Though we may need to drive to work if we don’t work in Downtown, or to take kids to school  – lets see how our average weekend may look like?

Within a walking distance we have, for example:

• Peace and tranquility at a cost of $3.00 ( Japanese Friendship Garden on 3rd Ave and Portland)
• Best coffee in town roasted on the spot ( Lola cafe  on Roosevelt and 3rd Ave.)
• One of the most beautiful libraries in the world (Central Ave. South Of McDowell)
• Fantastic pizza at Cibo – on 5th ave and Fillmore
• Modern Asian  and  open air bar with live music – Nine 05 – 3rd street and Roosevelt
• Downtown Public Market and Royal Coffee Bar- food grown, made locally.
• Sushi on Mckinley
• Historic Post office
• British pub
• Best bread in town – Roosevelt and 6th st – at Tammie Coe
• Few yoga places
• Symphony
• Science center
• Children museum
• Arizona Puppet Theater
• Orpheum Theater
• Herberger Theater
• Lightrail
• Arizona Center mall

A popular weekend destination – Home Depot- is not on my list – but we rather would drive there anyway.

One of the most charming and desirable neighborhoods is Central Phoenix is opening doors for you today, February 14th.
It is located between Thomas and McDowell; Central and 7th avenue.
And if you are not familiar with the area instructions how to get there and where to buy tickets are here

It looks like it is going to be a wonderful day!

We’ve got 18 of the 35 Historic Phoenix neighborhoods covered in detail at PMT.   From some of the first far out suburbs like Medlock Place and Windsor square to the prestegious districts like Encanto-Palmcroft and Los Olivos.

The pages include a history of the district, a map and homes for sale plus related links.  We’ve put much work into this and the remaining neighborhoods should be covered by the rest of the year.

For those of you looking to either learn about the districts and or buy a home there, you’ll enjoy the history and easy access to home currently on the market.  Start exploring the Historic Neighborhoods of Phoenix.

While the historic neighborhoods of Phoenix are not that old they do provide a lot of value to Phoenix as a city.  They are a small part of the short Phoenix history that should be preserved and cultivated, if not for the historical value then at lease for the esthetic value.

I’m glad there are people who took a risk on central Phoenix years ago.  They are enjoying the benefits and welcoming Phoenix to enjoy them as well.

Check out the award-winning “Historic Neighborhoods of Phoenix” driving tour.   They’ve created a new website and their next monthly meeting is Thursday, September 18.

215 E. McKinley is a first in a line of many such buildings to come.  Visually the building is very appealing, tall, contemporary yet grounded and in a great location.  It’s more then condos.  It’s condos, lofts and studios priced from $200,000 up;  there are some commercial spaces as well.  14 units  ranging from the 564 sf. studios, to the 1,474 sf. lofts comprise the building.

Currently the building is lonely, sitting there on the vanguard of the downtown building explosion, much of which, has been put on hold while the economy takes a few breaths before moving ahead again, which it will soon.

When your cross streets are 3rd Street and Roosevelt you know you’re in the midst of downtown Phoenix close to most of the top places to visit and work.  You may not need a car living here especially once the light rail gets going; although something small like a scooter or maybe a smart would expand your boundaries.

Like I mentioned, I do like the McKinley Condos but they could be better.  A little more thought and care in execution would have made these condos/lofts much more desirable without necessarily increasing the price.  The finishes, on the interior in some units, are bland and a little boring and don’t distinguish the place much from just your regular stucco condos.  In addition the execution should be better; the grout could be cleaner in finish, the carpet stretched and a few other minor things.  Please don’t get me wrong, these are very minor things that would not cost too much to repair or replace, but these little things may turn some people away, especially since they are advertised as “luxurious”.

They are not luxurious; they are upper end and the location is great, the architecture is appealing and overall 215 E. McKinley is a very nice project.

There are several units for sale so please call Joanna at 602.358.1392 to see them yourselves or to find other condos or lofts in Downtown Phoenix.

Other articles of interest:

Search for Lofts and Condos in Downtown Phoenix by Map.

Portland 2 Townhomes in Downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Lofts.

Both Midtown and Downtown, and soon Uptown if we have a say, are rapidly increasing in density, meaning that land is becoming expensive and lots are getting smaller and homes taller.  Portland 2 is a prime example of the trend. 

The 4 stories include a 2 car tandem garage with storage, then the first level which includes a dining room, kitchen and living room followed by the next level which has the main sleeping areas with the bedrooms followed by the 4th level which has a storage space, a huge terrace with city wide views and a view loft. 

The exterior does not really spark as many emotions or desires as the interior.  The vivid colors, overall good design and a vibrant neighborhood should be enough for you to step into the interior where you’ll see the reason we’re even writing about these.

We see a lot of real estate in Central Phoenix; from the new to the old and historic we have seen a range of properties and the ideas builders and architects have and how these projects are put to fruition.  Some are better in idea then executions and others could be spectacular except for the execution and some just seem to be right as if the builder / developer was in it for more then just a profit.

Portland 2 has good execution, especially for the price.  Despite the 4 levels induced by rising land price the floor-plans are well layed out and very user friendly.  The bedrooms may be a bit small but in and urban setting bedrooms have limited use; the view loft above and the huge dining/living room areas will see more use by its occupants I suspect.

In addition the level of quality is very good.  It’s usually the details that draw our attention and in this case the details don’t scare or create distaste.  Prices for these townhouses begins at $450,000 and attention to details is better then many higher priced projects.

Prices begin at $450,00 but expect to to pay around $500,000 for the base model with necessary upgrades, plus there are some interesting incentives right now.

