by Peter Madrid | May 11, 2026 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 11, 2026) – LevRose Commercial Real Estate is proud to announce that Senior Advisor Trevor White, a retail property specialist, has been named to the ICSC Local Arizona NextGen Committee and will represent the firm and the state chapter at ICSC Las Vegas 2026 from May 18 to 20.
ICSC’s Next Generation Leadership Network is comprised of under-40 professionals who exemplify the leadership, creativity, and vision needed to advance their organizations and the Marketplaces Industry through a period of rapid change and transformation.
ICSC launched Next Generation Leadership Network in 2020 as part of a series of initiatives to recruit, engage, and diversify ICSC members. NGLN members meet regularly to discuss industry issues, network, and to elevate their statures in the industry.
White, who has been with LevRose for 4 years, handles both landlord and tenant representation in commercial real estate. This includes managing and filling vacancies, conducting property tours, vetting and qualifying tenants, building pro formas, and helping tenants with site identification and selection. He also underwrites multi-tenant strip malls and shopping centers, as well as single-tenant net lease properties.
A native of St. Louis, White attended Marquette University, earning his degree in finance and real estate. Prior to moving to Phoenix, White leased residential apartments and homes. In 2022, he joined the LevRose team to expand his knowledge and expertise of the Valley’s real estate market.
ICSC Las Vegas is the world’s largest commercial real estate event, drawing more than 25,000 decision-makers over three days of dealmaking, networking, and cutting-edge content sessions. Experts who are driving innovation in the Marketplaces Industries offer advice in commercial and retail real estate and make groundbreaking deals with place makers in attendance.
About LevRose Commercial Real Estate
Founded in 1992, LevRose Commercial Real Estate is a Scottsdale‑based firm providing full‑service commercial real estate solutions across Metro Phoenix. The company represents landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers across all major product types, offering strategic guidance backed by in-depth market knowledge, comparative analyses, and a personalized, client-first approach. As the official Phoenix affiliate of TCN Worldwide, LevRose connects clients to a global network of independent commercial real estate firms serving more than 200 markets. LevRose brings more than three decades of experience, supported by a robust in‑house marketing team. Learn more at LevRose.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 11, 2026 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 11, 2026) – A dynamic mixed-use development anchored by a central park and lake – along with diverse housing, retail, and pedestrian-only corridors – earned top honors at the 13th annual REIAC/Rockefeller Group Challenge held recently at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club’s Adobe Bar & Grille.
This year’s project was a request for development proposals for approximately 247.4 acres of land known as Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Turf Paradise is a major horse racing facility developed in the mid-1960s.
The student team named Roadrunner Development proposed “Paradise Park,” which took home the cash prize of $1,000 per team member for each of the three graduating Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) students from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Members of the winning team included Blake Beauvais, Vanessa Fox, Taylor Koblenz, and Jonathan Rigau.
According to the team, Paradise Park represents the next phase of Phoenix living – connected, walkable, with human centers. The development’s core themes are: build for connection, green by design, everyday wellness, and ready for tomorrow. The target market is middle-income suburban households and young urban home buyers. Housing will be diverse with a mix of single-family, multifamily, senior living, active adult, and live/work flex units.
At the heart of the community is the Loop at Paradise, a lake built along 24 acres that ring the original racetrack at Turf Paradise. All trails will lead to the Loop. There will be pedestrian-only streets and paths, residential shared streets, and alleys. The infrastructure cost is $94 million.
The 2026 REIAC/Rockefeller Group Challenge featured four industry evaluators: Mark Singerman, Rockefeller Group Development Company; Lee Mashburn, Mashburn Companies; Mike Wilson, Wilson Property Services; and Kevin Schillig, MidFirst Bank.
