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Optima, an internationally acclaimed architecture and real estate development firm, announced today the launch of sales for the first luxury condominium tower at Optima McDowell Mountain—a $1 billion, design-forward community in North Scottsdale that has already secured close to $27 million in early reservations ahead of its public release.

Optima McDowell Mountain represents the latest evolution of architectural design, sustainability initiatives and a lifestyle-forward amenity experience. The debut condominium tower, 7230, will feature 196 thoughtfully designed residences ranging from 728 to 2,204 square feet, with one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, showcasing signature elements such as floor-to-ceiling glass, lushly landscaped private terraces, designer kitchens and integrated smart-home technology. Prices are estimated to start in the $600,000s for one-bedrooms, the $900,000s for two-bedrooms and the $1.4 million range for three-bedrooms.

Buyers can also customize their homes, with options to combine units and personalize layouts and finishes. Already, more than 60% of early reservations are for custom combination homes, where individuals purchase two to three units to create expansive, bespoke residences, underscoring the appetite for highly tailored living at Optima McDowell Mountain.

Located on a 22-acre site at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101, Optima McDowell Mountain will include six eight-story towers, home to a mix of condominiums, apartments and 36,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The development is designed to live in harmony with its surroundings.

“This is a significant milestone for Optima,” said David Hovey Jr., AIA, president of Optima. “It’s the first time in four years we’ve introduced for-sale residences in Arizona, and we’re bringing everything we’ve learned over the past four decades into this new community. Optima McDowell Mountain reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful design and quality living, and it represents the next chapter in our legacy.”

Setting a new benchmark for luxury living, each residential building will be anchored by approximately 1.5 acres of resort-caliber amenities. At the rooftop level of 7230, a dramatic Sky Deck unfolds with panoramic McDowell Mountain views, an Olympic-length heated lap pool, a perimeter running track, outdoor spa, cold plunge, sauna, firepits, lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, indoor and outdoor yoga studios and entertainment zones with TVs, shaded arbors and lush foliage. Ground-level amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center with indoor and outdoor training areas; Pilates studio, group fitness space and locker rooms; sauna, massage room and spa lounge; indoor pickleball/basketball court; two outdoor pickleball courts and bocce court; indoor golf simulator, sports lounge and outdoor chipping and putting area; business center with conference and huddle rooms; movie theater and a chef’s kitchen-equipped party room; indoor and outdoor children’s play areas; pet park and pet spa; and outdoor lounge with a spa and cold plunge.

With approximately 16 acres dedicated to open space, representing nearly 75% of the property, Optima McDowell Mountain is designed to feel like an oasis—vibrant, walkable and deeply connected to the natural landscape. A 10-acre central park serves as the heart of the community, surrounded by pedestrian paths and biking trails that link to Scottsdale’s trail systems and Bicycle Master Plan. Residents will enjoy the tranquility of the desert while staying connected to North Scottsdale’s premier dining, entertainment and shopping destinations just minutes away.

Optima McDowell Mountain also pioneers an innovative model for environmentally conscious development. The community will feature the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the U.S., designed to reduce overall water use, with an underground vault that can store up to 210,000 gallons of rainwater for on-site irrigation. The project is also the first in Scottsdale to be built under the newly adopted International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

Other sustainability features include solar panels, self-irrigating vertical landscaping for natural insulation and air purification, 100% underground parking to reduce surface heat retention, high-efficiency VRF heating/cooling systems, induction cooktops in the residences and EV charging in the parking garage for both residents and guests.

The Optima McDowell Mountain Sales Gallery is now open by appointment only, inviting prospective buyers to experience firsthand the innovative architecture, sophisticated design and exceptional lifestyle that define this premier community. With residences in the first condominium tower now selling, completion is anticipated in summer 2027. For more information and to schedule a private appointment, visit OptimaMcDowellMountain.com.

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It was common for candidates and residents alike to claim there were over 15,000 apartments in the infamous “pipeline” earmarked for Scottsdale prior to the November 2024 election.

Various numbers from an array of time periods were bandied about to prove or disprove whatever point was being made at the time.

A new report from Scottsdale City Manager Greg Canton states there aren’t near as many apartments in the pipeline as people have claimed.

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Cushman & Wakefield announced the firm has advised Optima in the acquisition of a 22-acre development site on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 freeway in Scottsdale.

Chicago-based Optima is constructing a new luxury mixed-use residential project named Optima McDowell Mountain Village on the northern Scottsdale site, according to a press release. The project will consist of six 8-story buildings totaling approximately 1,330 residential units plus 36,000 square feet of commercial space plus top amenities.

