by Peter Madrid | Sep 30, 2024 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (Sept. 30, 2024) – The Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) recently recognized a City of Mesa project for which Terracon Consultants, Inc. served as the prime design consultant.
The Monterey Park expansion project in Mesa, Arizona, was the 2024 Project of the Year winner in the Structures $5 million to $25 million category.
Terracon’s Phoenix Landscape Architecture group worked closely with the City of Mesa, the design team, and Hunter Contracting Co., which served as the construction manager at-risk overseeing construction.
“It’s always our goal to bring value to the communities our projects serve. It was exciting to work with our design team and the City of Mesa whose community-driven vision for the expansion of Monterey Park and the new Mesa Express Library was already focused on innovative ways to bring new services into what could have otherwise been a nice but common ballfield park,” said John Griffin, the design team project manager and landscape architect with Terracon, a consulting firm specializing in design, environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services.
“They really championed exploring new ways to make the project something special. Hunter Contracting was a true partner throughout the construction process, always great to work with, and really adding value to the final results,” Griffin added.
The park expansion project was driven by public demand for new improvements leading to doubling the park’s size, adding four youth baseball and softball fields, four pickleball courts, two ramadas, and restrooms.
Water conservation and site resiliency were key considerations during design, including extensive water harvesting throughout the parking lot, protection of mature trees for shade, and right-sizing turf areas.
“With the expansion of Monterey Park, the surrounding neighborhoods have a point of pride that is a gem,” said Andrea Moore, City of Mesa Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities Director. “The diversity in activities available in the park creates a destination that is enjoyed by all ages. It promotes a healthy community with physical activity, social opportunities, and literacy.”
A central feature of the project is the new Mesa Express Library, a one-of-a-kind self-service library residents can access using their library card to find something new to read as well as reserve park equipment. Outside of the library building, patrons are also able to retrieve reserved books and equipment through self-service electronic lockers.
They can also follow the story trail signs that lead young readers on a looped route around the library area. A large shade structure and tot lot and an outdoor reading amphitheater adjacent to the library further integrate the library with the park.
“The library is thrilled to partner with our Mesa Parks and Recreation Department to offer services in a reimagined way,” said Polly Bonnett, City of Mesa Library Director. “Monterey Park and the Mesa Express Library have truly become a focal point in the neighborhood, offering amenities that serve a variety of interests and ages. This initiative blends education, leisure and wellness and strengthens the connections in our community.”
The collaborative design team also included civil engineers, Ardurra Group, Inc.; architects, Architectural Resource Team; plumbing and mechanical engineers, Säzän Group; electrical engineers, Wright Engineering Corp.; and structural engineers, Caruso Turley Scott Inc.
The mission of the Arizona Chapter of APWA is to support those who operate, improve, and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education, and member engagement. The award was presented at the annual Arizona APWA Public Works Conference at the El Conquistador Tucson.
The APWA Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in public works.
Members of the winning design team at the Arizona Chapter of the APWA Awards in Tucson. (Photo courtesy of Hunter Contracting Co.)
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About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm with more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Our talented employee-owners provide on-time and real-time data-driven insights to create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project, any size, anywhere. Terracon consistently ranks as a top 25 design firm by Engineering News-Record. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 25, 2024 | News & Updates
MARBLE FALLS, TEXAS (Sept. 25, 2024) – Construction has begun on the community center at Gregg Ranch with resident-focused features including a main swimming pool with lap lanes, a gathering space, multiple shade ramadas, and game courts.
The new, resident-only community center, projected to open in early 2025, is located at West Cora Lee Loop and Gregg Ranch Boulevard within the Legacy Park. New walking areas within the park will further enhance the trail system and complement the community center to provide additional recreation options.
Plans also include volleyball and pickleball courts, a gaga ball pit, a playground, a picnic pavilion with a fire pit, and a dog park to accommodate both small and large dogs. The expansive pool area will feature two, 60-foot-long lap lanes.
“We’re thrilled with the features that our residents will enjoy in their new community center,” said Chris Cacheris, Senior Vice President at Harvard Investments, the developer of Gregg Ranch. “It will serve as another reason for people to choose to live at Gregg Ranch.”