“We’re still the only MRED program in the country that teaches in this deeply applied, team-based way, but the stakes have evolved. By this third project, students aren’t just tackling complexity; they’re navigating real-world uncertainty, market volatility, capital constraints, shifting policy, and rapidly changing design expectations. Each team works with capital partners, architects, and cost estimators, but success depends on how well they integrate and lead across those perspectives,” said Mark Stapp, director of the MRED program.
“This is decision-making under pressure on real projects with real consequences. This is what learning must look like now. Faculty equip students in the fundamentals, but it’s the experience, the collaboration, the ambiguity, and the accountability that prepares them for 2026 and beyond. What stood out in this assignment was the level of commitment from both mentors and students. It’s as immersive and authentic as we can make it, because that’s what the industry demands,” Stapp added.
The other finalists and their projects:
♦️ Desert Summit Development, Tempus: Adam Chismar, Ryan Gross, Avnesh Venigalla, and Henry White. Tempus is a mixed-use development that features small bay industrial product, a trade school, and a residential component. Its proximity to TSMC, 20 miles away, makes it attractive to the area’s workforce. It will also include retail, greenbelt, a park, single-family homes, townhomes, and multifamily. It will take 10 years to build over four phases with a $178 million development price tag.
♦️ Horizon Partners, Ludere: Bella Gatto, Jack Riley, Carlos Mateos, and Ahmed Mulic. Ludere, Latin for “to play,” is developed around two entities: sports infrastructure and ecosystem activation. It will feature several racquet and sports venues (including pickleball and Padel), karting, an F1 arcade, a 9-hole Troon Golf course, and PopStroke golf. It will include sporting retail, restaurants, and hospitality, featuring a Marriott-branded hotel and Marriott Villas. Built in two phases, its cost is $757 million and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.
“The presentations continue to impress me with their depth and execution, showcasing the remarkable quality of ASU’s MRED program. Under the leadership of Mark Stapp and his dedicated faculty, the program consistently produces graduates who are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to our industry,” said Singerman, Rockefeller Group Vice President/Regional Director and past REIAC Southwest President. “Rockefeller Group is honored to be associated with such an outstanding program.”
About REIAC
The Real Estate Investment Advisory Council (REIAC) was established as a nonprofit trade association to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, concerns and experiences among senior executives who conduct commercial real estate transactions. The invitation-only group limits its membership to senior-level executives at companies, who act as principals, and whose function is to develop, acquire, manage and/or finance commercial real estate. Institutional quality programs and peer-to-peer relationship-building opportunities have established REAIC’s reputation throughout the national real estate investment community as one of its premier associations. www.reiac.org
About MRED
In nine months, the W. P. Carey Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) prepares students to lead real development projects that are environmentally respectful, socially responsible, and artfully designed. The MRED program is transdisciplinary, aligning principled instruction with dynamic real-world application. MRED is a unique partnership between four highly regarded schools within Arizona State University:
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by Peter Madrid | May 6, 2026 | News & Updates
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (May 6, 2026) — Harvard Investments announces Solstice Foothills as the new name for its 1,940‑acre master‑planned community in the City of Goodyear, marking the first public unveiling of a new identity for the project formerly known as Rio 1900.
The announcement signals a major milestone for one of the most significant land holdings in the West Valley and introduces a name that reflects the site’s desert setting, evolving vision, and long‑term role in shaping growth along the Gila River corridor.
Formerly known as King Ranch and later Rio 1900, the property is entering a new chapter as Solstice Foothills. Harvard Investments says this new identity better aligns with the land’s natural features, elevation changes, and connection to the rhythms of the Sonoran Desert.
With 5,800 residences planned, Solstice Foothills anticipates offering a diverse mix of housing types, a commercial core designed for walkability, and amenities that support outdoor living while emphasizing water efficiency and responsible desert design. The first homes are anticipated around 2030.
“This is more than a rebrand. It’s a declaration of intent,” said Amy Weidman, Vice President of Development for Harvard Investments. “Solstice Foothills reflects the land, the light, and the long view we are taking as stewards of this extraordinary place.”