Four of the buildings will be rental apartments and the other two are for-sale condominiums. The unit mix will consist of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units that range from 775 to 2,025 square feet.

Optima acquired the land from John Lund for $44.75 million. The site was originally proposed for three new car dealerships, the release explained.

Managing Director Don Arones with Cushman & Wakefield in Phoenix represented the buyer and Marty De Rito of De Rito Partners, Inc. represented the seller in the transaction.

The project was recently approved by the city council and is estimated to cost up to $1 billion, the release stated.

“This will be a world-class residential project and will provide needed upscale housing to the many employers in the growing Scottsdale area and surrounding communities. The property is strategically located along the freeway that will also make it very convenient for residents to access any destination,” said Don Arones in the release.

Designed by architects David C. Hovey and David Hovey, Jr., Optima McDowell Mountain Village is comprised of six concrete-framed condominium and apartment buildings with undulating landscaped facades that echo the shapes of the McDowell Mountains.

Each of the six buildings will contain its own resort-style amenity offering which will include a rooftop deck with a 50-meter Olympic-length swimming pool, a sauna, a spa and a cold plunge among many other luxury features.

The ground-floor level of each building will be similarly outfitted with spacious, well-appointed lobbies, a fitness center and yoga studio that look out over the landscaped courtyard, a sauna and steam room plus much more.

With views of the majestic McDowell Mountain range as the backdrop, the location is just a five-minute drive to the shopping, dining and entertainment destinations of Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons.

Being adjacent to the Loop 101 Freeway and just two minutes from the SR-51 Highway and ten minutes away from the I-17 Highway will allow residents to be just 15-25 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, Glendale, Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the release detailed.

Also, the development will feature a bicycle and pedestrian path around the perimeter of the development that will connect to the bicycle and multi-use paths of the City of Scottsdale Bicycle Master Plan.

Parking at McDowell Mountain Village will be 100% underground, and Optima will also be developing a new roundabout on Mayo Boulevard.

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Colliers in Arizona has released the annual Greater Scottsdale Airpark 2030 Report, indicating healthy conditions within the growing submarket.

According to the report, demand for commercial space in the area is exceeding supply and development of new space is being handled at a healthy pace.

“Many are speculating a future recession, but we are not overly concerned about that for the Scottsdale Airpark,” said Jim Keeley, SIOR, CCIM and founding partner of the Colliers Scottsdale office.

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PHOENIX — Development firm Optima has started construction on its newest residential development in Arizona called Optima McDowell Mountain Village.

The $1 billion development stretches across 22 acres southeast of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 in north Scottsdale.

Optima, which has experience developing in Phoenix, Scottsdale and throughout the Valley, has partnered with Mitsui Fudosan America, a subsidiary of Japan’s largest real estate company, on the project.

Earlier this month, developers broke ground on the first building, which will contain 210 rental units. It will eventually be one of six buildings, including over 1,300 luxury residences.

Among the architectural design are rooftop amenities on top of each building, including an Olympic-length swimming pool, running track around the perimeter of the roof, outdoor fire pits, lounge seating, barbecue spaces and more.

Ground floor amenities include a fitness center, sauna, game room, theater, indoor sport courts, an outdoor pickleball arena, golf activities and more.

Connecting all six buildings is the courtyard stretching across the development which features a bike and walking path around the perimeter of the property as well as the nearby paths throughout Scottsdale.

The development is the first project in Arizona designed to meet the standards of the International Energy Conservation Code as well as International Green Construction Code. Solar panels, native plants and underground parking are among some of the contributing factors.

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1. Kimley-Horn & Associates earned a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for its engineering work on the Tonto Creek Bridge in Tonto Basin. The 1,980-ft structure was funded by a $23.9M federal grant and built by Ames Construction. Ethos Engineering, Inc., Logan Simpson Design, Inc., J.E. Fuller, Inc., Newton Environmental Consulting, LLC and Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc. also assisted with the project.

2. Green Ideas Building Science Consultants announced the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport achieved LEED-CI Gold certification on April 14. The 3.6KSF lounge in Terminal 4 was designed by Corgan and GLUMAC Engineers and built by Alston Construction.

Groundbreakings

3. DESRI broke ground April 30 on the Catclaw Power and Storage Project, a 250MW solar and 250MW battery storage facility spanning 1,618 acres in Buckeye. The project will connect APS customers statewide by connecting to the regional electrical grid through APS’ Sun Valley Substation. Completion is expected by mid-2026.

