A splendid, brick-clad residential building rises in Phoenix.

By Cory Sekine-Pettite

Chateaux On Central – a splendid, brick-clad residential building rises in Phoenix.

Phoenix, Ariz., is among the nation’s fastest growing cities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s population has grown about 3 percent (now at more than 1.5 million) since 2000. The Bureau also reports that Phoenix, which a century ago was not even among the 100 most populous cities in the country, has passed Philadelphia in total population to become the fifth biggest American city.

And like most other growing metropolitan areas, more and more residents are moving into downtown (or urban) locations. To accommodate this growth in Phoenix, developers are building as quickly and efficiently as they can, but they’re not just constructing rental properties. Home ownership is on the minds of many Phoenix newcomers and suburban defectors too.

Interior – Chateaux On Central – Phoenix, AZ

One development garnering a great deal of deserved attention is the soon-to-be-completed Chateaux on Central town homes project. Nestled in the midst of the downtown district, these one-of-a-kind, brownstone-style homes provide upscale residential living, with an extensive use of masonry in its European, turn-of-the-century architecture. The project – which features 21 brick town homes – lies between several residential and historic districts: Willo district, Aldarado district and Roosevelt district, and the development was designed to complement the historic nature of the neighborhood.

Project Team
Architecture firm: Todd & Associates, Inc.
Architect: Gary Todd
Project Owner: Phillip Anderson, Central Phoenix Partners LLC
Masonry: Phoenix Brick Yard
Structural: Paul-Koehler Engineering
Civil: Keogh Engineering Inc.

But working on a project that would preserve the community’s historical integrity was no easy feat. The project team (see sidebar) delved deep into the city’s historical architecture archive, searching for elements they could incorporate from turn-of-the-century buildings, some of which were torn down years ago. Some of those elements were the corner turrets and the cone on the corner turrets, as well as the steeples and other features from other historic buildings. It’s very European architecture the developer, Central Phoenix Partners LLC, says.

The project cost is estimated at nearly $35.5 million. Individual residences range from 5,100 square feet to 8,200 square feet (three to six bedrooms, four to seven baths) with six, flexible floor plans. Moving in will cost buyers between $2 million and $4 million. For those with the financial means, this location puts residents within walking distance of the best cultural experiences the city offers, including the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theater, Viad Sculpture Garden, Burton Barr Central Library, Japanese Tea Garden, Irish Cultural Center, Margaret T. Hance Park, and the Phoenix Arts District.

And the fact that the Chateaux on Central is clad in locally sourced brick is a key marketing tool for the developer. “We always highlight the fact that it’s masonry construction,” project owner Phillip Anderson told Masonry Design’s sister publication, Masonry, last year. “To me, masonry says quality construction. That message is being well received by our buyers as well.”

Just as the exterior of the buildings features a classic, yet contemporary appearance, the interior is equally lavish. The 2.5-acre gated complex features interiors designed by Inter Plan Design Group with kitchens designed by Kitchens Southwest. Owners can choose from a long line of options, including brick pavers and stone flooring, granite countertops and other masonry details.

For more information on the Chateaux on Central, please visit www.chateauxoncentral.com.

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