What we like about Portland 2 Townhouses.

• >Good usable floor-plans.
• >Excellent executions and finishes.
• >Great location near major thoroughfares and just minutes to downtown and within walking distance to some cafes and shops, though shopping for groceries will still require a car or bike.
• >Unique architecture.
• >Green options available.

If you would like to find our more about Portland 2 or see the interior of a townhouse please give me a call.  Joanna at 602.358.1392  I’m in the area often and would love to show them to you.

Other Related Articles.

Portland Place Condos

Portland Place Brownstones

Orpheum Lofts

Where is Downtown Phoenix

Search Phoenix Real Estate by Map.

We have been to both the condos and the brownstones and each offers something different.  Unlike the condos the brownstone buildings are smaller.  It actually helps that just off Portland Ave there is not a huge multi-story mid-rise but a step in between that being the brownstones.   What makes them different is the smaller scale.  Each unit offers multiple exits and some have patios.  The Portland Place Brownstones are something like a compromise between a home and condo.  You do get a more intimate feeling in this building then the other one but you still the freedom of not having to mow the lawn.

The two buildings are very appealing.  They have a very high degree of quality in the finish and building.   I’m not sure if the developer had to do it this way or they chose to do it like this, either way it turned out just right.

Read more about the Portland Place Condos.

See what Portland Place Condos are currently for sale or lease.

Portland Place seems to be located in an ideal area.  Just to the north lies the Japanese Friendship Garden a beautiful exotic landscape with water falls and a lake.  Many of the condos have a direct view of the beautiful garden; views of Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain round out the city wide views to the north.  The units facing the south have spectacular views of the ever evolving and vibrant Phoenix downtown skyline and South Mountain.

Portland Place Condos are 204-212 W. Portland in downtown Phoenix.  This is one of the better designed condos projects; a design that will withstand the test of time.  Its modern yet retains elements complementary to the historic neighborhood in which it stands.
We like Portland Place Condos because.

• Of the good design.

• Surrounding greenery.

• Well executed architecture.

• Quality finishes.

• Option of condo sizes including some brownstones.

• Beautiful Historic neighborhood – Roosevelt Historic District.

In the condo project you have a choice of several models ranging from about 900sf to over 2,800sf.  Prices now are very competitive, take a look at the active condos in Portland Place or look below for active condos.
The units feature exemplary upgrades, including 10 foot ceilings, well layout floor-plan, modern bathrooms, contemporary finishes with granite, stone, brick, frosted glass and more.

Portland Ave. itself is very appealing with a small tree lined grass park splitting the drive in two.  To the east is Central Ave and to the West is the rest of the very beautiful and well kept Roosevelt Historic District.  In close proximity is and Italian Grocery Store, several restaurant like Portland’s Restaurant and activities such a the First Friday’s Art Walk and a farmers market just a few light rail stops to the south.
Portland Place Condos is the type of representative residential project which will make the central Phoenix city vibrant and exciting.
If what we have written and what you see is something that sparks your interest in these condos give us a call and we’ll set up a time to show you the available condos.  This would be the time to purchase as prices are very good and won’t remain so. Joanna 602.358.1392

Below are the currently for sale or lease condos.  Click on the one you like to get more information.

Other related articles:

Search Central Phoenix Condos and Homes For Sale by Map.

Portland Place Condos for Sale and Lease

Roosevelt Historic Neighborhood

In its former life the building was know as the Phoenix Title and Trust Building; the iconic building continues to exert its influences; it is one of the few remaining Art Deco high rises in Phoenix.
The restoration to the building can be called exquisite, authentic, elegant and pleasing with style and architecture all around; from the spectacular lobby, the decorative metal elements, opulent marble and terrazzo, this 11 story brick building has go it.

The brick brings out so much character and authenticity. 

This building now offers all the modern amenities you’ll need or want like a game room, conference room exercise area and a pool.  Other features include an amazing green and inviting court yard and 24th security.
 

What we like about the Orpheum Lofts.

• Style-this place is packed with it.
• Art Deco architecture and design elements.
• Beautiful -for the most part-interiors
• Great location in Downtown Phoenix
• The landscaped courtyard-some of the units have direct access to.

The Orpheum Lofts in Downtown provides residential living at the core of central Phoenix, amongst the sports venues, theaters, and office buildings in the immediate area, like the Phoenix Art Museum, AZ Science Center, Civic Center, Herberger Theater, the Orpheum Theater and many more.

Current Active Orpheum Lofts for Sale or Lease.

There are some issues with the building but noting what word or cant be resolved.  There is a lack of parking.
There are quite a few vacant units and foreclosed due to the investor shopping flip spreed in the last few year.

None the less this is a wonderful building and some of the units are simply spectacular.  Take a look at the interior of this unit in the Orpheum Lofts.  The view is amazing and the there is a really good feeling inside with lots of bright natural light, open space and great layout.

Search for other real estate in Phoenix.

You may also enjoy reading:

Lofty Art in Downtown Phoenix

I see it as craftsmanship; almost as art.  Perfectly formed and aligned, the pipes, concrete and ties add visual appeal and value to the experience in the buildings.  Its not a contrast but more a complement to the Art Deco pedigree of the building.   This is much better looking then those horrific truly outdated and simply unattractive square ceiling tiles you see in many buildings, one of which was Tapestry on Central a newer, very nice building also on the Light rail.   These pipes extend from the hallways to the interior units and sometimes run down bedroom wall and all perfectly in place.  I love this building, not all the units, of course but most of them and i love to see craftsmanship which this building has plenty of.

Take a look at lofts for sale or lease in Orpheum Lofts in Downtown Phoenix