Located at the entrance to the Texas Hill Country, near state parks, lakes, and rivers, Marble Falls is one of the fastest-growing towns in the region. In April, Gregg Ranch opened several new neighborhoods by award-winning national homebuilder Richmond American Homes, which offers its popular UltraGarage®. These “big toy” garages are available with certain floor plans and accommodate RVs, ATVs, boats, and every type of adventure gear.
Gregg Ranch offers single-family detached homes, ideal for families, couples, singles, empty-nesters and retirees. Texas Hill Country is famous for unique wineries, museums, live music, and restaurants all within driving distance; each providing a taste of culture and hospitality.
Marble Falls boasts a downtown center with flourishing shops, restaurants, festivals and attractions throughout the year. It is a short drive from the best Hill Country offers including hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, fishing, and even spelunking.
For more information about Gregg Ranch visit greggranch.com.
About Harvard Investments
Harvard Investments, Inc. is a real estate investment and development company with real estate holdings throughout the western United States. Harvard combines experience, integrity, and financial stability to create high quality, environmentally sensitive, profitable communities including both large scale master planned communities and build to rent neighborhoods. Harvard’s Canadian parent, the Hill Companies, is a privately held diversified company involved in real estate development including construction and leasing of commercial office buildings and retail properties, oil and gas production and distribution, broadcasting, surety bonding, and insurance. The Hill Companies celebrated its 121st year of continuous family ownership and operation in 2024. To learn more visit harvardinvestments.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Sep 19, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Impactful. Confident. Fierce. Resilient. Influential. Graceful. Groundbreaker. Game changer. Admired.
Attributes of a woman icon in commercial real estate, those words summarize the career of the winner of AZREW’s inaugural Woman Icon Award winner, Beth Jo Zeitzer, President and Designated Broker of R.O.I. Properties and a past AZCREW President.
AZCREW, the commercial real estate organization that exists to transform the industry by advancing women globally, announced the winner of the inaugural Woman Icon Award yesterday at its annual Woman Icon speaker event.
The AZCREW Woman Icon Award was created to honor a trailblazing woman in the commercial real estate industry. The prestigious honor was designed to celebrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact, recognizing those who have paved the way for future generations.
“Impactful, graceful, and fierce – these were the qualities we sought in selecting the recipient of our inaugural AZCREW Woman Icon award, and Beth Jo Zeitzer embodies them all,” said AZCREW President Jenny Liles with Cresa. “With more than 30 years of experience as a CEO, she has navigated the complexities of her field with unwavering grace and determination, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Her journey is a testament to the strength of perseverance and the power of visionary leadership.”
R.O.I. Properties is a full-service real estate advisory and brokerage firm based in Phoenix. Before founding R.O.I. Properties, Zeitzer, served as the Director of Commercial Properties at Del Webb Corporation where she handled $96 million in real estate transactions and a 600-acre commercial property portfolio which included regional and neighborhood retail centers, business, medical and professional offices, industrial parks, and light industrial spaces.
An Arizona resident since 1971, Zeitzer graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in general research (with real estate and marketing emphasis). She is also a graduate of the University of San Diego Law School, where she was the Research Editor of the Law Review and the recipient of the Hahn Award for Excellence in Real Estate.
“I found community through AZCREW,” Zeitzer said. “It is such an incredible organization that helped form my commercial real estate career. I am so thankful for that. With all the community and fun, we have making deals all day, long, the key is to embrace the challenges before us and turn them into opportunities.”
The award was presented at the 2024 Woman Icon event, which was sold out. This year’s Woman Icon speaker was Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach and player in NFL history. Dr. Welter is also the author of “Play Big” in which she reveals the grit and determination that it took to be a trailblazer in one of the country’s toughest boys’ clubs.
With a career studded with several firsts, Dr. Welter made history when she coached the Arizona Cardinals’ inside linebackers for their 2015 training camp. Dr. Welter serves as a powerful role model and an inspiring reminder that barriers are meant to be broken.
About AZCREW:
AZCREW is the local affiliate of CREW Network. CREW Network is at the forefront of achieving gender equity and greater diversity in commercial real estate. We will achieve this by transforming the industry by advancing women globally. Our membership offers unparalleled business development, leadership opportunities and networking both locally in your market and globally across our 12,000-member base. For more information visit arizonacrew.org.
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by Peter Madrid | Sep 19, 2024 | News & Updates
GILBERT, ARIZ. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Earthworks Environmental, an environmental compliance consulting firm, was founded 10 years ago, a journey that began with one client and 15 projects.
