in a truly hip and modern space. Go to MoJo Yogurt’s website for more.

Click www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com for more information on loft and condo living in Downtown Tempe.

Tempe's Mill Avenue Gets a Little "Mojo"!

Urban Realty & Development — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:37:45 -0600

Fro-Yo- Mojo that is! The newest store from the “Mojo Yogurt” concept opens today with another sleek and modern space mere steps off the light rail station at Mill Avenue and 3rd Street. With a fresh, good-for-you product, this yogurt lounge is also “self-serve”, allowing yogurt fans to pile on any of the 28 flavors and toppings as high as they want. But before everyone runs over and starts filling up 5 gallon buckets, remember that they charge by weight (.39¢ an ounce). For those who prefer to drink their yogurt, you can also create your own bowl and then have one of the Mojo-cuties behind the counter mix it up into a smoothie.
With it’s red glittering tile, flat screen TV’s, and furniture that looks as though it was taken out of Austin Power’s lair, this new yogurt shop is much welcome “Mojo” for Mill Avenue!

For more information on Downtown Tempe Lofts and Living

Another Centerpoint Condo Update!

Urban Realty & Development — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:26:14 -0600

The following article appeared in the Arizona Republic yesterday.

Click here to read the full article

Quick synopsis: Mortgages Limited, the lender for Centerpoint Condominiums, is attempting to force the developer into Chapter 7. Currently, the developer is in Chapter 11 whereby they hope to “reorganize” and obtain an additional 45 million dollars from a new lender and finish the first tower. By convincing a judge to move the developer from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7, Mortgages Limited will force the sale of the assets in order to pay back the creditors. Hearings are scheduled for Wednesday and February 26, 2009.

Click Here For More Information on Centerpoint Condos in Downtown Tempe

Yogurt Covers Downtown Tempe

Urban Realty & Development — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:37:04 -0500

As we previously posted here, the new wave of "good for you" yogurt shops (ala PinkBerry, Red Mango, etc.) have been looking at coming to downtown Tempe. Now, it appears they are coming into town full force! THREE new yogurt shops will be opening very soon! It appears we will have the following hip yogurt shops to choose from in the very near future. 1. "Bliss" Yogurt at the Brickyard on Mill, 2. "IN Yogurt" at the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue. (By the way, we have some high hopes for INYogurt as it was created by the same folks who brought us "The Gelato Spot".) 3. "MOJO Yogurt" on Mill Avenue in what was formerly the Quizinos. Yum... we can already taste the tart goodness and fresh toppings!

New construction at the corner of 5th & Mill will include "In Yogurt"

Banner for InYogurt with "Market Fresh Toppings" ready to open soon!

MOJO Yogurt under construction along Mill Avenue (old Quizinos) ads another Fro-Yo concept to Downtown Tempe.

For more information on Mill Avenue and Downtown Tempe living click here

Tempe Town Lake is Growing

Urban Realty & Development — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:40:00 -0600

According to published reports, the bike, walking and jogging boardwalk surrounding Tempe Town Lake is about to expand. Near the South bank of Tempe Town Lake, the paths will extend between Rural Road, past the Eastern dam, all the way to McClintock Drive. This is the equivalent of another mile of paths. The extension is slated to be completed within the next 8 or 9 months.
For all those who haven’t taken advantage of the giant recreation and linear park area that is Tempe Town Lake, take a stroll down by the lake and prepare to be impressed. The City of Tempe has given it’s residents, especially it’s Downtown Tempe residents, a truly amazing public park.

Click here for more information about Tempe Town Lake and the downtown Tempe condominiums, lofts and homes that surround it

Las Palomas Condos Rocky Point Vacation Rental

Urban Realty & Development — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:51:13 -0600

As Springtime quickly approaches, we thought now was a great time to start planning for some modern style seaside escapes. Enter “HipGetaway.com”! Our sister website promotes modern condominium vacation rentals on Sandy Beach in Rocky Point, Mexico. With their hip designer touches and eclectic lounge vibe, these Mexico getaways will satisfy any weary traveler. Enjoy relaxing at the swim-up pool bistro and bar within the Las Palomas Seaside Golf Community overlooking the mellow Sea of Cortez, some cool pools, a lazy river, and a very cozy jacuzzi.