The name Solstice Foothills draws inspiration from the sun’s seasonal movement and the site’s foothill topography, capturing both permanence and transition; key themes as the community advances toward development.
“The solstice represents moments of alignment and change,” Weidman said. “As we move this community forward, the name signals that we are building with intention, respecting the desert environment while creating something enduring for future generations.”
The new name follows a series of pivotal developments for the project, including an approved General Plan amendment by the City of Goodyear and Harvard Investments’ acquisition of two Arizona State Land Department parcels within the project boundary. The land acquisitions ensure a contiguous master plan and uninterrupted trail system along the Gila River.
“With Solstice Foothills, we now have the clarity and continuity needed to fully realize the vision,” Weidman said. “It allows us to deliver a connected community; physically, environmentally, and socially, without compromise.”
Solstice Foothills is planned as a walkable, outdoor‑oriented community designed to celebrate its natural surroundings. The project is expected to become the first residential development in the West Valley to directly establish standards for the El Rio Trail, integrating recreation, education, and wellness along the river corridor.
“This site gives us a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity,” Weidman added. “There are very few places where you can combine foothills, river access, and scale in this way. Solstice Foothills will set the tone for how communities engage with the Gila River in the West Valley.”
As the West Valley continues to emerge as one of the nation’s fastest‑growing regions, Harvard Investments says Solstice Foothills will play a defining role in its next era of growth.
“This name reflects where we are and where we’re going,” Weidman said. “Solstice Foothills is about honoring the land, shaping community, and building something truly distinctive for the West Valley.”
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 celebrates its 123rd year of continuous family ownership and operation in 2026. To learn more visit harvardinvestments.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 6, 2026 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, Arizona (May 6, 2026) — Wespac Construction is proud to announce the successful completion of a new shell space build-out and tenant improvement project for Verra Mobility Corporation, located at Union Mesa, 2046 W. Riverview Auto Drive in Mesa, Arizona.
The 34,241 SF project features a first-generation, third-floor office suite designed to maximize natural light and panoramic views from all sides. The result is a high-end, Class A workplace environment that reflects Verra Mobility’s innovative culture and commitment to excellence. Verra Mobility is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter, and more connected.
Designed by SmithGroup, the space blends elevated design with functionality, delivering a modern, collaborative, and executive-level office environment. The newly completed space includes a wide range of thoughtfully designed areas to enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.
“This project reflects Wespac Construction’s commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused spaces that elevate the workplace experience,” said Wespac Project Manager John Wasemiller. “We are proud to partner with Verra Mobility to bring their vision to life and create an environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and growth.”
The expansive breakroom serves as a central hub for employees, featuring a fully functional lounge environment with restaurant-style seating, ambient lighting, fireplaces, and multiple televisions. The space also includes two kitchen islands, a dedicated vending area, and several full-size refrigerators and microwaves to support daily use and large team gatherings.
Visitors are welcomed by a striking reception area highlighted by a custom wood veneer Verra Mobility logo. A spacious waiting area offers comfortable seating arrangements, fireplaces, and integrated media, creating a warm and professional first impression.
Multiple conference rooms of varying sizes and configurations are equipped to support a wide range of meetings and collaborative efforts. A standout feature is a curved glass wall conference room, complemented by custom window film graphics showcasing Verra Mobility’s branding. The C-suite area includes a dedicated reception desk and custom planters, along with executive offices that take full advantage of the building’s scenic views.
The boardroom represents a centerpiece of the space, featuring floor-to-ceiling custom acoustic wall panels sourced from Japan, an acoustic baffle ceiling with integrated lighting, and a custom 135-inch television wall system. Designed to accommodate high-level meetings, the boardroom is also supported by its own servery room for seamless hosting and catering of large events.
