Block Party

Many of my clients have shared their childhood stories of growing up in the Phoenix area. Their families would pile into the back of the station wagon and drive a short way up north to a favorite picnic spot in the desert. A special rock outcropping would help them to remember where to park. The kids would run around and explore the vast desert while the parents enjoyed the fresh air and relaxing moments without having to travel too far. I like to ask them if they could pinpoint on a map exactly where is this picnic location and often they point to the Desert Ridge area just north of the 101 and east of Tatum Boulevard. It was such a special treat to enjoy clean desert living, good food and entertainment, all so close to home.Today, the Phoenix metropolitan area is the fifth largest city in the country. Our great city has grown in leaps and bounds but still retains its unique characteristics remembered so fondly by the Phoenix “old-timers”. The Thomas J. Klutznick Company (www.tjkcompany.com) and the Related Urban company (www.related.com), co-developers of the exciting new project called CITY NORTH, take the ‘desert good life’ very seriously. Their vision for this project consists of a wonderful urban village where people can enjoy the Arizona life to the fullest. Please join me each week as we delve into the various components of this fascinating project. Learn about what retail shops and restaurants are coming and when they will be opening their doors for business. Discover all the housing options that are included in this urban village. Learn how the developers have designed the buildings with the goal of achieving the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), from the U.S. Green Building Council. I look forward to your questions and comments as we watch this project unfold before our eyes.Today, I want to announce the Grand Opening celebrations taking place from November 13-15th. Please click on http://www.citynorthaz.com/ for all the details planned for this event. I know I’ll be there breathing in the fresh Arizona air, maybe eating some good food and enjoying some of the entertainment that is planned. The old saying, “the more things change, the more things stay the same” comes to mind. Whether it’s the location of this project or the extraordinary efforts the developers have taken to design and build a unique urban village, I just feel this is going to be a very special place to live, work and play!