A walk through time in Tempe Garin Groff , Tribune No doubt countless tourists have wandered past one of Tempe’s oldest buildings without knowing a U.S. president stayed there once, as did “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The building is best known today for the Shoe Mill store or Cafe Boa, and at a glance, it doesn’t seem historic. But the Hotel Casa Loma building was once the top tourist spot in town and even hosted President William McKinley in 1901. History buffs hope more locals and visitors will learn more about the city’s rich but often hidden past with a historic walking tour proposed to start later this year. The idea comes from an unlikely source: a developer building high-rise condos downtown. Avenue Communities wants to call attention to the area’s historic sites with plaques or signs t... 05/08/2007

Latest Tempe Market Statisticsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler REALTOR®Chandler AZ Real EstatePlease find enclosed market statistics for Tempe for the last 30 days.  Data provided by ARMLS.  Should you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me! Active - 823 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumulative DOM Min50901 $ 15,500$0 00Avg173722.10$ 390,245$0 7479Max13938710$ 8,500,000$0 623631AWC - 30 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumulative DOM Min66611 $ 165,000$0 1615Avg192432.23$ 406,270$0 7383Max496755$ 1,450,000$0 335335Pending - 193 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumulative DOM Min62311 $ 122,500$0 00Avg161922.08$ 308,284$0 6471Max422564$ 1,350,000$0 34... 05/04/2007

Are you looking for a lender in Tempe, Arizona (AZ)? Well you have come to the right place. I am a home loan (mortgage) expert in the Tempe area with several years experience as a home mortgage lender. I can also help those in the Greater Phoenix area such as Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler etc. Whether you have good credit, bad credit or no credit I can look at various home loan options and provide you with intelligent options. I work for your long term financial success, so you can be sure to receive excellent service! I can help with purchase transaction, re-finance transaction. I can do investment loans, construction loans, home equity lines as well as loans for second homes! When it comes to home financing I am your one stop shop lender in Tempe, Arizona (AZ). Here is a summary of so... 05/03/2007

Here is a quick Market Snapshot for Tempe, Arizona according to the Arizona Multiple Listing Service.  Only Single Family Detached Homes are included in this chart.The SOLD Listings are from Jan. 1st, 2007 through today May 2, 2007AWC stands for Active with ContingenciesTOM stands for Temporarily Off MarketDOM stands for Days On Market Statistics Active - 491 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumulative DOM Min78221 $ 144,900$0 00Avg208232.26$ 429,901$0 7177Max13938710$ 8,500,000$0 551551AWC - 18 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumulative DOM Min107431.75 $ 215,000$0 1413Avg228232.44$ 490,338$0 7887Max496755$ 1,450,000$0 281283Pending - 111 Properties FoundSquare FeetBedroomsBathsList PriceSale PriceAgent DOM Cumu... 05/02/2007

There has been a lot of talk around town about the exciting new downtown tempe development known as "Stadium Tower".  This new loft, condominium development was able to secure the first truly "hip" hotel for Downtown Tempe, "Lumina".  Located at 5th & College in downtown Tempe, one can only assume that many cities and developers made proposals to acquire this new concept from the creator of the "W Hotel", but it is worth noting that downtown Tempe was the city chosen.  Thankfully for those of us who live, work & play in downtown Tempe, we will all enjoy access to this exciting, vibrant & modern hotel within walking distance of Mill Avenue in just a few short years!For anyone interested in this new development, here are a few details that I acquired while at their Exclusive "Friends & Fa... 04/26/2007

Hello!Last night, we attended the launch party for Stadium Tower, a high-rise luxury development on the ASU campus.  It is an incredible project, in an even more incredible location!  For all the details, click HERE and scroll down to "Stadium Tower"!                                                                                                                                                                           As always, if you are interested in investing in a new Tempe Condo, be sure to contact us - we can find the PERFECT home for you and your lifestyle/goals, AT NO COST TO YOU! Sharon Kotula, ABRAdam Tarr, e-PROYour Phoenix Area Real Estate SourceRE/MAX ExcaliburScottsdale, AZ480-483-3333info@WeAreAZRealEstate.comhttp://www.weareazrealestate.com/ 04/26/2007