Earthworks Environmental has since become an industry leader with a proprietary online management software system, ERX, it launched 7 years ago, with more than 80 employees, and numerous new divisions in the Southern U.S.
Since its inception in 2014, the woman-owned company that provides stormwater pollution prevention, dust control, and construction safety compliances, has grown organically to become an industry leader, operating in 20 states and 36 markets. From its first client – national homebuilder Taylor Morrison – to the present, Earthworks Environmental has forged partnerships with 19 of the top 20 homebuilders in the nation. The firm primarily serves land developers, vertical developers, commercial construction, and land-holding companies.
Earthworks Environmental CEO Cherie Koester
“We are thrilled to mark a significant milestone,” Earthworks Environmental CEO Cherie Koester said. “It started with a single client, Taylor Morrison, which remains one of our most valued partners. This year alone, we have accompanied and resolved 1,389 regulatory inspections nationwide.”
Earthworks Environmental’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of cutting-edge technology, specifically its proprietary online stormwater management software, ERX. ERX is used by homebuilders nationwide and is approved for use by builders by the EPA. It led to the formation of a new company in 2023, ERX Industries.
For the past 7 years, Earthworks Environmental has employed ERX, which puts all aspects of environmental compliance into one program. This includes permits, inspections, and maps. ERX was developed for large-scale national builders based on their feedback of what they wanted and needed, Koester said.
“Our world is quickly becoming technology-based, and to stay in front of that we needed to bring a higher level of software and customer service,” Koester said. “ERX has done exactly that. The management tools and cutting-edge mapping feature are unmatched.”
Earthworks Environmental currently has approximately 2,400 active users nationally in ERX. It is available as a subscription base or license purchased, Koester said.
In recent years Earthworks Environmental opened divisions in Atlanta; Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Venice, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Arkansas.
Koester’s commitment to nurturing loyalty and remembering the company’s roots has been a cornerstone of Earthworks Environmental. She is also a firm believer of work-life balance for herself and the team. Koester prides herself as a mother and has guided the management team to embody strong values and principles, striving to enhance the growth and development of every employee.
Earthworks Environmental embraces camaraderie with team-building events. It also celebrates team members with Employee of the Month honors. Koester’s adult children all graduated from Arizona State University with various degrees and hold essential roles at Earthworks Environmental.
Earthworks Environmental believes in the power of community. Through partnerships with industry groups and non-profit organizations, Koester and her team constantly give back to the community. Earthworks Environmental unites each year with industry group Valley Partnership, participating with its Community Project.
As Earthworks Environmental enters its second decade, the company remains committed to its mission of compliance excellence. Since Earthworks still remains a single shareholder entity, the business will continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service and client satisfaction versus concentrating on margins. Future plans include continued growth into new markets and within current markets, Koester said.
“For many years I kept saying I felt like there was so much more for me to do and I wasn’t even halfway to my goals,” Koester said. “Today, I still feel the same way. There are countless things for me to still learn and I’m reminded daily how much I still want to grow. The sky is the limit, and I am driving the rocket.”
To learn more about Earthworks Environmental visit earthworksenv.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Sep 12, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sept. 12, 2024) — Wespac Construction, Inc. is excited to announce the start of construction on a first-generation tenant improvement for Offerpad Solutions Inc., located on the fifth floor of “The Beam on Farmer” office building in Tempe.
The Beam on Farmer, 433 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, known for its distinctive mass timber construction, will have its architectural beauty preserved and showcased as Wespac works to implement a raised access flooring system. This design allows all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) elements to be installed under the floor, keeping the exposed structure above intact and aligned with the building’s aesthetic vision.
The 39,895 SF area will feature a range of dynamic and functional spaces, including executive offices along the perimeter, open office areas, collaborative workspaces, a golf simulation room, a large training room, multiple break rooms, and two new unisex restrooms. Office fronts will consist of demountable partitions provided by Transact Interiors, enabling flexibility and a modern touch to the office layout.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Offerpad Solutions Inc. and our Caliber Project Management team to bring this innovative office space to life,” said Ian Wright, Project Manager at Wespac Construction, Inc. “The Beam on Farmer’s unique building design offers an exciting opportunity to create a workspace that not only meets the needs of Offerpad, but also enhances the experience of everyone who steps inside.”
