Optima has announced the opening of the luxury apartment tower 7140 Optima Kierland in north Scottsdale, with immediate move-ins available and the leasing gallery and model residences accessible for private tours.

As the second apartment tower located within Optima Kierland Apartments, 7140 Optima Kierland has already achieved 40% leased, which outpaces the rental market by nearly double, according to a press release.

Comprised of 213 one-, two-, three-bedroom and penthouse residences ranging in size from 737 to 2,225 square feet, monthly rents start from $2,220. The first apartment tower, 7160 Optima Kierland, achieved the fastest leasing rate ever in the Valley in its debut in 2017 and has maintained 95 percent occupancy ever since, the press release stated.

“There is a major trend at play with renters looking to downsize from their single-family homes in favor of the luxury and convenience of the Optima lifestyle, many of whom have relocated from out of state or are considering doing so,” said David Hovey Jr., AIA, president and principal architect of Optima.

“With the debut of 7140 Optima Kierland, we’re excited to be able to offer prospective residents a chance to enjoy the community’s unmatched location, services and amenities, and to be able to meet the demand for large, well-appointed apartment homes in the Valley.”

The leasing gallery is open for in-person or virtual tours. Optima is taking necessary precautions to ensure proper health and safety standards are being maintained in the building’s common areas and models.

Read the full feature on Scottsdale Independent

Visit Optima Kierland Apartments for more details

Four penthouses in the nearly sold-out 7180 Optima Kierland in north Scottsdale are now on the market. The luxury homes are priced from $1.349 to $1.445 million and offer amazing views of the McDowell Mountains through wall-to-ceiling glass walls. Included in the sale is access to some amazing amenities including a rooftop running track, heated lap pool, outdoor bar and fitness center. Two of the penthouses are available right now for tours.

Read more on AZFamily.com

Visit Optima Kierland for more details

Pickleball, a mashup of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is trending, and luxury real estate developers are racing to keep up.

About 4.8 million people play, according to USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing body. The game can range from a social activity to play with children to a fast-paced, competitive match.

“Everyone calls pickleball the great equalizer,” said Matt Nixon, the chief marketing officer at Southworth Development. “You could be 10 years old, 12 years old, playing with anyone of any age.” He said that for the Abaco Club, a development owned by Southworth in The Bahamas, the recreational activity serves as a key channel for building community around health, wellness and the enjoyment of the sport.

For some buyers downsizing from country club neighborhoods, pickleball is already a daily hobby. They’re drawn to onsite courts because it affords a sense of community close to home.

“Buyers are definitely asking about pickleball,” said Wendy Pines, the sales director for the Casamar Residences, starting at $1.5 million, in Pompano Beach, Florida. “They’re excited we’re going to have it on the property and it appeals to people of all ages. It’s become a popular social activity where people can come together and congregate. A lot of people play doubles, like in tennis. You always have people waiting to jump into the game. It’s become that popular.”

Since pickleball appeals to all ages, many kinds of properties can benefit from offering courts as a part of their amenity packages. Far from stripped-down public park facilities, pickleball courts are popping up in luxury developments from coast to coast with thoughtful touches including plush seating and branded equipment.

“Whether it’s a retirement community, a housing development that’s master planned with a variety of product types for different ages and demographics or a private club, you name it, they’re adding pickle[ball],” said Mary Cook, a Chicago-based designer specializing in multi-family developments and amenity facilities.

The Case for New Pickleball Courts

Requiring little more than a badminton-size court, a 34-inch net, paddles and a perforated plastic ball, pickleball is easier to accommodate than other popular amenities, such as golf courses, swimming pools or bowling alleys. Developers are pulling out all the stops, often pairing the recreational activity with cocktail bars and other socially minded additions.

In Miami, the Standard Residences opted to design an indoor court that can be converted into a party room. Giant disco balls will spin from the ceiling, while spectators and players can don branded apparel and paddles styled after the Wes Anderson film “The Royal Tenenbaums.” The building, with pieds-a-terre offered in the mid $700,000s, is expected to be completed in 2023.

