Elizabeth Stegall always has been a big fan of Chicago architect and developer David Hovey’s Optima condominium complexes.
So when the retired real estate developer found out Optima was building one of its luxury high-rise towers near Kierland Commons on the Phoenix/Scottsdale border, she wanted to see it for herself.
“I like his designs because they’re elegant and unusual,” said Stegall, who worked for her family’s Santa Barbara-based real estate development company Stegall Co. “I love the light and the view, the simplicity of the property, the feel and the quality. It’s remarkably quiet here.”
Stegall moved into 7120 Optima Kierland about two years ago after moving back to the Valley from California.
The 12-story complex on Scottsdale Road and Kierland Boulevard has 220 residences, all of which were sold out by March 2019. The 7180 Optima Kierland tower next door is now under construction and began sales earlier this year.
Stegall chose the 11th-floor corner unit and was able to customize the unit to make the $1.86 million condo her own.
“I was given lots of choices,” she said. “I wanted height so I chose the penthouse level. I also chose the area for the light.”
Her $260,000 in upgrades included a customized kitchen with Wolf stoves and Bulthaup counters.
“I chose extended cabinets throughout the home because I wanted continuity,” Stegall said.
She also upgraded to add porcelain tiles and a gas fireplace.
“I love to sit in front of the fire because it adds coziness and warmth,” Stegall said.
Optima complexes are known for their colorful exterior with lots of patios surrounded by hanging greenery, as well as luxury amenities. Stegall said she loves the reflective, mirrored, floor-to-ceiling windows and patio gardens.
“They keep up the sprinklers, irrigation and common areas,” she said. “Most complexes are so cold and clinical. Once this grows in (her patio garden), it will be lush and beautiful.”
She describes her design aesthetic as eclectic modern and has decorated her home with items she’s collected from her travels in Italy, France and England. She worked with interior designer Doris Hegel to help decorate her home.
“I like to use texture and color,” Stegall said.
She shares the home with her three cats: Max, Coco and Pie. Her 21-year-old daughter also visits often when she’s not attending Santa Barbara City College.
The Stegall home at a glance
Condo size: 2,300 square feet
Cost: $1.86 million
Built: 2018
Bedrooms/bathrooms: Two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms
Biggest renovation: Spent $260,000 to upgrade the kitchen with Wolf stoves and Bulthaup counters, add porcelain tile, a gas fireplace and a larger master bathroom.
Conversation piece: The light and the view of the surrounding area from the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
Most unique aspect: The unique complex covered in greenery that once grown out will hang over the patios like the other signature Optima complexes in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Why they chose the area: She liked the nearby access to shopping, restaurants and businesses at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. It’s also close enough to Loop 101 to get around town.
Coolest thing about backyard: While she does have two large patios, her “back yard” is the various amenities available at the Optima Kierland complex, including the sky deck with 360-degree views of the Valley and a heated, infinity-edge lap pool. She also loves the steam showers, saunas, full gym, jacuzzis and yoga room.
Collections: Antique books and religious items from all religions. The items were picked up from her travels in Italy, France and England.
Cool cars: 2012 black Porsche Panamera turbo