Construction is set to begin in fall 2024, with expected completion in early spring 2025. Wespac is honored to collaborate with Offerpad Solutions Inc., Caliber Project Management, and the design project team, including RSP Architects, Transact Commercial Interiors, and Faciliteq Architectural interiors in creating a state-of-the-art workspace that will contribute to Tempe’s vibrant business landscape.
About Wespac
Established in 1991, Wespac Construction Inc. is a general contracting and construction management firm, offering preconstruction and construction services in a variety of market sectors. From small tenant improvement projects to large shell and master-planned communities, Wespac is a true partner to our clients throughout the entire project lifecycle. We pursue the art of construction, while contributing knowledge, leadership, passion and commitment to every employee, client, and project team. Wespac has offices in Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona. www.wespacaz.com
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by Peter Madrid | Sep 12, 2024 | News & Updates
PRESCOTT, ARIZ. (September 12, 2024) – Recreational Investment Group LLP recently completed the $1 million purchase of 15.95 acres in Camp Verde, which its plans to develop into a new RV resort park. The vacant property, which is zoned C-3, is located at the northwest corner of Highway 260 and Dickison Circle, within the area’s Opportunity Zone and offers easy access to cities and communities along Interstate 17 and State Route 260.
Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool created to spur economic growth and job creation in distressed areas and low-income communities in the United States by providing tax benefits to investors. The buyer successfully took the parcel from vacant, unentitled land through the process of engineering the site, obtaining town approvals, and permitting of the site, all during the term of escrow. Capri Barney with Land Advisors Organization’s Prescott office represented the seller, Verde Valley Holding Company LLC, in the transaction.
“It’s great to see this property becoming a use that will serve the broader community so well,” said Barney. “As an Opportunity Zone property with C-3 zoning, interest from RV community developers was high. Plus, given the property’s prime location, with convenient access and proximity to numerous Northern Arizona communities, developing a community with more affordable residential options makes perfect sense.”
Camp Verde, Arizona, has served as the gateway to the Verde Valley and Northern Arizona, making it an ideal location for workforce and retirement-age housing. This parcel was within the seller’s larger portfolio of Opportunity Zoned properties in the Camp Verde Area. The portfolio contains only one more Opportunity Zone parcel.
About Land Advisors Organization
Founded in 1987, Land Advisors Organization is the nation’s largest land brokerage firm specializing in providing deep market insights to landowners and purchasers for the most comprehensive and effective evaluation of land in markets across the country. By integrating current local market information with cutting-edge technology and geographically specialized professionals, Land Advisors Organization advises clients in identifying and capitalizing on valuable land opportunities in all economic environments. Land Advisors Organization serves landowners and purchasers from offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Casa Grande and Prescott, Arizona; Irvine, San Francisco, Century City, Pasadena, Roseville and San Diego, California; Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Kansas City; and Seattle, Washington. Stay connected on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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by Peter Madrid | Sep 12, 2024 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (Sept. 12, 2024) – Terracon, a consulting engineering firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, is proud to announce the promotions of Eddy Ramirez, P.E., and Matt Kleinholz, P.E.
Ramirez was promoted to Geotechnical Department Manager from Geotechnical Group Manager. Kleinholz was promoted to Geotechnical Group Manager from Geotechnical Project Engineer.
“With the successful growth of the Terracon Geotechnical Department in Phoenix, we are excited and proud to announce these two promotions,” said Ramon Padilla, P.E., Manager Regional Services. “Terracon looks forward to continuing our efforts successfully and safely to deliver value and success to our clients on their projects.”
Ramirez, who has been with Terracon for 10 years, will supervise the daily operations of a department including staff training, development and performance review, utilization of equipment and facilities, safety oversight, quality of services and work product, timely delivery of services, and adherence to policies and procedures.
A native of Phoenix, Ramirez holds a Master of Science in civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering from ASU. Ramirez is a member of ASCE, serving as secretary for two years. He also served on each seat of the board of directors of the local Geo-Institute Chapter of Arizona.
In his free time, Ramirez enjoys watching and playing basketball and baseball. He coaches his kids’ basketball and baseball teams and is an avid Phoenix Suns fan.
Matt Kleinholz, P.E.
In his new role, Kleinholz, who has been Terracon for more than 9 years, will manage a wide variety and size of geotechnical projects as the Project Engineer. He will manage a small group of field engineers and geologists.
