City of Chandler celebrates new diggs!

New Chandler City Hall ends 12 years of leasing office space

The City of Chandler moved into its new home in mid-November of last year.  The 120,000 sq.ft, 5 story building and related expenses total $73 million dollars which the city has been saving towards for many years. The stone facades are made of 50,000 sq.ft. of quartz.  Chandler also took advantage of the opportunity to incorporate many sustainability and energy efficient features into the design.  The building also differs from the typical city hall with the “Urban Edge” strategy by pushing the building to the sidewalk encouraging pedestrian activity while creating an inviting plaza in the center of the complex. Continue reading “City of Chandler celebrates new diggs!”

What Canadians buying in Arizona should know

Important considerations when buying in Arizona

As home prices have declined in Arizona, the goal of many Canadian citizens of owning a home in the U.S.  has become a reality.  Instead of shoveling snow and battling freezing temperatures, Canadian second home owners can be dealing with other issues such as which golf course should I play today, or how early do I want to get up to go hiking or jogging, and where should we go for dinner.  I’ve also noticed that many Canadian homeowners who live on a lake in Canada have a desire to duplicate that scenic landscape and have inquired about lakefront homes in Phoenix.  When a buyer from Canada decides to pursue owning property in Arizona, there are some considerations they should be aware of.

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Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport serves the east valley

Former Military Air Base continues to transform

In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended that the Williams Air Base close its doors.  Two years later in 1993, it became a reality and the former Air Base began its search for a new identity.  A plan was developed to transform the base to be an aerospace center and an educational, research and training facility with the airport serving as a reliever to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  Currently, aviation uses include commercial passenger service, aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, modification, air cargo operations and flight training.  In 2008, the former base became the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.

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McQueen Lakes homes offer waterfront views

McQueen Lakes in Chandler Lake Community Homes

 McQueen Lakes is located 3 miles south of the 202 freeway on McQueen Road in Chandler.  This lake subdivision has 90 homesites with 20 that can be considered waterfront.  The lake is the first thing you see when you enter from McQueen Rd.   Most of the homes were built in 2005 by Trend Homes which unfortunately was at the height of the Phoenix real estate bubble.  Because of the this situation many of the current sales are lender owned or short sales.   Continue reading “McQueen Lakes homes offer waterfront views”