The open office environment is designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind, incorporating multiple huddle rooms, phone rooms, and shared collaboration spaces. A dedicated training room, also known as a Kaizen room, is equipped with a podium and multiple televisions to support presentations and continuous improvement initiatives. A connecting corridor from reception to the executive suite features wood flooring and a custom floating ceiling light fixture imported from Italy, adding a refined architectural touch.
Wespac Construction worked closely with an exceptional team of trade partners to deliver the project to the highest standards. Key subcontractors include Wilson Electric, Aspen Construction, Aspen Paint, Wholesale Flooring, Barrett Homes, Highborn, Compton Plumbing, L&H Mechanical, and National Fire.
The expansive breakroom serves as a central hub for employees, featuring a fully functional lounge environment with restaurant-style seating, ambient lighting, fireplaces, and multiple televisions. The space also includes two kitchen islands, a dedicated vending area, and several full-size refrigerators and microwaves to support daily use and large team gatherings.
About Wespac
Established in 1991, Wespac Construction Inc. is a general contracting and construction management firm, offering pre-construction and construction services in various 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. For more information, visit www.wespacaz.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 4, 2026 | News & Updates
Leasing and initial move-ins underway at 20th Street community, Corsica Villas at Euclid & 7th Street also delivering soon; RPM Living to serve as exclusive leasing and management partner.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 4, 2026) – The first residents have moved into Corsica Villas at 20th Street, marking the official start of occupancy at the first of two build-to-rent (BTR) communities nearing completion in South Phoenix.
Leasing is actively underway at the 20th Street community, with additional homes delivering on a rolling basis. The second community, Corsica Villas at Euclid & 7th Street, is expected to begin welcoming residents in the coming weeks.
Together, the two gated communities will deliver 152 thoughtfully designed two-story townhomes. Corsica Villas at 20th Street includes 68 two- and three-bedroom townhomes, each featuring an attached two-car garage and private front yard.
Corsica Villas at Euclid & 7th Street will offer 84 residences, including three-bedroom townhomes, including a covered reserved parking space, and two-bedroom carriage-style units with attached one-car garages. Homes range from approximately 1,126 SF to 1,525 SF and feature modern interiors with wide-plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and matte black fixtures.
Residents at both communities will have access to communal lifestyle amenities, including an all-seasons heated pool and spa, play areas, dog parks, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and landscaped open space.
Located in South Phoenix, Corsica Villas offers convenient access to downtown Phoenix, major employment centers, and a growing mix of retail and dining options. Connectivity continues to improve with the recent light rail extension at Central Avenue and Baseline Road, further linking the area to broader Metro Phoenix.
RPM Living serves as the exclusive leasing and management partner for Corsica Villas.
“The start of resident move-ins at Corsica Villas at 20th Street marks an exciting milestone as we bring this new housing option to South Phoenix,” said Mark Singerman, a local Vice President at Rockefeller Group overseeing the projects’ development. “We’re seeing strong early interest, which reinforces the demand for well-designed, professionally managed homes that offer both space and convenience in this part of the market.”
Prospective residents can visit the model and on-site leasing office at 825 E. Euclid Ave. and the secondary leasing office at 8181 S. 20th St., in Phoenix, to tour available homes and learn more about upcoming availability at both communities.
Corsica Villas at 20th Street and Corsica Villas at Euclid and 7th are currently offering limited-time promotional pricing on select three-bedroom townhomes through May 15, aimed at introducing prospective residents to the newly developed communities and encouraging in-person tours.
During the promotion, monthly rents (including available incentives) range from $1,991 to $2,093 for residences spanning approximately 1,430 SF to 1,525 SF. Two-bedroom carriage units with an attached one-car garage – including incentives – start at $2,017 per month through May 15.
For more information, visit corsicavillasat20thst.com for the 20th Street homes or corsicavillaseuclidave.com for the Euclid community.