4. The City of Phoenix has broken ground on Innovation 27, a $43.5M workforce and education center at the NWC of 27^th and Northern avenues. The project has been in the works for at least five years. It will offer trade education through partners including the West-MEC high school district, Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the Washington Elementary School District. The center is expected to open in summer 2026.

5. Buc-ee’s is breaking ground on its first Arizona location at 1001 N. Bullard Ave. in Goodyear. The company acquired the 22-acre site for $17.2M in March 2024 and began site grading that October. The 74KSF 24/7 travel center will include 120 fueling stations, retail and food offerings.

Progress Reports

6. Optima has launched sales for 7230, the first for-sale condominium tower in its $1B Optima McDowell Mountain development in north Scottsdale. The 196-unit tower is part of the first phase alongside 7220, an apartment tower set to debut in fall 2025. Completion of 7230 is expected in summer 2027. The 22-acre development at Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 will include six eight-story towers with residential, retail and restaurant space.

7. Willmeng Construction hit a major project milestone on a renovation project at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Willmeng and its structural steel subcontractor, Castle Steel, recently raised the final support beam on the new, 7.5KSF Roundhouse, which will be a central feature of the newly renovated park.

8. Willmeng Construction recently celebrated the topping-off ceremony for the Mesa Gateway Library, complete with signatures from across the city. With this being the first public library in 35 years to be built in Mesa, the community had a special role to play in documenting this milestone.

9. A new Lowe’s at South Bridge Marketplace in Maricopa is nearing completion. The 94KSF store broke ground in November and is targeting a late July opening.

Completions

10. LGE Design Build completed construction of Thunderbird Commerce Park, a 243KSF Class A industrial facility developed by Creation at Scottsdale and Thunderbird roads. Located near the Scottsdale Airport, the project features 32-ft clear heights, 51 truck doors, EV charging, and a modern design tailored for aerospace, semiconductor and logistics tenants.

11. Brinkmann Constructors, in partnership with Scannell Properties, completed a 150KSF industrial manufacturing facility for Super Radiator Coils in Mesa. The project includes 45KSF of Class A office space and 130KSF of conditioned manufacturing space with gantry cranes, gas piping systems and a cleanroom. Ware Malcomb was the architect.

12. Holualoa Companies and Plaza Companies completed a major renovation of WaterView, a 209KSF Class A office complex at the intersection of Highland Avenue and 22nd Street in Phoenix. The upgrades included new spec suites, modernized interiors, refreshed outdoor spaces and enhanced amenities. Plaza led property management and construction, and Lee & Associates’ The Coppola Cheney Group is the space’s leasing brokerage.

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The burgeoning $1 billion Optima McDowell Mountain development (optimamcdowellmountain.com)—six eight-story apartment buildings, 36,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and a 10-acre park with cycling and pedestrian paths—is set to stun in the real estate community, and building 7220, which is leasing now, is its current crown jewel. “This initial residential tower represents a significant milestone in bringing Optima McDowell Mountain to life,” Optima president David Hovey Jr., AIA, notes.

Effortless green spaces abound throughout the property.

Housing 210 luxury rentals, the building’s floor plans span from studios to three bedrooms with monthly rates from $2,900 to over $10,000. Each residence features Optima’s signature architectural and biophilic design, including oversize windows, soaring ceilings, private terraces and smart-home technology. The property’s thoughtful designs were crafted with sustainability in mind, boasting the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the U.S., solar energy, electric vehicle charging stations and more.

Sleek bedrooms feature soaring ceilings and oversize windows.

Luxury living is exemplified with helpful perks like dry cleaning drop-off and delivery, an on-demand mobile app for scheduling everything from housekeeping to massages, personal training, pet care services and more. An Olympic-style pool on the roof is perfect for swimming a few laps, followed by a dip in the cold plunge. On the ground level sits a full-service fitness studio, pickleball courts, a movie theater and even a golf simulator.

Hovey Jr. sums it up best. “From the architecture and materials to the concierge services and amenities, every element was studied through the lens of how people live today—and how they want to live in the future.”

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Optima McDowell Mountain, a visionary mixed-use development comprising six eight-story condominiums and apartments across 22 acres in the heart of North Scottsdale, announces key property achievements, including its completed apartment tower, 7220 Optima McDowell Mountain, surpassing 50% leased occupancy and approaching 65%, and its under-construction condominium tower, 7230 Optima McDowell Mountain, officially topping out.

Once complete, 7230 Optima McDowell Mountain will introduce 196 condominium homes with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Scheduled for resident move-ins beginning in 2027, the condominium tower continues to make significant construction progress, with the building façade nearing completion, courtyard landscaping currently being installed, and Optima’s signature vertical landscaping set to be installed this month. 7230 Optima McDowell Mountain continues to see steady demand with approximately 40% of the homes sold, all combination residences sold and only two Signature Collection residences remaining, as two recently sold for over $3M.

