There is wholehearted enthusiasm in her voice as Evelyn Arroyo speaks of moving into her new home at Optima Kierland, the soaring 12-story tower at 7120 East Kierland, in north Scottsdale, which has just begun welcoming its new residents. Phase 1 includes the condominium tower as well as the already occupied 10-story boutique leasing tower.
The continuing popularity of the Optima brand was evident this past November, when it was announced that the Optima Kierland condominiums were more than 75 percent sold. Bulthaup or Italian cabinetry; select granite or polished quartz counter tops; designer flooring and carpeting; and Kohler fixtures and gourmet Bosch stainless steel appliances with gas stovetops are some of the luxurious elements reflected throughout each home.
Some condominium buyers increased their living space by combining units. Arroyo said that she had selected a two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse unit, but when she found out the adjacent one-bed was available, she expanded. In addition to the added bedroom, she now has an office and two spectacular terraces.
Fabulous vistas
“I feel with all the windows and glass, these are the best views in Scottsdale,” said Arroyo. “There is Camelback Mountain, golf courses and sky, sky, sky. I face west so I’ll enjoy our beautiful sunsets. Working in corporate education, I want peace in my life now. I feel serenity here, especially with the seamless way the indoor moves to the outdoor patios.”
Enhancing the ambiance of nature are gardens throughout. Arroyo points out that the terraces boasting plants and vines hanging down from the floors above make an inviting verdant environment flowing from top to bottom. With the pool, spa and greenery, Arroyo said she doesn’t miss her former, large Moon Valley home with all the landscaping and pools that she had to manage and repair.
Security and a vibrant social scene are two of the other attractions Arroyo cites for her move. She said that although her home had a security system to rival Fort Knox, she never felt quite safe. Here she feels relaxed and secure.
World-class neighborhood
“Also, I was tired of living alone, feeling isolated,” she added. “Here, there are people with shared interests and a sense of community. It’s easy to meet and make friends in the common areas and organized activities.”
She traveled the world after selling her business and “retiring” in her 40s, returning to north Scottsdale for its warm climate and elegant lifestyle. Arroyo asserts that the world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment all within walking distance of her new home are unsurpassed.
Enhancing the community
Optima has been creating some of the most striking luxury residential communities in the nation for more than three decades. President David Hovey, Jr., who carries on his father’s legacy, said that a hallmark of Optima is that the projects bring benefits not only to residents but to the entire neighborhood.
“Parking is 100 percent underground so there is 75 percent open space at grade level,” said Hovey. “We encourage people from the neighborhood to walk through the grounds to enjoy the architecture and gardens and fountains. People love walking their dogs. All the landscaping creates a microclimate that lowers the ambient temperature from 5 to 9 degrees compared to surrounding sidewalks.”
Optima Kierland is a pilot project for the City of Phoenix’s newly adopted International Green Construction Code and includes a wealth of environmentally forward features including the vertical landscape and architectural shading systems that protect from the sun while filtering the air and lowering ambient temperature. Benefits reach into the next generations with technologically advanced building materials that extend the building lifespan, ensuring enduring quality.
For more information, go to optima-kierland.com/7120-east-kierland or call 480-418-2630.