About Rockefeller Group
Rockefeller Group is a leading real estate developer, owner, and operator with a nearly century-long history beginning with Manhattan’s iconic Rockefeller Center. Today, the company develops premier residential, office, and mixed-use communities across major U.S. markets. Visit Rockefellergroup.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 4, 2026 | News & Updates
Employee-owned firm marks four decades of commercial construction, nationwide reach, and continued expansion.
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 4, 2026) – A.R. Mays Construction, one of Arizona’s most established commercial general contractors, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1986 by Adam Mays, the company has grown from a one-person operation into a sophisticated, employee-owned general contractor with a reputation built on integrity, collaboration, accountability and a commitment to its people. Over four decades, A.R. Mays has completed more than 1,200 commercial projects across 25 states, servicing 12 Native American tribes and has expanded its footprint with an office in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
After earning a degree in construction management from Arizona State University, Mays built his early career as a superintendent for a residential developer and later as a field engineer for a large commercial building contractor, where he helped build The Buttes Resort in Tempe.
When that project concluded at the end of 1985, Mays made the leap he had always been drawn to, starting his own commercial construction company. He hit the ground running, working seven-day weeks, performing as much of the work himself as possible, and relying on a small network of trusted relationships to keep the company moving forward.
The arrival of Joe Barth as Chief Financial Officer in 1993 marked a turning point. Together, company President Mays and Barth, now Executive Vice President, transformed the small local builder into a full-service general contractor with formalized systems, structured accountability, and the operational depth to take on increasingly complex projects.
Over 40 years, A.R. Mays has steadily grown its capabilities and national reach, delivering projects ranging from ground-up construction to complex tenant improvements across a wide spectrum of industries. The company’s evolution from a small business into a highly sophisticated corporation has been guided by a consistent principle: invest in people first.
Joe Barth
That commitment to growth is reflected in the company’s recent geographic expansion. A.R. Mays now operates a second office in Rancho Cucamonga, California, extending its proven approach to project delivery into the Inland Empire and broader Southern California market.
“The employees are the cause and foundation of the company’s success. While we’ve built some incredibly cool projects, we’ve also managed to create and build relationships with some of the most amazing people in the industry,” Barth said.
Today, A.R. Mays operates as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, giving every team member a direct stake in the firm’s continued success. Both owners point to this structure – and the culture of trust, loyalty, and mutual care it reinforces – as the company’s defining advantage and most meaningful legacy.
“We are in a position to achieve more now than ever. We have in place the strongest, most experienced, dedicated leaders to accomplish whatever aspirations we put before ourselves,” Mays said.
As A.R. Mays enters its fifth decade, the leadership team is focused on sustainable growth, continued investment in its people, and maintaining the
Adam Mays
standard of excellence that has defined the company since day one.
With offices in Phoenix and Rancho Cucamonga, a proven track record spanning decades and half the country, and an employee-ownership model driving the company forward, A.R. Mays is positioned for its strongest chapter yet.
About A.R. Mays Construction
A.R. Mays Construction is an employee-owned commercial construction management firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with an additional office in Rancho Cucamonga, California. For 40 years, the company has built its reputation on operational efficiency, proven processes, and comprehensive personnel training that consistently deliver results exceeding client expectations. A.R. Mays serves both public and private sector clients. With more than 1,200 projects completed across 25 states, A.R. Mays has established itself as a trusted contractor capable of delivering high-quality results across multiple sectors and project types. For more information, visit armays.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Apr 22, 2026 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 22, 2026) – Scottsdale native Hunter Chasse, recently promoted to Senior Advisor, has been named a Partner at LevRose Commercial Real Estate.
An Arizona State University graduate, Chasse began his commercial real estate career in a national brokerage environment where he built a strong foundation in the multifamily sector before transitioning into office brokerage. There, he specialized in owner/user and investment sales throughout the Scottsdale market.
