DOWNTOWN TEMPE LIFE, LOFTS & CONDOS BLOG 602-549-9000

Top Five Things to do in Downtown Tempe

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:48:46 -0700

Hunting for the best things to do in Downtown Tempe? Maybe you’re just flying in from out of town and looking to have some fun or maybe you’re just a local urbanite looking for something to do this weekend? Either way, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Five Things to do in Downtown Tempe. Obviously, it isn’t exhaustive and these aren’t the only great things to do, so please feel free to add to our list by leaving your own Top 5 in the comments section at the bottom of the article.

Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number One:

Tempe Town Lake

We know, we know, this is the most obvious choice. Especially considering that Tempe Town Lake is the most visited destination out of anywhere in metropolitan Arizona-- 2nd only to the Grand Canyon for the entire state! But what makes a couple mile stretch of water in the middle of the desert so fascinating? Well, exactly that! People are drawn to water... especially in this arid climate. Match this natural draw with the hundreds of events hosted at Tempe Beach Park (think New Years Eve, Fourth of July, Ironman, PF Changs Rock & Roll Marathon, Octoberfest, My Nana Salsa Challenge, Various Concerts, Parades, and on and on) and you begin to see why it is the most visited site in town. For those who want to get on the water, visitors might enjoy paddle boats, electric boats or the like for a nominal fee. When there isn’t some big event happening, locals just come to relax inside the grassy tree lined parks, trek along the boardwalks that surround the lake, learn some history at the sister-park located kitty-corner at the Hayden Flower Mill, play some sand volleyball at the courts located at the North side of the lake near Mill Avenue, take the kids to the “Splash Park” or enjoy some culture at the modern designed Tempe Center for the Arts. Check out the Tempe Town Lake Calendar of Events HERE and see if there is an event going on this week!

Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Two:

Mill Avenue

Long considered the “main street” of Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue has been entertaining the Valley for decades. From the bygone biker bars, to the days of the grass roots music scene, Mill Avenue has always been the place for folks to come and have a good time. Nowadays, you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, unique retailers, tasty dessert shops and the like along the tree lined neighborhood drag. The Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) plays host to Thursday Nights Music on Mill where local musicians set up shop along the brick lined sidewalk and beat out there music to the passersby. The DTC also hosts the Madcap Theaters, and the Montage Art Studio-- a shared place for local artists to show their work. For you theater buffs, Grady Gammage always has a play or Broadway musical to fit your fancy. One thing about Mill Avenue, there’s always people walking around and there’s always something to do. So, come enjoy Downtown Tempe’s historic Mill Avenue with thousands of your closest friends.

Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Three:

ASU Sports

Whether you come to Downtown Tempe to see ASU compete against their arch rival UofA, or if you are here for a big Bowl game, Downtown Tempe seems to always have sporting events and sports fans walking around on the weekends. With Sun Devil Stadium (Frank Kush Field) hosting the ASU football team, Wells Fargo Arena hosting basketball, volleyball and the like, and Packard Stadium hosting baseball, they are all right next door to each other and they’re all here in Downtown Tempe. There is tailgating galore in and around Downtown Tempe whenever a big game is on. The Sun Devils boast a huge alumni base, and they always seem to come out full force in support of their team.

Like to golf? ASU is one of only a handful of PAC 12 schools lucky enough to have a home golf course. ASU Karsten Golf Course is a links style course that opened in 1989. This Pete Dye designed course was built with contributions from Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING Golf equipment. Often described as fun, but challenging, the course is located moments from Downtown Tempe on Rural & Rio Salado Parkway.

Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Four:

Tempe Butte a.k.a. “A” Mountain

Looking for a little fun in the sun? Tempe’s “A” Mountain is located right outside the Veteran’s Way Light Rail Station. An easy stroll up for those who are in decent shape, and a great little work out if you choose to give it a fast run, the trail includes small benches along the way, an area with tables to sit and eat, as well as the historic and huge “A” on the path along the way. Hike the mountain during ASU football season and you’re likely to find a 24 hour vigil at the “A”. Ok, it really isn’t so much a vigil as it is a high security detail of ASU students protecting their beloved “A” from rival teams paint colors. Some of the rival teams, particularly ASU’s bitter enemy down South, the University of Arizona, love to paint the “A” stark white before or after their famous “Duel in the Desert”. Once atop Tempe Butte, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, ASU as well as airplanes taking off and landing at Sky Harbor International Airport. It sometimes feels as if you could reach up and grab their landing gear. If you’ve never been atop the butte, then you’ve never really seen Downtown Tempe!

Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Five:

Become a Resident

While everyone knows the real estate market in the Valley has taken it’s lumps these last few years, we at Urban Realty are more confident than ever before that Downtown Tempe is still the single best urban locale in the Valley. With the Metro light rail crossing over the entertaining Mill Avenue, the festive Tempe Town Lake, and the home of Arizona State University-- Downtown Tempe offers an eclectic mix not seen anywhere else. Whether you are looking to buy or lease a home or office, we have something for everyone. Downtown Tempe live/work lofts, condos, hi-rise, retail, and offices are our passion and we look forward to sharing our passion with you!

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Add your own TOP 5 things to do in Downtown Tempe in the comments section below...

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Live Work Offices Ready For Move In

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:28:06 -0700

For over a decade now, Urban Realty has enjoyed helping our business clients in the “creative class” (think those who “create for a living”- web designers, mobile app creators, architects, all types of artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, etc.). There’s a certain joy that comes from finding our client that perfect, unique, urban space... an office that truly matches the vibrancy of our clients themselves. Lucky for us, we’ve just listed three new live/work offices at The Lofts at Orchidhouse. All three of which have their own distinct style. Previous tenants in these Lofts have included an architect, an IT firm, and a mortgage company.

View Live/Work Spaces Available For Lease Here

For those unaware, live / work zoning is a mash-up of residential and office space, created to suit both needs. Although some may use the space primarily as an office, most still enjoy the residential amenities like a full kitchen and a shower. This is more than just a “home office” mind you, the live/work zoning allows for employees. The Lofts at Orchidhouse units allow for one employee for every 400 square feet.

No matter what your Downtown city preferences are, you can be sure of this... Urban Realty has it! For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Tom Tokoph Voted Best Tempe Realtor 2012

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 18:55:10 -0700

All we can say is, “Wow! Again!” Thanks to all of our clients and friends who voted to select Tom Tokoph the “Best Tempe Realtor” in the 2012 Arizona Foothills Magazine, “Best of our Valley” Poll for the second year running! It is a huge honor and we are so happy to know that our passionate promotion of the downtown Tempe lifestyle has really paid off!

Click Here to View the Results of the Voting

While everyone knows the real estate market in the Valley has taken it’s lumps these last few years, we at Urban Realty are more confident than ever before that Downtown Tempe is still the single best urban locale in the Valley. With the Metro light rail crossing over the entertaining Mill Avenue, the festive Tempe Town Lake, and the home of Arizona State University-- Downtown Tempe offers an eclectic mix not seen anywhere else. Whether you are looking to buy or lease, we have something for everyone. Downtown Tempe live/work lofts, condos, hi-rise, retail, and office are our passion and we look forward to sharing our passion with you! Contact us anytime at:

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Ad Agencies, PR Firms, IT and Web Firms...

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 23:39:34 -0700

Graphic Designers, Marketing firms, architects... the list of the “Creative Class” firms found in Downtown Tempe is long enough to make Richard Florida proud. To call it a creative class hub would be an understatement. All we have to say is-- what took ya so long to notice!?

View Phoenix Business Journal article here

While were at it, here are just a couple of our client’s creative firms that chose to settle into Downtown Tempe as well, but were not mentioned in the Phoenix Business Journal article:

Keane Creative
IT Shield
Digital Royalty
Pixel Effects
Isos Technology

Learn More ABout Live/Work Zoning Here

Are you looking to move your firm to a hip Downtown Tempe loft or office suite? For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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IT Shield Leases Creative Tempe Office Loft

Fri, 27 May 2011 20:17:22 -0700

Urban Realty & Development, a Downtown Tempe real estate firm specializing in creative, modern and hip offices and residences in Downtown Tempe, is proud to announce the procurement of a new office space for the consumer security specialists “IT Shield”. The interior corner live/work office located at The Lofts at Orchidhouse at 6th Street and Mill Avenue, boasts 1,203 square feet of wood floors, exposed ductwork, 11 ceiling heights, flex office / conference space and large operable windows all located within minutes of the light rail on Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe. But the most exciting feature of the new loft has to be the elevator door that opens directly into their space. That’ll “wow” some clients!