A native of Denver, Colorado, Kleinholz, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Arizona State University. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Away from the office he is an avid sports watcher (golf, football, hockey) and enjoys hiking and attending concerts.
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About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Our talented employee-owners provide on-time and real-time data-driven insights to create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project, any size, anywhere. Terracon consistently ranks as a top 25 design firm by Engineering News-Record. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 10, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sept. 10, 2024) – The NAI Global Veterans Council, which collaborates with NAI affiliates throughout the world to bring defense- and veteran-related opportunities to market, facilitated a long-term lease for an industrial building at the Chandler Airport Business Park.
The team of NAI Alliance Senior Director, Tony Machabee, CCIM; NAI Horizon Executive Managing Director Jeffrey Garza Walker, MRED/MBA; and NAI Horizon Senior Vice President John Filli, represented the tenant, True Up Companies, in the long-term lease totaling $4.163 million at 1900 E. Queen Creek Road in Chandler, Arizona.
All three brokers have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Prior to their careers in commercial real estate, Machabee served as a C-130 pilot and Group Commander in the Air Force, Garza Walker served in the Army Reserves in support and logistics, and Filli served in the Air Force as a mechanical engineer.
“The NAI Global Veterans Council, established in 2023, is veterans helping other veterans grow our practice and leverage the NAI platform,” Garza Walker said. “Our clients embrace knowing NAI supports veterans.”
With locations in Reno, Nevada, and Phoenix, True Up Companies provides sign printing, building fulfillment, and bulk storage. True Up Companies will occupy 60,402 SF of a 318,683 SF building at Chandler Airport Business Park.
The landlord, CRP III Chandler Airport AZ LLC, a Delaware limited liability company from Newport Beach, California, was represented by Stein Koss with Lee & Associates.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 325 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Alliance
NAI Alliance, established in 2005, is a full-service commercial real estate company specializing in sales and leasing brokerage and property and facilities management in Northern Nevada. As a member of the NAI Global network, NAI Alliance is also connected to the largest network of independent commercial real estate firms worldwide. Learn more at naialliance.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.
NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 9, 2024 | News & Updates
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (September 9, 2024) – Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performance returns to the West Valley’s picturesque Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 Estrella Parkway, on Sept. 21.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is free of charge, with free parking clearly marked nearby. Guests may bring chairs, blankets and picnics as they experience the beauty of dance. Ballet Arizona and Estrella invite all to delight in a spectacular evening showcasing excerpts from a range of ballets, offering a vibrant portrayal of the art form’s diversity.
Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time. This year’s performances will include excerpts from both contemporary and classic ballets. Audiences will experience the tango-inspired Piazzolla Caldera by celebrated choreographer Paul Taylor, a striking duet from Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour, as well as an excerpt from Ib Andersen’s Swan Lake – which will grace Ballet Arizona’s stage in full later this fall.
Ballet Under the Stars also showcases performances by local school students through the Class Act program, provided to students tuition-free. Each year, Ballet Arizona’s professional dancers and teaching artists provide a three-week dance training class for students in four different elementary schools across the Valley. Students from Estrella Mountain Elementary School will take the stage as part of the pre-performance activities at 5 p.m.
“We are thrilled to open the 2024-2025 season with an extraordinary program like Ballet Under the Stars,” said Artistic Director, Daniela Cardim. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Arizonans to discover the magic of ballet under the open sky together with their loved ones – right in their own neighborhood. Ballet Under the Stars is a favorite for thousands of Arizonans each year, and I am very much looking forward to experiencing it for the first time myself in my new community.”
To learn more information about this year’s Ballet Under the Stars performances, please visit balletaz.org.
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About Estrella
Home to more than 8,200 families, Estrella is a 20,000-acre mixed-use master-planned community located in the City of Goodyear, approximately 17 miles west of Phoenix. Estrella’s 500-plus acres of open space include more than 50 parks and 65 miles of paths and trails, plus 72 acres of lakes for kayaking, sailing, and catch-and-release fishing. Amenities include Starpointe and Presidio Residents’ Clubs, the Yacht Club of Estrella, two fitness centers, resort-style swimming pools, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-design Championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella. Estrella is owned in a joint venture among Värde Partners, Toll Brothers, and Harvard Investments. For more information about Estrella, please visit estrella.com.