In 2016, Chasse expanded his industry expertise at CoStar Group, serving as a sales professional responsible for training and supporting commercial real estate firms across Metro Phoenix. This role sharpened his knowledge of online marketing strategies, market research, and evolving industry trends.
Since joining LevRose Commercial Real Estate in 2018, Chasse has been a key member of the Kottler & Cosgrove Team, focusing on the acquisition, disposition, and leasing of office and industrial properties across Scottsdale and Metro Phoenix.
“Hunter’s growth, leadership, and consistent performance made this a natural next step,” said LevRose President Mike Baumgardner. “We’re proud to have him as a Partner at LevRose.”
Chasse is known for his client-first approach, leveraging deep market knowledge, strong relationships, and access to off-market opportunities to deliver optimal outcomes. He remains highly attuned to market dynamics, allowing him to navigate complex transactions with confidence and precision.
Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active through sports, and participating in boarding activities.
About LevRose Commercial Real Estate
Founded in 1992, LevRose Commercial Real Estate is a Scottsdale‑based firm providing full‑service commercial real estate solutions across Metro Phoenix. The company represents landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers across all major product types, offering strategic guidance backed by in-depth market knowledge, comparative analyses, and a personalized, client-first approach. As the official Phoenix affiliate of TCN Worldwide, LevRose connects clients to a global network of independent commercial real estate firms serving more than 200 markets. LevRose brings more than three decades of experience, supported by a robust in‑house marketing team. Learn more at LevRose.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Apr 20, 2026 | News & Updates
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (April 20, 2026) – Estrella, one of Arizona’s premier master-planned communities, is proud to announce it will serve as host and local platform sponsor for the inaugural American Heart Association Phoenix CycleNation on Saturday, May 9, overlooking Estrella’s scenic North Lake. A free concert by The Fabulous Thunderbirds will follow.
Arizona’s first-of-its-kind CycleNation experience brings corporate and community teams together on stationary bikes to raise critical funds and awareness for stroke research, education, and prevention. More than a fitness event, CycleNation is a powerful movement uniting hearts, minds, and bodies around a shared mission: to stop the cycle of stroke and heart disease and save lives.
The CycleNation event at 10300 Estrella Parkway offers participants a stunning lakeside setting. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with teams of 2 to 8 cyclists officially taking off at 9 a.m. Spectators will enjoy a festive atmosphere with lawn games, demonstrations, and light snacks provided.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., those looking for a great deal on a new home can tour four Estrella neighborhoods, all near completion and closing out sales.
At 11 a.m., Estrella will host the free “Wrap It Up” afterparty with a high-energy performance by Grammy-nominated Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds on the upper terrace of the Starpointe Residents’ Club, 17665 W. Elliot Road.
Tim Brislin, President of Harvard Investments, is serving as the inaugural 2026 Phoenix CycleNation Chair. In this role, Brislin is leading a coalition of top Phoenix-area executives to recruit companies and organizations to join the movement and integrate wellness, philanthropy, and community engagement into their workplace cultures.
“By hosting Phoenix CycleNation, Estrella reinforces its commitment to wellness, connection, and community-driven impact. We are creating a platform where philanthropy, lifestyle, and celebration come together in a meaningful way,” Brislin said.
Stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of long-term disability among older adults. Each year, approximately 800,000 Americans experience a stroke, and while many survive, the majority face lasting physical or cognitive impairments. Research shows that up to 80 percent of strokes may be preventable, with regular physical activity playing a critical role in reducing risk and improving overall heart and brain health.
CycleNation directly supports the lifesaving work of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to heart and brain health for all.
Companies, community members, and individuals across Metro Phoenix are invited to take part in this landmark event and help stop the cycle of stroke. For more information about the Phoenix CycleNation campaign or to get your company involved, visit cyclenation.org/phoenix or contact PhoenixHW@heart.org.
The home tour and concert are being organized by Estrella.
About Estrella
Home to more than 8,500 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.