IT Shield, who provides corporate I.T. direct to the average consumer, is excited to settle into their new home at the Lofts at Orchidhouse:

"myITshield provides corporate grade IT support & network security services to individuals, so the range of technical challenges we encounter are vast and varied. We love the bright, open space of our office loft which is crucial to fostering the problem solving collaboration required to achieve innovative solutions. Tempe is such a dynamic place to work and being close to the University, you can just feel the intelligence and vitality in the air!"

It is truly a pleasure for us to help cutting edge, creative, entrepreneurial companies like IT Shield find modern and unique spaces to live/work/play. We congratulate the IT Shield team on their new loft space and we wish them much success! (Urban Realty was happy to represent the Landlord in this transaction, while Susan McCall of US Preferred Realty represented the tenant.)

For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Downtown Tempe Seeks Hip Older Crowd

Sat, 7 May 2011 16:28:57 -0700

Sneaking under the development radar largely unnoticed is the very first housing development to break ground in Downtown Tempe since the “Great Recession”. It is also the first development to break grown within the forthcoming master planned site known as the “Farmer Arts District”. What is the building? It is the 5 story “Senior Housing Development at The Farmer Arts District”. We assume this is the building’s “working” title and the official marketing name for the 55+ community is yet to be announced. We’re also under the impression that the renderings we are showcasing here on this blog are not complete and are only designed to give a sense of the place as opposed to the final finished product.

According to City submittals, the goal of the development is to turn the vacant land into a pedestrian friendly, tree lined neighborhood street. Essentially, “where the heart of the neighborhood meets the heart of the city”. The units will be for lease, not for sale and the rents will be controlled for lower income individuals. To read all about this new development, click the link here to read the City of Tempe Development Plan Review.

If you are having a hard time placing just where the development is located, see the map below:

No matter what your Downtown city living preferences are, you can be sure of this... Urban Realty has it all. For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Live-Work Zoning for the Creative Class

Sat, 2 Apr 2011 22:22:42 -0700

For many years now, urban advocates like Richard Florida have been writing about the “Creative Class”. Since you are already reading a blog focused entirely on Downtown Tempe urban living, our guess is you are well aware of what that is, or more than likely, you are part of the creative class yourself! But, just in case you aren’t aware, according to Richard Florida,

“This “creative class” is found in a variety of fields, from engineering to theater,
biotech to education, architecture to small business. Their choices have already had a
huge economic impact. In the future, they will determine how the workplace is organized,
what companies will prosper or go bankrupt, and even which cities will thrive or wither.”

Essentially, the creative class consists of all those who “create for a living”. (Think web designers, architects, all types of artists, biomedical researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and the list goes on.) Now that we have that background, what does this have to do with Live/Work zoning? Well, this environment tends to be perfect for those folks in the creative class. The live and work zoning is a mash up of residential and office space, created to suit both needs. This is more than just a “home office”. Unlike a home office, the live/work zoning allows for employees, which is usually one employee for every so much square footage. (As an example, The Lofts at Orchidhouse’s Live/Work zoning (pictured above) includes one employee for every 400 square feet.) Speaking of The Lofts at Orchidhouse; the 83 lofts in the seven story brick building located at 21 E. 6th Street (6th Street & Mill Avenue) are actually ALL zoned live/work, making it the premier “live/work” building in Downtown Tempe, and quite possibly, the entire Valley.

Find Live/Work Spaces For Sale & For Lease at The Lofts at Orchidhouse Here

Creating a building like the Orchidhouse, where all of the units are zoned live/work, was quite unique since most of the other developments that include the zoning within their development, usually only designate a small percentage of the units towards that use. Some good examples of this type can be found at Regatta Pointe, 525 Town Lake, The Vale or Farmer Avenue Lofts. In each of these cases, the units which face the busy street are zoned live work while the remainder are designated residential only. This makes finding a live/work space in one of these properties a little more difficult, but it also provides street-side storefront customer/client access.

So, if “Live/Work” sounds like the type of housing you’ve been searching for, give Urban Realty a call to discuss or check out some of our live/work office listings here. No other firm in Arizona sells more live/work property than us. We can guide you through the options and help you find your perfect place to create!

