patio7109

Just few years ago, Matix Development came to Phoenix looking to ride the wave of the real estate boom, while making modern luxury attainable for the working class. Wanting to renovate rather than build new, the Chicago-based developer selected the Villa Vallejo apartment complex at 18th street and Maryland as the future site of their new complex. Matix drew up a $15 million facelift for the five-acre property and purchased the complex in September 2005. Getting straight to work, they broke ground and began redevelopment construction within a year.

“The goal was to provide cool, modern homes for the homeowner that appreciates location, style and community,” stated Deepak Verma, sales director for Patio 71.

Seventy-one homes, each linked together with front and rear patios were to be torn down and rebuilt with a long list of fine interior amenities. The remodeling included “completely gutting and rehabilitating—with new roofs, electric, air conditioning, plumbing, drywall, flooring, countertops, kitchens and appliances,” said Mike Navin, CFO for Matix Development.

Constructed of the project is occurring in three phases. With the first two phases of homes already complete and selling quickly, the last phase—including a 25-meter swimming pool and a 2,000-square-foot clubhouse designed by renowned local architect, John Chonka—aims for a March 2008 completion date.

The clubhouse utilizes large glass interior walls that open up the atmosphere in a big way. Inside, amenities include a brand new fitness center, a business and media center with wireless Internet and a clubroom with a gourmet kitchen, flat panel television and exterior barbecues. Residents can also relax in a 12-person spa or cool off with a dip in the pool. One definite highlight is that each unit is within 300 feet of the clubhouse and pool area.

Matix has found the perfect balance between extravagance and economy as each single-story, two-bedroom home is humble in size—1275 total square feet, 900 interior—but every inch is smartly designed to feel much larger. Patio 71 capitalizes on contemporary, urban minimalist style, but everything still feels welcoming, right down to the colorful foliage that lines every walkway.

Patio 71 shows off two decked out example units, setting the standard for how these homes should be furnished with excellent contemporary pieces from Copenhagen and the like.

The units have a few options: tile or hardwood flooring, a bar, stackable washer & dryer, or a larger rear patio with a retractable awning. The kicker, however, is that regardless of your choices, there isn’t much by way of upgrades. What would normally be considered an upgrade comes standard. Each unit features Pedini cabinetry, Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances, granite countertops, stainless steel accents and pleasant neighbors. Inset lighting brings vibrance to the interior nicely and despite being close to the 51, Patio 71’s grounds are calm and quiet.

The best part about these units is the reasonable, attainable price. Depending on location, the patio homes range in price from $234,000 to $259,900. It is Scottsdale living with a Phoenix price tag.

When asked what is the best reason to move into Patio 71, Maddy Miller, the smiley sales agent in the front office, responded with, “location, location location” and she’s right, though my vote would probably be the Pedini kitchen.

Patio 71’s location encourages an active lifestyle with “canal access for daily jogs or bike rides, the 30-acre Granada Park, Piestewa Peak Park, Biltmore Fashion Park, The Esplanade and access to some of the best restaurants that Phoenix has to offer,” she continued. “The community was designed for someone that appreciates life without the hassles of home ownership,” noting the clean landscape design by Ten Eyck. In addition, the high quality finishes on the inside of the homes were designed to look great and stay that way with little effort.

Patio 71 seems to have it all: an affordable price, a contemporary lifestyle and a prime location. As a result of the features and amenities, the units have been selling quickly; proving that modern living doesn’t have to set you back half a mil. Visit patio71.com for more information.