“We were thinking about what type of sport we could put in the building without affecting the people there. If you put in paddle[ball] or bowling, it can get too noisy and that becomes an issue,” said Carlos Rosso, the CEO of Rosso Development, the company behind the Standard Residences. “We have a karaoke bar that bleeds into the pickleball court area, so that whole scene will be a very cool way of activating the building.”

In The Bahamas, the Abaco Club transformed an underutilized area into pickleball courts and a basketball half-court. The bright blue courts are along a quiet, palm tree-lined road a stone’s throw from the beach. Lights illuminate the courts for evening matches. Cottages on the Caribbean property are priced up to $3 million and villas are expected to be priced up to $12 million.

“It’s opened up the whole area and changed the dynamic,” said Matt Young, the Abaco Club’s director of outdoor pursuits. “Plans are underway to build an outlet of sorts, with a coffee stand in the mornings where people can sit and watch pickleball or have a cup of coffee in between games.”

In the evenings, players and spectators will be able to grab a beer or cocktail while enjoying a game.

Making Use of Existing Tennis and Basketball Courts

Before installing dedicated courts, luxury developers can try out pickleball at their facilities for a negligible price. They can add lines to existing tennis and basketball courts and roll out temporary nets.

The Abaco Club gauged residents’ interest in the game by adding stripes to its tennis court before committing to the smaller-sized courts. The residential developer Optima Inc., which owns properties in Scottsdale, Arizona and Chicago, did the same by painting stripes on indoor basketball courts.

“The requirements are similar to those of an indoor basketball court, so it’s been an easy addition. The most important thing to consider in planning a pickleball court is space and creating the striping overlay on the existing court in a way that’s cohesive,” said David Hovey Jr. , AIA, president, COO and principal architect of Optima, Inc.

More: Whether in a Garden or on a Windowsill, These High-Tech Gardening Accessories Will Help Your Plants Thrive

To meet demand, they’ve planned an outdoor pickleball stadium at their forthcoming luxury apartment tower, 7190 Optima Kierland. The 216-unit tower is slated to open in 2023 in Scottsdale, with prices ranging from $1.75 million to $3.25 million. “We’re excited to build resident programming around this newest feature, possibly hosting a tournament,” Mr. Hovey said.

Read the full article on Barron’s

As the sun-soaked capital of Arizona, Phoenix isn’t just a bustling metropolis in its own right. It’s also surrounded by a ton of stellar suburbs, each offering its own unique flavor and charm. Keep reading to learn more about the Top 10 suburbs in Metro Phoenix.

From luxury enclaves to tech hubs to serene family-friendly neighborhoods, the Phoenix suburbs described below provide great options for every lifestyle. This article dives into the crème de la crème of the Phoenix suburb scene, providing insights into what makes each spot stand out in the heart of the Southwest.

Scottsdale

In the picturesque landscape of Phoenix suburbs, Scottsdale stands out as an oasis of luxury, art and outdoor activities. With world-class golf courses that would make any link lover’s heart race, upscale shopping districts that can satiate even the most discerning shopper and restaurants that range from gourmet to eclectic, Scottsdale is the epitome of suburban elegance.

Population: 242,753

Average age: 47.7

Median household income: $97,409

Average commute time: 22.9 minutes

Walk score: 32

One-bedroom average rent: $2,024

Two-bedroom average rent: $2,984

Three great apartment complexes in Scottsdale

Optima Kierland Apartments

Montreux

Inspiration at Frank Lloyd Wright

But it’s not all about the glitz and glam. This Phoenix suburb supports an array of outdoor activities, from the scenic trails of McDowell Sonoran Preserve to horseback riding under the vast Arizona sky. Dive into Scottsdale and discover what makes this Phoenix suburb a crown jewel of the Southwest.

Chandler

What sets Chandler apart in the lineup of Phoenix suburbs is its commitment to balancing urban sophistication with hometown warmth. From high-end shopping centers to local farmers markets and from cutting-edge theaters to the annual Ostrich Festival, this Phoenix suburb ensures residents never have a dull moment.