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by Peter Madrid | Apr 14, 2026 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (April 14, 2026) – The 13th REIAC/Rockefeller Group Challenge on May 6 again offers a cash prize to a winning team of graduating Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) students from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business.
Competing teams of graduating ASU MRED students will each present their response to a request for development for approximately 247.4 acres of land comprised of six separate tax parcels at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Presentations will be evaluated by four celebrity judges, with audience members invited to ask questions alongside the judges.
Following the presentations, the judges will caucus privately while the audience casts live votes via Slido, with results displayed in real time. The audience vote will serve as a fifth vote and be included in the judges’ final decision to determine the winning team.
Team presentations will be limited to 10 minutes. Each member of the winning team receives a check for $1,000 from REIAC and the Rockefeller Group.
The event is at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club Adobe Bar & Grille, 2400 Biltmore Estates Drive, in Phoenix. Registration and networking begin at 3:30 p.m. The presentations are from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with voting and announcement of the winning team shortly after. A networking mixer will be held after the announcement.
“Our REIAC chapter deeply values the collaboration with Arizona State University, as it allows us to mentor and support the next wave of talented developers in Arizona,” said Cindy Hammond, REIAC Southwest President and Owner of Churchill Commercial Capital. “These remarkable young individuals are shaping the future of our industry, and we are proud to play a part in their journey.”
Mark Stapp, Executive Director of the MRED program, described the students’ thesis as “a culminating experience that demands the application of everything students have learned. These projects present wicked problems that push the boundaries of students’ knowledge and would pose a challenge even for the most seasoned professionals.”
“The Rockefeller Group is honored to participate in what has become an annual tradition that has provided additional motivation for MRED students to be selected as one of the top three teams to compete in the Challenge,” said Mark Singerman, Past President of the REIAC Southwest Chapter and Vice President/Regional Director-Arizona for The Rockefeller Group, the event’s title sponsor.
“The inspiring and creative solutions the teams have presented at the Challenge over the years demonstrate what a fabulous job Mark Stapp and his staff have done in preparing the students for careers in real estate development and investment,” Singerman said.
Registration is required for the event. Registration fee is $30 for non-members; students will be admitted free. Register here.
About REIAC
The Real Estate Investment Advisory Council (REIAC) was established as a nonprofit trade association to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, concerns and experiences among senior executives who conduct commercial real estate transactions. The invitation-only group limits its membership to senior-level executives at companies, who act as principals, and whose function is to develop, acquire, manage and/or finance commercial real estate. Institutional quality programs and peer-to-peer relationship-building opportunities have established REAIC’s reputation throughout the national real estate investment community as one of its premier associations. www.reiac.org
About MRED
In nine months, the W. P. Carey Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) prepares students to lead real estate development projects that are environmentally respectful, socially responsible, and artfully designed. The MRED program is transdisciplinary, aligning principled instruction with dynamic real-world application. MRED is a unique partnership between four highly regarded schools within Arizona State University: The W. P. Carey School of Business; The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; The Herberger Institute for Design; and the Arts The Del E. Webb School of Construction https://programs.wpcarey.asu.edu/masters-programs/real-estate-development
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by Peter Madrid | Apr 14, 2026 | News & Updates
MESA, Ariz. (April 14, 2026) — SkyPlus Hotel Corporation celebrated the groundbreaking of a new dual-branded Wingate by Wyndham® and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham® hotel yesterday morning at SkyBridge Arizona, marking the first hospitality development on the SkyBridge property.
The ground-up hotel development is located at 6639 S. Sossaman Road in Mesa, near Mesa Gateway Airport. It is designed to serve business travelers, extended-stay guests, and visitors supporting the region’s growing international trade and logistics activity. The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
The hotel is being developed by SkyPlus Hotel Corp., with Alston Construction serving as the general contractor of record and Reflect Architecture as the architect of record. It is projected to create up to 248 direct/indirect construction jobs and 111 direct/indirect operations employment positions during the hotel’s construction and stabilization.