April 11, 2007 Newman Center at ASU floats proposal for 20-story dorm Garin Groff , Tribune The next high-rise in downtown Tempe might not be another condo, hotel or office tower — it could be part of a church. The All Saints Catholic Newman Center is considering a roughly 20-story tower for dorms on its property across from Arizona State University. The tower plan seems highly preliminary and lacks specifics, according to several city officials who spoke with church officials. The Newman Center officials met with the city to see if there’s enough support to pursue the idea. The Newman Center already has plans to tear down part of its 1960s-era building to construct new offices and a larger chapel, but the tower could put that on hold. A Newman Center official wouldn’t discuss the tower... 04/12/2007

 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 mo... 04/09/2007

The full Monti: Tempe mainstay selling site, staying open The Business Journal of Phoenix - March 23, 2007 by Jan Buchholz The Business Journal The owners of one of Tempe's oldest businesses, Monti's La Casa Vieja Steakhouse, have struck a deal with a local developer to sell the restaurant's 2.5-acre site at the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Steak lovers can rest easy: The restaurant will continue to operate. After entertaining dozens of bids and proposals during the past year, owners Michael Monti and Eddie Goitia will work with Phoenix-based 3W Cos., a partner in the nearby University Square project. "We did not set out to market this property," Monti said. "Eddie and I were just looking forward to more people living down here." Monti said, "The sense of urgency (to se... 03/26/2007

    I saw this sign for the La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar Coming Summer 2007 and I couldn't help but think what a win this will be for the "Urbanites" who already live in Downtown Tempe Condos.  For those of us who have watched as additional restaurants that cater to the beer and wings crowd open up, this is hopefully a good sign of the new things to come.  Not that there is anything wrong with beer and wings restaurants, I like those too!  I just think we already have enough of them and not enough of these kinds of places.  La Bocca will be located on the first floor of the Brickyard on Mill development on Mill Avenue between 6th & 7th Streets.  Unlike the tenant who vacated the space, Marvo's, let's hope the market is big enough for this restaurant to survive!  So let's all go to... 03/24/2007

Town Lake towers moving fast  HAYDEN FERRY LAKESIDE OFFICE BUILDING #2 - LOBBY Lakeside 2 building opens, 3rd planned Betty Beard The Arizona Republic Mar. 21, 2007 12:00 AM Hundreds of people gathered at Tempe's newest high rise Thursday night to see firsthand how quickly things are happening alongside Tempe Town Lake. At the unveiling for the 12-story Hayden Ferry Lakeside Tower 2, Randy Levin, a vice president at SunCor Development Co., announced that the building is 70 percent leased and that the company filed plans this week with Tempe to begin construction of the third tower. Levin is vice president of design and urban infill development. He also said construction will begin in a month or two on Le Meridien at Tempe Town Lake, a 183-room, 14-story European style hotel that is sche... 03/21/2007

Hello! Today, we spent hours in Tempe, visiting new condo projects and getting updates on existing ones.  Look for a LOT of new information on our New Tempe Condos, Townhomes and Lofts page in the next few days! Sotelo - Tempe - from the $200's If you are considering purchasing a condo - or any home - in Tempe, be sure to contact us FIRST!  We can represent you as a buyer AT NO COST TO YOU! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! Sharon Kotula, ABRAdam Tarr, e-PROYour Phoenix Area Real Estate SourceRE/MAX ExcaliburScottsdale, AZ480-483-3333 info@WeAreAZRealEstate.com www.WeAreAZRealEstate.com  03/16/2007

US Airways office building set to land on Mill Avenue Tempe development manager says offices will be in nice contrast to sprouting condos  by Jonathan J. Cooper published on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 Bettina Hansen / THE STATE PRESS A one-block patch of prime Mill Avenue real estate will soon sprout into an eight-story office and retail building. US Airways, which owns the grassy land on the west side of Mill Avenue between Second and Third streets, submitted preliminary development plans Friday. The development, called Tempe Gateway, would house about 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail and about 235,000 square feet of top-of-the-line office space. It's right next to a planned light-rail stop. The 3 1/2 acre building site is a noticeable gap between Mill Avenue's shops and Tempe Tow... 03/06/2007