Population: 279,458

Average age: 36.7

Median household income: $91,299

Average commute time: 24.9 minutes

Walk score: 35

One-bedroom average rent: $1,785

Two-bedroom average rent: $2,000

Among the constellation of Phoenix suburbs, Chandler shines brightly with its unique blend of tech-driven progress and laid-back Southwestern charm. As the hub of the Silicon Desert, Chandler boasts a growing technology industry, attracting innovators and professionals eager to make their mark.

Three great apartment complexes in Chandler

Stone View on McQueen

The Ashley

Soleil

Gilbert

Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert has grown exponentially, trading hay bales for innovative businesses and growing communities. Gilbert is a shining example of how a city can expand without losing its historic charm.

Population: 273,136

Average age: 34.5

Median household income: $105,733

Average commute time: 27.1 minutes

Walk score: 29

One-bedroom average rent: $1,747

Two-bedroom average rent: $1,991

Read more on AZ Big Media

Visit Optima Kierland Apartments for more details

Optima continues to outpace the Arizona luxury condominium market in sales velocity by eight times the average as the Scottsdale-based developer has surpassed 55 percent sold at 7180 Optima Kierland.

Nine premium penthouses will debut as an exclusive, highly-curated collection available for sale, according to a press release.

Described as the newest and most elevated high-rise condominium tower at the $500 million Optima Kierland Center, 7180 Optima Kierland has sold 113 homes since sales began in January 2019, the release said of the community noted to lead the Phoenix-metro market for sales velocity compared to other new condominium developments across the Valley.

Amidst the sales success, Optima is launching the McDowell Mountain Collection, which includes a limited selection of luxury penthouses priced from $1.1 million, the release said.

Read the full feature on Scottsdale Independent

Visit 7180 Optima Kierland for more information

As Optima continues to outpace the Arizona luxury condominium market in sales velocity by 8 times the average, the Scottsdale-based developer announced today it has surpassed 55 percent sold at 7180 Optima Kierland and will debut an exclusive, highly curated collection of nine premium penthouses that are available for sale starting this week.

As the newest and most elevated high-rise condominium tower at the $500 million Optima Kierland Center, 7180 Optima Kierland has sold 113 homes since sales began in January 2019. The community leads the Phoenix-metro market for sales velocity when compared to other new condominium developments across the Valley, according to a December 2019 market study by Polaris Pacific.

Amidst the sales success, Optima is launching the McDowell Mountain Collection, which includes a limited selection of luxury penthouses priced from $1.1 million. Perched at the pinnacle of the 12-story tower, these penthouses offer unsurpassed views of the McDowell Mountains through the sweeping floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing for the ultimate indoor-and-outdoor living experience. Buyers have the option of choosing from nine homes with three distinct two- to three-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 1,461 to 1,509 square feet.

Read the full feature on AZ Big Media

Visit 7180 Optima Kierland for more details.

Inside the ninth-floor condo created by architect David Hovey, Jr., floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame views of the McDowell Mountains and provide glimpses of planes landing at the nearby Scottsdale airport. Balconies offer desert breezes and bird’s-eye views of the urban hubbub below. The backdrop inspired interior designer Lissa Lee Hickman to create a luxurious, tone-one-tone aerie that’s a calming setting for its owners.

The 3,100-square-foot, three-bedroom North Scottsdale residence was designed by Hickman for a couple, with adult children, who has vacationed in Scottsdale for years. “I did their previous home,” says Hickman, who opened her own firm in 2006. “They decided they didn’t want to maintain a big single-family house, so they were looking for a lock-and-leave condo.”

For a growing number of Canadian seasonal-home buyers shopping the Greater Phoenix market, upscale North Scottsdale has caught their discerning eye.

Granted these snowbirds are finding the warm winter weather, outdoor recreation opportunities, and professional sports very appealing, but Optima Inc. has added a few other elements to woo those north of the 49th Parallel.

Read the full feature on Calgary Herald

Visit 7180 Optima Kierland for more details.