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Exploring Optima Communities: Camelback Mountain

One of the reasons we were inspired to move to Arizona was our love for the surrounding desert landscape, and that same passion still resonates across our Arizona communities. An iconic landmark in the greater Phoenix area, Camelback Mountain is a prime example of the way nature informs our own designs through its neighboring Optima communities, Optima Sonoran Village and Optima Camelview Village. But Camelback Mountain has its own distinct allure, fostering a wide-reaching and beloved sense of community for many in the area.

Camelback is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town of Paradise Valley, and is named after its distinct shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. The site has long held significance to Native tribes and settlers in the area, and by the early 1900s, there were strong efforts to keep the mountain protected and preserved. The surrounding area saw major development, but in 1965, Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater helped secure the higher elevations against development. The area became a Phoenix city park in 1968.

View of Camelback Mountain from Optima Camelview Village
View of Camelback Mountain from Optima Camelview Village

Phoenix offers seven breathtaking mountain summits to climb, and Camelback Mountain has the highest, reaching 2,704 feet to provide the best views in the area. Climbing to the summit is considered a right of passage for many.  Hikers can choose from two trails to reach the summit: Echo Canyon and Cholla. Both trails are difficult, with Echo Canyon being the steeper of the two and Cholla being the longer option. Luckily, there are a few less strenuous trail hikes as back-up options, as well. Camelback is the perfect place to experience the vast diversity of desert beauty; from colorful granite, to blooming wildflowers, to local wildlife. And since the trailhead is only 20 minutes away from downtown, there are plenty of places to recharge after a long hike.  

There’s a reason why Camelback Mountain is considered one of Phoenix’s Points of Pride; the beauty both on — and off — the mountain top are truly spectacular. 

Sales at 7180 Optima Kierland

To wrap up an exciting 2019, 7180 Optima Kierland ended December at officially over 50% sold. The latest luxury condominium tower at Optima Kierland Center, 7180 is part of our larger Optima Kierland Center, built alongside 7120 Optima Kierland, 7140 Optima Kierland and 7160 Optima Kierland. Our sales velocity continues to outpace the Arizona luxury condominium market by eight times the average, with Optima Kierland selling 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.

With expansive terraces, vertical landscaping and gorgeous desert views, each residence is built to create a beautiful life in Scottsdale, connected to the surrounding nature. One of the strongest draws for buyers at 7180 Optima Kierland, aside from the stunning views, has been the array of world-class amenities that are unrivaled in the market. The expansive outdoor amenities include a rooftop pools and running track, outdoor fitness areas and entertaining spaces. Indoor amenities include more entertaining spaces, fitness center, game room, theater room and business center. 

Along with our other Arizona properties, Optima Kierland Center has garnered the attention of local and national media. Apartment Therapy featured customized foyers in 7120 Optima Kierland. Another interior design spotlight, Modern Luxury Scottsdale covered Lissa Lee Hickman’s gorgeous interiors within a three-bedroom residence. And Phoenix Home and Garden published an article on one of our residents and their upgrade to luxury living. Like the rest of the Optima Kierland Center properties, 7180 will be completely customizable to fit the tastes and needs of our residents. 

 7180 Optima Kierland is slated for completion in 2020 and features over 200 residences that offer truly one-of-a-kind living experiences. We look forward to sharing more progress on construction and sales throughout the year!

Green Space Spotlight: Optima Sonoran Village

At Optima, one of the cornerstones of our design process is the green space in our communities. With Optima Sonoran Village situated on a ten acre site in downtown Scottsdale, there was an abundance of space to become green. Of the ten acres, six of them are open space that not only mediate the harsh desert climate but also create visually stunning landscaped areas to be enjoyed by residents and the community.

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Lush Landscaping and Pedestrian Paths

Courtyard walking paths wind throughout the property, guiding public pedestrians into and through the development and its centralized courtyards. Surrounding the paths is a varied palette of plantlife. This colorful landscaping against the signature Optima pops of color provides a vibrancy and complement to the more subdued, natural hues of the surrounding desert. 

At Optima Sonoran Village in downtown Scottsdale, an abundance of green space enhances the surrounding community.

Original Public Art

Placed within the courtyards are five original David Hovey sculptures, which range in size up to ten feet. As expansive and evocative pieces of public art, these sculptures activate the spaces that they occupy, and enhance the experience of those passing through. 

Green Space as Mediator

The greenspace at Optima Sonoran Village also serves to mitigate the heat island effect, where dense urban areas experience warmer temperatures due to human activity. To reduce the urban heat island experienced in Scottsdale, the abundant landscaping throughout the courtyards provides shade and cooling through evapotranspiration — the release of water into the atmosphere from plant surfaces. 

At Optima Sonoran Village in downtown Scottsdale, an abundance of green space enhances the surrounding community.

Outdoor Amenities

Nestled within the courtyards and their intricate spread of walking paths are exceptional outdoor amenities. A large fountain serves as a dazzling display and a centerpiece around which to lounge and relax. Farther in, an outdoor resort pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas and firepits is made private by the surrounding landscaping.

The greenery continues, drawing the eye upward to the building’s spectacular vertical landscaping and creating a whole immerse experience. The effect of walking through the property’s greenspace, backdropped by dusky desert mountains, is one of entering a lush oasis. 

As an installation in downtown Scottsdale and with paths open to the public, the greenspace at Optima Sonoran Village is enhancing not only the community of the development, but of its surrounding area too. 

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