About Ballet Arizona
Since 1986, Ballet Arizona has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating new and innovative works. Under the new artistic direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Daniela Cardim – a former soloist with the Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro and Dutch National Ballet – Ballet Arizona is excited to follow her lead to the future of dance in Arizona. During its 38th season, the Valley’s professional ballet company will present Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, the U.S. premiere of Frida, Spring Mix, All Balanchine and Eroica. The School of Ballet Arizona, under the direction of Maria Simonetti, promotes access to the art form of ballet through dance education, with a focus on excellence in the form, directing each student to a life-long love of dance. Following this vision, Ballet Arizona connects to more than 22,000 children and families every year through its free and low-cost outreach programs. For more information, visit balletaz.org.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2024 | News & Updates
MESA, ARIZONA (Sept. 5, 2024) – Upfront Planning & Entitlements is a land planning consulting firm that serves public and private sector clients throughout Arizona. However, company owner Jessica Sarkissian has found a niche serving the needs of small and rural communities across the state.
“I love the positive impact and real appreciation these communities have after working with them and helping them to have General Plans and Codes that are in line with what the big cities have,” Sarkissian said. “It enables them to be more competitive to help them grow and find solutions to their small community struggles.”
Sarkissian has led her firm to help complete projects all over the state while being able to meet their tight timelines and budgets. Most recently she worked with Yavapai County conducting public outreach meetings and getting them to the finish line on their recent Comprehensive Plan Update and then quickly began work for the Cities of Douglas and Kingman to meet their tight deadlines to make the ballot for the 2024 Primary Election requirement.
Working within those communities and being on the ground taking photos, meeting with residents is really educational to the project to make sure the Plans are tailored to that communities needs and future vision.
For instance, in Douglas, the growth of the new port of entry will have major impacts on how the city grows and the Upfront Planning team took that into account with the General Plan Advisory Committee to propose what could be given all the opportunities ensuring that the plan enabled the opportunities to encourage industries that may not yet be known.
The Upfront Team encouraged the expansion of the General Plan study area to encompass new opportunities to ensure the City Kingman had a stake in areas of future growth.
The City of Kingman was another rewarding experience seeing how it is not just Route 66, but a booming market with ample possibilities with the growth of the industrial area, the airport, and a new proposed interchanges along Interstate 40. Its citizens and a City Council are eager to provide more opportunities in housing and employment for the residents.
The Upfront Team encouraged the expansion of the General Plan study area to encompass all these new opportunities to ensure Kingman had a stake in those areas of future growth and to ensure it would be planned with purpose.
Upfront Planning also excels at writing and updating code. Not all firms write the same, but Sarkissian possesses a wide background in working as a public sector planner, as an applicant for private projects, as well as the one who hears the presentations as a Planning Board member. Her insight provides a valuable took when writing code and knowing what has and has not worked over the various projects and municipalities.
Currently the Upfront Planning Team is doing a massive overhaul of the City of Nogales and Greenlee County Zoning and Development Codes. Nogales has not been updated entirely since 1999 and Greenlee not since 2012.
These updates are providing much needed reorganization. They are adding new uses, standards, and enabling the opportunities to increase housing stock, housing types, and enabling higher densities. This allows for creative development styles while keeping the character of rural and small towns in place.
“Development can provide more intensity and density without compromising community character; it just depends on how you provide those allowances,” Sarkissian said. “What do they have to do for the design and community to get there. Just because it’s a rural or small-town community, residents shouldn’t allow anything to be built because they are eager for new development.”
Sarkissian and the Upfront Planning Team enjoys meeting with and being a partner with rural and small communities to help provide a service they need to grow and provide them insight on the best ways to get there.
“Becoming part of the community if only for a short time is very exciting and rewarding to know that you left them with something that will only make their community that much better in the future. I can’t wait to visit these communities again and see how they have grown and expanded on what we helped them start,” Sarkissian said.
About Upfront Planning & Entitlements
Based in Mesa, Arizona, and founded in 2019 by Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, Upfront Planning & Entitlements is a woman-owned firm that provides consulting services to both public and private sector clients. Its diverse project background includes expertise in commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. It boasts a wide municipal understanding within the state, buoyed by its technical design knowledge. Sarkissian possesses more than 20 years of experience in Arizona as a land-planning specialist. For more information visit upfrontplanning.com or follow Upfront on the “Upfront Planning Podcast.”
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