The newly completed 7180 Optima Kierland, Arizona’s most luxurious and sustainable condominium tower. It’s the fourth and most elevated residential offering within the $500 million Optima Kierland Center.

It’s always been about location in real estate, with amenities leading the rest of the pack of decisive factors when choosing a place to call home — in fact, having the right ones can make or break a lease. The last decade has been a race for developers to win the hearts of American renters, and apartment community amenities were among the strongest incentives that could tip the contest in one competitor’s favor.

While having an apartment that is equipped with the right features — from dishwashers, in-unit washers and driers to smart home solutions — remains crucial, as does a reasonable price tag, renters prioritize convenience in their residential choices. Apartment buildings need to check a lot of boxes to stay on the prospects’ radar and a lot more is expected from a community than in the past, from on-site parking and fitness centers to resort-like swimming pools, business lounges and clubhouses.

In short, renters are now looking for the whole package. However, not all places are created equal, and while some cities are abuzz with high-end residential complexes that emphasize resident well-being, others offer more basic amenities to apartment renters. Where do renters have the best chances to enjoy a premier renting experience, amenity-wise? And how did new construction affect the amenity landscape?

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Maria Zambrano of Maria Z Interiors isn’t afraid of a challenge. When the designer began work on a small-space project, she knew it was going to provide her with the opportunity to think creatively.

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In these unique times, multifamily development firm Optima is debuting an enhanced virtual sales experience at 7180 Optima Kierland to accommodate prospective buyers in advance of the luxury residential community’s summer opening.

The 12-story tower has topped off construction and just last month surpassed 65 percent sold. Now, to respect necessary social distancing, Optima has upgraded its online buying experience, which the company first introduced more than three years ago, to allow for a more comprehensive and interactive platform for buyers. While stay-at-home restrictions limit prospective buyers from house hunting in the traditional sense, Optima is ensuring that the tools are in place to support those who are in need of a future home.

“More than 50 percent of our buyers are from out-of-state, so virtual communication is the preferred method regardless of the ability to physically visit our onsite sales gallery,” said Crel Vogel, sales manager at 7180 Optima Kierland. “We’re still seeing buyers purchase a home with us as they look to the future and identify Optima Kierland as an incredible opportunity. These buyers and prospects have confidence in the Optima brand and are familiar with the high-quality that Optima consistently has delivered at its other developments.”

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High-rise, sustainable living in Arizona has reached a whole new level this week with the opening of 7180 Optima Kierland, the 12-story residential tower that boasts meticulously designed condominiums, along with the most impressive and expansive luxury amenity offering in the state, all within North Scottsdale’s most desirable address.

With the opening of the building also comes the official debut of the next evolution of Optima’s award-winning, green-building design created by David Hovey, Jr., AIA, president and principal architect of Optima. Optima is known for cutting-edge, residential buildings that have been nationally and internationally recognized with over 50 prestigious awards for the company’s commitment to design, innovation and sustainability.

As the building surpasses 70 percent sold and first homeowners begin moving in this month, one of the biggest draws for buyers has been the array of lavish amenities, both on the rooftop and the ground level. Set atop the 12th floor is the spectacular Sky Deck, which was designed to feel as if it has a negative-edge view, with the railings lowered just beyond the sightline, so the eye goes straight to the vistas beyond and gives the sensation of floating above the city. The Sky Deck offers residents Arizona’s first residential rooftop running track, a heated lap pool with built-in seating areas, spa and a cold-plunge pool; a steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy areas; an outdoor theater, fire pit seating areas, an indoor/outdoor yoga studio and a full kitchen and entertaining spaces with barbecues, covered bar and counter seating with large flat-screen TVs.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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