— By John K. Jackson of Colliers Phoenix — Casa Grande, Ariz., stands at a pivotal juncture that could see it transition into a Tier II retail market this year. Phoenix’s Greater Metropolitan Area has been characterized by historically low retail vacancy rates, prompting retailers and developers to explore opportunities outside the urban core. Casa Grande’s strategic location less than 50 miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes it well-positioned to capitalize on this migration. The Dynamics of Casa Grande’s Growth Casa Grande has experienced notable growth in recent years. It was the seventh fastest-growing U.S. city in 2021, experiencing a remarkable 24 percent population increase since 2016. This growth, paired with job creation across sectors, is attracting major employers, including Lucid, LG Energy Solution and Kohler. These three firms promise to collectively bring more than 6,400 jobs to the area. Such economic development lays a solid foundation for retail expansion. After all, a growing workforce typically leads to increased consumer demand. The significant investments being made in the area further bolster Casa Grande’s potential as a retail hub. Lucid has recently expanded its manufacturing complex to 4 million square feet, with plans for additional land acquisition to support …
Arizona
PHOENIX — JLL has arranged a $271.9 million recapitalization of an eight-property build-to-rent (BTR) residential portfolio in Arizona, Colorado and Texas. Kevin MacKenzie, Michael Joseph, Brad Miner, Matthew Putterman, Chris Shea, Caroline Novak and Weston Nearon of JLL arranged the debt and equity financing placements on behalf of the borrower, NexMetro, a Phoenix-based BTR developer behind the Avilla Homes brand. The new financing infusions include the assumption of $206 million in agency financing and $65.9 million of preferred equity from Stockbridge. The properties were developed between 2018 and 2019 and include Avilla Camelback Ranch, Avilla Centerra Crossing, Avilla Deer Valley, Avilla Lehi Crossing and Avilla Meadows in Arizona; Avilla Buffalo Run in Commerce City, Colo.; and Avilla Northside and Avilla Heritage in the Dallas-Forth metroplex markets of McKinney and Grand Prairie, respectively. The eight properties total 1,061 units. The most recent recapitalization allows NexMetro to return capital to investors while continuing to tackle its development pipeline, which comprises 60 projects across the Sun Belt in various stages of completion. JLL also closed a previously announced round of financing that included a $78.7 million equity investment from Artemis and $160 million of debt from Blackstone for four NexMetro BTR properties in Arizona …
TUCSON, ARIZ. — Marcus & Millichap has arranged the sale of Courtyard by Marriott Airport Tucson, a hotel located at 25050 E. Executive Drive in Tucson. Terms of the transaction were not released. Built in 1988 and renovated in 2021, Courtyard Airport Tucson offers 149 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, business center, an on-site bistro and meeting space. The three-story hotel is located less than one mile from Tucson International Airport. Ebrahim Valliani and Michael Klar of Marcus & Millichap represented the undisclosed seller and secured the undisclosed buyer in the transaction. Allan Miller and Chris Gomes, also of Marcus & Millichap, assisted with the deal. Ryan Sarbinoff is the firm’s broker of record in Arizona.
TSB Capital Secures Construction Financing for 532-Bed Student Housing Development Near University of Arizona
by Amy Works
TUCSON, ARIZ. — TSB Capital Advisors has secured construction financing for a 532-bed student housing development near the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. The project, which is being developed by Capstone Collegiate Communities, will offer units in studio, one-, two-, three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom configurations. Shared amenities are set to include a resort-style pool, sundeck, coffee bar, courtyard, multimedia room, hammock lounge, fitness center, cold plunge, sauna, clubhouse, grilling stations, tanning rooms, green spaces, private and group study lounges and an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Ankrom Moisan is providing architectural, interior design and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) services for the project, which is slated for completion in fall 2027. An undisclosed Fortune 100 insurance company provided the financing.
MARANA, ARIZ. — FJM Merced Associates LP has acquired 26,400 square feet of industrial space at 6898-6910 N. Camino Martin in Marana, a suburb of Tucson. An entity doing business as Acorn Ventures LLC sold the asset for $2.5 million. Alex Demeroutis and Andrew Keim of Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR represented the buyer, while Max Fisher of BRD Realty represented the seller in the transaction.
TUCSON, ARIZ. — Desert Christian Schools Inc. has sold a property located at 10129 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, to Richard and Connie Luebke for $1.5 million. The 17,865-square-foot building was subsequently donated to Habitat for Humanity. Rob Tomlinson of Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR handled the transaction.
TEMPE, ARIZ. — Creation has started construction of Source Logistics Center, a Class A industrial facility in Tempe. The company acquired the 15-acre site at the southeast corner of Warner Road and Hardy Drive in partnership with CrossHarbor Capital Partners as investor. The 144,885-square-foot project will feature a clear height of 32 feet, abundant power and 6 acres of contiguous yard space allowing for flexible storage or excess passenger vehicle, trailer or box-truck parking. The property also offers access to Interstate 10 and Loop 101, as well as Union Pacific rail spur capabilities. LGE Design Build is serving as architect and general contractor for Source Logistics Center, which is slated for completion in mid-2026. Cooper Fratt, John Werstler and Tanner Ferrandi of CBRE are handling leasing efforts for the project.
PHOENIX — MAG Capital Partners has purchased an industrial building located at 2848 Sweetwater Ave. in northwest Phoenix for an undisclosed price. Sunrun and Kaboomracks fully occupy the 39,950-square-foot building, which is situated on 3.1 acres. Phil Haenel and Foster Bundy of Cushman & Wakefield represented the seller, a private investor, in the deal.
— Scott Hintze and Marti Weinstein of Diversified Partners Commercial Real Estate — Phoenix’s retail development market is seeing a surge in optimism as the city benefits from a growing economy and a shift in political leadership. With the new administration coming into power, the outlook for the Phoenix retail market has become increasingly positive, promising a wave of new projects and investment opportunities in the coming years. The city’s rapid population growth, expanding infrastructure and bustling job market have positioned Phoenix as one of the most attractive cities in the U.S. for retail development. The new administration has brought a renewed focus on urban development, job creation and business-friendly policies, which is expected to help stimulate both demand for retail spaces and the construction of new commercial properties. Government support, including incentives for developers and tax breaks for businesses, is anticipated to foster a thriving retail sector that will benefit both local residents and national retailers looking to expand into the area. Several projects we have been working on have seen unprecedented demand from tenants. We recently completed a 25,000-square-foot building across from Gilbert Mercy Hospital that includes a two-story Starbucks, the first in the market. In addition to …
PHOENIX — Wespac Construction has completed Cove Logistics Center, an industrial development at the southwest corner of Van Buren Street and 37th Avenue in Phoenix. The company worked with Deutsch Architecture Group and ViaWest Group on the project. The 99,498-square-foot Cove Logistics Center offers two high-end speculative suites. The project scope also included full-scale underground infrastructure, advanced stormwater retention systems, the construction of truck courts and a new parking lot.