7230 Optima McDowell Mountain’s model home is now complete for potential buyers to preview. The Sales Gallery is open, inviting prospective buyers to experience firsthand the innovative architecture, sophisticated design and exceptional lifestyle that define this premier community.

“As the site continues to take shape, we look forward to welcoming new residents into the remaining residences at 7220 and 7230 Optima McDowell Mountain,” said David Hovey Jr., AIA, president of Optima, “The architecture, open space, and wellness-centered amenities have been the top reasons provided by the residents who have chosen Optima McDowell Mountain.”

Each residential building at Optima McDowell Mountain will be anchored by approximately 1.5 acres of resort-caliber amenities. At the rooftop level of 7230 Optima McDowell Mountain, a dramatic rooftop sky deck unfolds with panoramic McDowell Mountain views, an Olympic-length heated lap pool, a perimeter running track, outdoor spa, cold plunge, sauna, firepits, lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, indoor and outdoor yoga studios and entertainment zones with TVs, shaded arbors and lush foliage. Ground-level amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with indoor and outdoor training areas; Pilates studio, group fitness space and locker rooms; sauna, massage room, cold plunge, and spa; indoor pickleball/basketball court; two outdoor pickleball arenas and bocce court; indoor golf simulator, sports lounge, and outdoor chipping and putting area; business center with conference and huddle rooms; movie theater and a chef’s kitchen-equipped party room; indoor and outdoor children’s play areas; pet park and pet spa; and outdoor lounge with a spa and cold plunge.

With approximately 15 acres dedicated to open space, representing nearly 75% of the property, Optima McDowell Mountain is designed to feel like an oasis—vibrant, walkable and deeply connected to the natural landscape. A 10-acre central park serves as the heart of the community, surrounded by pedestrian paths and biking trails that link to Scottsdale’s trail systems and Bicycle Master Plan. Residents enjoy the tranquility of the desert while staying connected to North Scottsdale’s premier dining, entertainment and shopping destinations just minutes away.

Optima McDowell Mountain also pioneers an innovative model for environmentally conscious development. The community features the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the U.S., designed to reduce overall water use, with an underground vault that can store up to 210,000 gallons of rainwater for on-site irrigation. The project is also the first in Scottsdale to be built under the newly adopted International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

Other sustainability features include solar panels, self-irrigating vertical landscaping for natural insulation and air purification, 100% underground parking to reduce surface heat retention, high-efficiency VRF heating/cooling systems, induction cooktops in the residences, and EV charging in the parking garage for both residents and guests.

About Optima McDowell Mountain: Optima McDowell Mountain is a visionary mixed-use development nestled in the heart of North Scottsdale. Spanning 22 acres, this neighborhood blends modern luxury and sustainability, offering for sale and rental residences across six architecturally striking, eight-story buildings. A bold testament to Optima’s design philosophy, the community is built around the principles of biophilic design, with 75% of its expansive grounds dedicated to open space. Optima McDowell Mountain incorporates cutting-edge sustainability features, including the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the U.S. and a pioneering vertical landscape system that transforms the community into a desert oasis. Residents will experience an unparalleled lifestyle, with each building containing its own ~1.5 acres of resort-style amenities, including a rooftop sky deck with a 50-meter Olympic-length pool, a running track that will follow the perimeter of the roof, outdoor fire pit lounges, and more, along with robust ground-floor amenities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor basketball/pickleball court, outdoor pickleball arena, outdoor putting and chipping area, and more. With the first phase, including one apartment tower debuted in fall 2025 and one condominium tower arriving in summer 2027, Optima McDowell Mountain is poised to redefine elevated Arizona living for generations to come.

About Optima: Optima is a design-driven real estate development firm that has spent over four decades redefining modern living with renowned urban and suburban luxury residential communities. With architecturally striking residential communities, Optima seamlessly weaves together design, nature, and a deep sense of connection. A vertically integrated approach—overseeing every detail from development, design, construction, sales, marketing, and management—creates the freedom to push boundaries, refine efficiencies, and shape environments that inspire and engage. The result has been more than 40 developments across Arizona and Illinois and national recognition with over 100 prestigious awards for industry-leading designs. Each project is a testament to the belief that architecture should be felt as much as it is seen—where space, light, and materiality come together to create vibrant, connected communities. Rooted in modernist traditions yet constantly evolving, Optima continues to transform the built environment, reimagining the way people experience home.

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