No matter what your Downtown city living preferences are, you can be sure of this... Urban Realty has it all on lock. For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Downtown Tempe - Traditional to Modern

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:20:15 -0700

From traditional to modern, Brownstones to lofts, Downtown Tempe truly has housing options for everyone. Are you a hardcore modernist craving a minimal loft with white walls, exposed ductwork, concrete ceilings and wood floors? Yep, Tempe has that.
Are you a hopeless romantic in search of a traditional style little home complete with front stoops, brick facades, flower pots and a community park? Yep, Tempe has that too!

Here is our quick take on the tendencies of each of the housing developments near Downtown Tempe:

LEANS TRADITIONAL
Brownstones at Hyde Park
Millstone Townhomes
Northshore Condominiums
525 Town Lake
Regatta Pointe
Hayden Square
Ash Court
Abby Lane

LEANS MODERN
The Lofts at Orchidhouse
Farmer Avenue Lofts
Edgewater at Hayden Ferry Lakeside
Bridgeview at Hayden Ferry Lakeside
Tempe Urban Living / Skye 15 Lofts
The Vale Condominiums
West Sixth Tempe
5th Street Lofts
5th Street West
Sienna Court
Merrion Square

MIXTURE OF BOTH
525 Town Lake
Regatta Pointe
Northshore Condominiums
Edgewater at Hayden Ferry Lakeside
Bridgeview at Hayden Ferry Lakeside

{An Aside • The Maple-Ash Neighborhood:
While Tempe has almost everything a city resident could want, there is one housing style that seems to be in high demand, but hard to find. One of these days, a developer will step-up and fill the need. What’s this housing style you ask? Townhomes or condominiums with large private yards or large patios. We aren’t really sure why someone would want to take care of a boring yard when there is so much more exciting things to do right outside their front door, but it seems some wannabe urbanites just can’t give up their house-like amenities and the large yard still seems to be the one we receive the most requests for. Until a new development fills that gap, our recommendation is the Maple-Ash Neighborhood. The tree lined district with gobs of vegetation runs East to West from Mill Avenue to Ash Avenue and North to South from University to about 12th Street.}

No matter what your Downtown city living preferences are, you can be sure of this... Urban Realty has it all on lock. For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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West Sixth Tempe Update

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:32:07 -0700

Based upon the number of phone calls and emails we’ve received, it’s clear that the excitement surrounding the West Sixth Tempe rental community is certainly growing. To keep our clients updated, today the community announced the procurement of a property management company who will steward the property for it’s owner, Zaremba Group. In connection with that announcement, initial pricing was revealed. We’ve listed the prices below. Please note these are the “starting” prices and we are sure that there will be numerous factors effecting the final prices for the apartments.

Studios • $945 & up
One Bedrooms • $1,175 & up
Two Bedrooms • $1,550 & up
Three Bedrooms • $1,995 & up

Leasing is expected to commence at the end of March with occupancy beginning in August of 2011. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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Keane Creative Nabs Tempe Office Loft

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:18:18 -0700

Urban Realty & Development, a Tempe based real estate firm specializing in creative, modern and hip offices and residences in Downtown Tempe, is proud to announce the procurement of the new office space for the web media geniuses “Keane Creative”. While their new loft style work space is only two floors below their previous space in the seven-story brick building known as the “Lofts at Orchidhouse” it is over double in size. The office boasts 1,836 square feet of wood floors, exposed ductwork, 11 ceiling heights, two private offices and large operable windows all located within minutes of the light rail on Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe. The Keane Creative team has consistently been ranked in the top 10 of advertising firms by Ranking Arizona so it’s no wonder why they’re growing!

Russ Perry describes why the office loft in Tempe fits his company’s philosophy:

“One of the main reasons why we decided to stay in Tempe is how vibrant the community is, which matches our space perfectly. I would die if we were only stuck with cubicles and cookie cutter corporate build outs!”

Urban Realty couldn’t agree more! It is truly a pleasure for us to help cutting edge, creative, entrepreneurial companies like Keane Creative find unique and modern spaces for work. We congratulate the Keane team on their expansion and we wish them much more success!

For more information on living, working, or playing in Downtown Tempe, contact the Broker who specializes in only that!

Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
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