Click www.HipGetaway.com for more info on these modern Las Palomas Condos in Rocky Point, Mexico

City Market and Deli Opening at HFL

Urban Realty & Development — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:16:06 -0600

We were pleasantly surprised to see construction underway for the “City Market & Deli” in the vacant retail space underneath the parking garage at Hayden Ferry Lakeside! (74 E. Rio Salado Parkway) The market’s grand opening is scheduled for sometime in February.
Offering “Boars Head” meats in all of their sandwiches, a salad bar, a generous wine selection, and groceries to go this “city market” is sure to be a hit with all of the residents at Edgewater & Bridgeview in Hayden Ferry Lakeside. Here is a sample of their daily sandwich specials:

Italian Cold Cuts
Stacked with Boars Head ham, cappicola, dry salami, and provolone cheese. Dressed with the finest imported olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, fresh oregano, crisp romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion and mild pepperoncini.
Italian Meatballs
Homemade meatballs topped with our marinara sauce, melted provolone and parmesan cheeses and a dash of fresh oregano.
City Deli Steak and Cheese
Piled high with Philly steak, melted provolone cheese, mayo and your choice of any or all bell peppers, onions and mushrooms.
City Deli Beef Dip Au Jus
Stacked skyscraper high with lean Boars Head oven roasted beef, topped with melted Swiss and served on a toasted roll with a steaming cup of Au Jus.

For more information on the City Market & Deli, visit their website here: citymarketanddeli.com

For more information on Hayden Ferry Lakeside or other condominiums on Tempe Town Lake, visit www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com We specialize in downtown Tempe lofts, condos and townhomes!

Regions Bistro & Bar Coming to Mill Avenue & Six

Urban Realty & Development — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:35:44 -0600

While we don’t know a whole lot about this new restaurant concept slated to open on the Southwest corner of 6th Street and Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe just yet, we do know that it will be called “Regions bistro & bar” and that it’s forthcoming web site will be at www.RegionsBistro.com. Currently, all one can do on their web site is apply for a job!
The “Regions” concept looks like another innovative and unique restaurant coming to the Mill Avenue District. On the heels of the “La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar” opening, we are very hopeful that Regions Bistro will help continue the maturing of the culinary scene of Mill Avenue. While the beer & chicken wings crowd definitely deserves a place in the downtown, we think there is also plenty of room for these new concepts too. Maybe one day, when someone asks an Arizonian where they can get great food in a great atmosphere, the “Mill Avenue District” will be the answer!

Click Here for More Information on Downtown Tempe Restaurants and Bars

Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000 | Urban Realty & Development

aloft Ready to Open on Tempe Town Lake

Urban Realty & Development — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:10:14 -0600

aloft, Tempe’s newest hotel, will open on February 5th. The eco & tech friendly hotel offers 136 rooms and some hipster- style amenities. aloft Hotels is a vision of the “W Hotel” brand and offers an alternative to the typical travel destination. With its loft inspired design and free flowing energy, aloft lets guests customize their stay and celebrate their style.
The Tempe aloft is located on the North shore of Tempe Town Lake just off Rural Road and Playa Del Norte Drive, the cool new hotel will open just in time for the NBA All-star Game and the always popular Tempe spring events. Based upon its location and contemporary style, there is little doubt that the W XYZ Bar will be all Abuzz!

Click here for more information on aloft Tempe
For more information on downtown Tempe lofts, condos and townhomes visit www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com We specialize in Tempe urban living!

Food Sojourning on the Metro Light Rail

Urban Realty & Development — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:02:44 -0600

Now that Metro light rail cars are sliding into stations all across the Valley, we know many city people who are anxious to sample the plethora of good eats next to or near the light rail stops. Obviously, Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe has enough to keep foodies busy for years, (see Mill Avenue dining hot spots here) but a whole new world of deli’s, bistros, lounges, and ethnic restaurants are now available only moments away from the rail. We did a little internet sleuthing and came across a fantastic article by Michele Laudig of the Phoenix New Times on the eateries along the light rail line. Here are excerpts from that article:

“...Near the 19th Avenue/Camelback station, fill up on cheap, homey Cuban food at Sabor Cubano Buffet (2030 W. Camelback), or indulge in budget-friendly Vietnamese eats at Da Vang (4538 N. 19th Ave.).