On the evening of March 1st, Mosaic Condominiums previewed their new development to a room full of enthusiastic, future city dwellers.  Here are the details on pricing as presented by the developer.  Obviously, since this is such a new development, all information may change and most certainly will vary. FLATS-             517 Sq Ft       --       1,183 Sq Ft Studios           High $300's                Low $400's1 Bed             High $400's                Mid $500's1 Bed/Den       Mid $400's                 Low $500's2 Bed             Mid $500's                 High $600's      TOWER-            706 Sq Ft       --      1,609 Sq Ft1 Bed              Mid $500's                Low $700's 1 Bed/Den        Mid $600's                High $700's2 Bed              High $600's               Hi... 03/01/2007

A week ago Monday, I had a client call.  "I am thinking of buying my first condo/home in Tempe.  Maybe we can check things out."  I put together a list of the 5 most promising condos in Tempe, AZ under $240,000.  On Friday I called to set appointments and one was already gone.  Another condo had five, count them five, offers on it.  I added a few more to the list.  On Saturday, we found one she LOVED.  By Sunday morning, it had one offer on it.  We added ours by the evening and by Monday morning there was a third.  We lost our bid.  People can say what they want about the market slowing down and people losing money.  But I know things are heating up.  Of course, the Tempe condo market is one of the hottest in town.  But I really think it's just a matter of finding the right price point ... 02/28/2007

There has been a lot of talk around town about the exciting new downtown tempe loft development known as "Mosaic".  This new loft, condominium development was able to secure the first truly "urban" grocery store in Arizona, "Whole Foods".  Located at Ash & University in downtown Tempe, one can only assume that many cities and developers made proposals to acquire the Whole Foods concept, but it is worth noting that downtown Tempe was chosen.  Thankfully for those of us who live, work & play in downtown Tempe, we will all enjoy a grocery store in walking distance of Mill Avenue in just a few short years!For anyone interested in this new development, I've been informed that there will be a grand opening party on March 1, 2007.  If you have any interest in being a part of this new developme... 02/19/2007

ORCHIDHOUSE LOFT FOR RENT  2 Bedroom, 1.5 bathroom loft for rent in the heart of Downtown Tempe.  This loft includes 11 foot ceilings, exposed ductwork and large, operable windows with great city views from the 5th floor.Offerred for rent at $1,995 / month.(Please contact us for more information, pictures or to schedule a viewing.) For more information on this loft or other Downtown Tempe Lofts, Condos and other real estate for sale or for rent, please contact:Tom TokophUrban Realty & Development602-549-9000Urban Realty specializes in the Downtown Tempe Lofts, Townhomes, & Condos market. Please give us a call so we can show you that "Life is in the heart of the city"! www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com 02/15/2007

Vegas developer eyes Mill Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Feb. 10, 2007 12:00 AM Downtown Tempe is in flux. Construction has torn up streets. Building plans are coming in every month. High-rises are popping up where once there was nothing. And the city is experiencing growing pains as it evolves into Arizona's first true urban live-work community. Traffic is kept at an almost constant crawl around University Drive and Mill Avenue where water line construction is expected to last until the end of April. And at least one local restaurant blames its closing on surrounding private construction. "The area has changed so dramatically with all the new condo developments, we lost the direct access to our building as well as parking," said Cynthia Darlington, director of marketing for Islands ... 02/15/2007

For More Information on this Downtown Tempe Condo Contact your Downtown Tempe Realtor - Tom Tokoph w/ Urban Realty at 602-549-9000 or visit us on the web at www.TownLakeCondos.comUrban Realty & Development specializes in Downtown Tempe, Scottsdale & Phoenix urban living: Urban Realty provides full service real estate sales, consulting and brokerage services to those who, like us, are looking for their very own home in the modern world. Whether that "home" is a minimalist sanctuary in the penthouse suite, an industrial style office space with exposed ductwork and concrete floors, or a hip new retail shop on "Main Street", Urban Realty & Development is ready to show you that life is in the heart of the city! www.UrbanRealtyAZ.com 02/12/2007

For More Information Contact Tom Tokoph w/ Urban Realty at 602-549-9000 or www.OrchidhouseLofts.comUrban Realty & Development specializes in Downtown Tempe, Scottsdale & Phoenix urban living. Urban Realty & Development, provides full service real estate sales, consulting and brokerage services to those who, like us, are looking for their very own home in the modern world. Whether that "home" is a minimalist sanctuary in the penthouse suite, an industrial style office space with exposed ductwork and concrete floors, or a hip new retail shop on "Main Street", Urban Realty & Development is ready to show you that life is in the heart of the city! 02/12/2007