“Every time I stand at a SkyBridge groundbreaking, I feel at home because it brings us back to the people and the shared vision that started this journey,” said Ariel Picker, President of PeakAir Developments. “What began a few years ago as an integrated vision is now becoming reality, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with this hotel. Nothing here is a coincidence. You plant seeds with the right partners, and over time they grow, just as we’ve seen at the airport over the past nine years. This project brings life, opportunity, and momentum to everyone who wants to be part of this place.”
To date, SkyBridge has delivered more than 45.52 acres of developed parcels and infrastructure, valued at more than $98 million in construction and design costs. All completed buildings are fully leased, and the hotel will be the fifth completed building in the development.
“It’s an honor to reach this milestone for a project that began with a vision far greater than a single asset; one designed to benefit an entire region,” said Alan Picker, Vice President of New Developments, PeakAir Developments. “From day one, SkyBridge was envisioned as an integrated platform bringing together trade, logistics, aviation, business, and hospitality to create a seamless experience. This hotel is a key piece of that infrastructure, supporting job growth and helping Mesa meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. We’re grateful to our stakeholders and proud to work alongside an incredible team to build projects that endure.”
Once complete, the 70,586 SF hotel will feature 129 guest rooms across the dual brands and include a range of amenities designed to support both short- and long-term stays. Planned features include a fitness center, swimming pool, meeting and event space accommodating up to 350 people, EV charging stations, airport shuttle service, and a future restaurant pad.
SkyBridge Arizona is a 363-acre international trade and logistics hub uniquely positioned adjacent to Mesa Gateway Airport. The development is designed to support aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and international commerce, with direct access to both airside and landside operations.
“It’s incredible to be here and to see this project take shape. There’s nothing more exciting than heavy equipment and dirt because it represents the future of what’s happening in Mesa,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “The continued growth at Mesa Gateway Airport, with millions of travelers each year, underscores the need for a quality workforce and extended‑stay accommodations like this hotel. We were proud to support and help expedite this project. I’m deeply grateful to the SkyBridge team for its partnership and vision. This is truly an incredible journey for our city.”
The dual-brand Wingate and Hawthorn Suites hotel is expected to play a key role in supporting SkyBridge Arizona’s ongoing growth by providing convenient, high-quality accommodations for business travelers, visiting executives, and extended-stay guests. Also in proximity is Arizona Athletic Grounds, one of the largest youth sports and entertainment complexes (275 acres) in North America. SkyPlus Hotel officials said they hope to partner with AAG to accommodate out-of-town players and their families.
“What a great day to be here and to be part of a project driven by vision and strong partnerships,” said Hennie van Niekerk, Preconstruction Manager with Alston Construction. “For more than four decades, Alston has grown by working alongside clients to help them build lasting legacies, something that can only be done together, not alone. We’re proud to have been selected to build this hotel and honored to partner with SkyPlus and the entire team to help bring that legacy to life.”
Once complete, the 70,586 SF hotel will feature 129 guest rooms across the dual brands and include a range of amenities designed to support both short- and long-term stays. Planned features include a fitness center, swimming pool, meeting and event space accommodating up to 350 people, EV charging stations, airport shuttle service, and a future restaurant pad.
About SkyPlus Hotel Corporation
SkyPlus Hotel Corporation is a hospitality development company focused on delivering modern hotel experiences that serve both business and leisure travelers. With a vision rooted in connectivity, SkyPlus Hotel specializes in projects that integrate transportation hubs, commercial centers, entertainment, and international trade corridors. It emphasizes efficiency, comfort, and brand partnerships with recognized hospitality operators. SkyPlus Hotel Corporation is based in Mesa, Arizona, and is a subsidiary of PeakAir Developments. Each PeakAir project reflects an obsession with detail and a commitment to long-term value. You can view all projects at www.peakairdevelopments.com.
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