Open & Agile Smart Cities Network

A joint venture between Spectrum Retirement Communities and The Wolff Company has commenced redevelopment of a former retail parcel in Sun City West into a 220-unit senior living facility. The $50 million project is projected to open in early 2026. Senior housing is regarded as recession-resilient by investment advisers, supporting portfolio risk management. Property tax abatement incentives for age-restricted housing are in play, and the project meets Maricopa County’s updated senior living zoning code. Both developers have completed several senior facilities in Arizona. Community benefits include access to modern amenities and healthcare coordination.

DMB Associates, developer of Verrado, has secured approvals for a $1.2 billion expansion called Verrado South, to deliver over 5,000 new homes, parks, and two elementary schools over the next decade. This will boost Buckeye’s population by an estimated 15%, according to city projections. The expansion benefits from state school facility funding and Buckeye’s growth incentive programs. Verrado is known for walkable master-planned design, and DMB’s past work includes Eastmark and Marley Park. Wealth managers cite the demand for large-lot communities as a hedge against urban volatility. The project features advanced water management systems and native landscaping, aligning with Buckeye’s sustainability targets.

A private development group led by Mirabel Partners has broken ground on a 45-room boutique hospitality retreat in Gold Canyon. The $32 million project emphasizes low-density construction and dark-sky-friendly lighting. Wealth managers highlight the attractiveness of hospitality assets in unique desert locales for diversification. Recent Pinal County tourism incentives have lowered development costs. The architect, Allen + Philp, is known for high-end resorts in Sedona and Scottsdale. The project has been lauded for its minimal environmental footprint and use of renewable materials. Community response has been favorable, emphasizing the retreat’s role in boosting local tourism without overtaxing infrastructure.

LG Energy Solution is constructing a $600 million electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, expected to create 850 new jobs when operational in 2026. The build utilizes tax credits through the Arizona Competes Fund and is designed by CRB, an architect specializing in high-tech industrial builds. LG’s sustainability policy includes on-site solar and water recycling. LG has also announced plans for further expansion in the Phoenix metro area. The project is seen as an anchor for Casa Grande’s fast-growing tech sector and will have significant local workforce development impacts.

Taylor Morrison has launched the first phase of a 400-home master-planned community in Laveen, with homes starting in the mid-$400,000s. The site plan includes walking trails, a community pool, and smart-home standard packages. The project benefits from Phoenix’s Growth Area policy, ensuring coordinated infrastructure upgrades. Taylor Morrison has delivered several successful master-planned communities in Arizona, including Alamar in Avondale. Wealth management professionals note the value stability of master-planned communities during economic cycles. Laveen residents will benefit from improved public amenities and walkability.

Seefried Industrial Properties is completing a 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Tolleson for a Fortune 100 national retailer, with completion slated for Q1 2025. The project is forecasted to support over 400 permanent jobs and attract ancillary logistics businesses. Arizona’s Foreign Trade Zone incentives and the City of Tolleson’s expedited permitting process facilitated the rapid timeline. Seefried has developed several logistics parks in the region, including the adjacent Tolleson Logistics Center. The facility is designed for energy efficiency and will utilize on-site solar arrays. Community benefits include job growth and support for transportation infrastructure upgrades.

Crescent Communities and Hines have broken ground on a 35-story, 350-unit luxury residential tower at 3rd Avenue and Van Buren Street, marking one of Downtown Phoenix’s tallest new developments. The tower features ground-floor retail and an amenity deck with urban farming components. The project is anticipated to generate $700,000 in annual city taxes upon stabilization. Recent city policies allow for increased density and reduced parking minimums in transit-oriented districts. The development uses smart HVAC systems and EV-ready parking. Crescent and Hines have collaborated on similar high-rise projects in Texas and Colorado, known for efficient project delivery. Community leaders expect increased urban vibrancy and support for local businesses.