It's already quite the bustling intersection, but expect the Central Ave./Camelback stop to only get busier, thanks to the sheer variety of spots. There's classy, family-run Italian (Aiello's, 5202 N. Central, aiellositalianrestaurant.com), and a well-rounded restaurant that does it all, from morning 'til night (Maizie's, 4750 N. Central, maiziescafe.com). In the next couple of months, two more high-profile places are set to open in this 'hood, too: St. Francis Place (111 E. Camelback) and the second location of Postino Wine Cafe (5144 N. Central, postinowinecafe.com).

Further down Central (Indian School and Osborn stations)” "...where would we go for some fish and chips and a pint of Guinness (George & Dragon, 4240 N. Central, georgeanddragonpub.net) Or the best homemade mozzarella sandwich in town? (Pane Bianco, 4404 N. Central, pizzeriabianco.com) Or a killer cocktail and some great Middle Eastern-inspired noshes (Fez, 3815 N. Central, fezoncentral.com) In the case of China Chili (302 E. Flower, chinachilirestaurant.com)”

“Near the Thomas and Central Avenue station, you can go fancy or casual. Swanky Durant's (2611 N. Central, durantsaz.com) features valet parking and top-notch steaks, while Wild Thaiger (2631 N. Central, wildthaiger.com) and Switch (2603 N. Central, switchofarizona.com) are more stylishly laid-back, with classic Thai eats at the former and a globetrotting assortment of salads, sandwiches, and shareable plates at the latter.

Heading to the Heard Museum? Your best bet — and frankly, your only bet — at the Encanto station is Arcadia Farms, tucked right into the museum (2301 N. Central, arcadiafarmscafe.com). Fuel up on a gourmet sandwich or salad before checking out the exhibitions. Or, if the Phoenix Art Museum is on your agenda, Arcadia Farms runs the in-house café there, too (1625 N. Central). Also around the McDowell station is Thai Hut (101 E. McDowell), with affordable noodles and curries in a diner setting, as well as Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar (1326 N. Central, cheuvronts.com), where the menu of 40-plus cheeses is irresistible.

Hop off at the Roosevelt station to get to several restaurants just beyond the downtown fray. Carly's Bistro (128 E. Roosevelt, carlysbistro.com) is cozy and open late, serving sandwiches and salads, while two blocks over from famous Matt's Big Breakfast (801 N. First St., mattsbigbreakfast.com) is restaurateur Matt Pool's lesser-known hangout, The Roosevelt (816 N. Third St.). It's basically a bar, open only in the evening, but the menu is crave-able even when you're not in the mood for a beer.”

“Halfway between the Third Street and 12th Street stops along Jefferson, Mrs. White's Golden Rule Café (808 E. Jefferson) is a must-try for excellent fried catfish, fried chicken, cornbread, and other soul-satisfying dishes. And on the westbound side of the line, try Los Dos Molinos (1010 E. Washington, losdosmolinosaz.com), where the wait is never as bad as this New Mexican restaurant's south Central Ave. sister location.

Heading toward Tempe from there, the rail line passes through some long stretches of industrial and office parks, and the better options, such as the time-honored Stockyards (5009 E. Washington, stockyardsrestaurant.com), aren't in very pedestrian-friendly locations, despite their proximity to the rail...”

“...Some of the best ethnic cuisine in the Valley crops in along the eastern stretch of the light rail. The intersection of University and Rural offers scrumptious Ethiopian eats at Blue Nile (933 E. University), but if Middle Eastern food is what you're craving, ride to the next stop, at Dorsey and Apache Boulevard. Haji Baba (1513 E. Apache) is a cafe/market where you can gobble up cheap falafel before stocking up on Middle Eastern staples, while Tasty Kabob (1250 E. Apache, tastykabobaz.com) is a nicer sit-down place known for its appealing Persian menu. Khai Hoan's Vietnamese menu clearly doesn't fit in with the Middle Eastern mix, but it's a great stop for cheap pho in this part of town (1537 E. Apache).

The Dhaba (1876 E. Apache, the-dhaba.com) is the only reason to get off at McClintock/Apache Boulevard, although it's no ordinary Indian restaurant. Here, they serve casual chaat dishes (Indian truckstop snacks) that you won't find anywhere else in town...”

“Here, at the Sycamore/Main Street station, you can choose from excellent, authentic Chinese food (Asian Café Express, 1911 W. Main) or tasty Guatemalan cuisine (Grill El Quetzal, 1933 W. Main) on the east side of Dobson, or a plethora of Chinese and Vietnamese spots at the brand-new Mekong Plaza (66 S. Dobson, mekongplaza.com) right across the street...”