When Bryan Cromer
decided to upgrade to a custom-built
luxury home, he didn't have to think
twice about the location.
It would be in north Peoria.
In November, Cromer, his wife and two kids will move into their
4,700-square-foot Tuscan-style home with
a secluded courtyard, 20-foot stone
turret, guest house and other features.
The home, valued around $1.3 million, is under construction at Montana de Oro Ranch, a 24-lot gated community near Pinnacle Peak Road and 93rd Avenue.
In recent years, such neighborhoods have transformed the West Valley into a hot spot for luxury, custom-built mansions that resemble those in the northeast Valley.
One main lure is the affordable land, but there is also the open space, large lots, intimate mountain views and close proximity to the state's second-largest lake.
"The Lake Pleasant corridor is becoming the next north Scottsdale, just with a different flavor," said Cromer, a project manager for Alexander Homes. "It's the Valley's next luxury-home boom area."
But unlike many buyers in the northeast Valley, those in the West Valley are building primary homes.
And several are subcontractors and entrepreneurs; they own painting, construction and pool companies.
One resident in Cromer's community has plans for an 8,000-square-foot home with 3,600 square feet of air-conditioned garage space to store boats, recreational vehicles and trucks.
"In addition to the luxury cars, people here have $60,000 Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks," he said. "You don't see that in Paradise Valley as much."
But from an architectural standpoint, the West Valley luxury homes resemble those in Paradise Valley and north Scottsdale.
The homes boast extensive stonework, outdoor water features, wet bars, wine cellars and turrets.
"The West Valley is poised for growth," Cromer said. "I hear it, read about it and can see what's going on here."
Like many custom builders, Alexander Homes used to concentrate on the northeast Valley. But in 2004, the company purchased about 10 lots along the Lake Pleasant corridor.
"The availability of land in north Peoria was a huge draw and prices were reasonable," said Chip Alexander, co-owner of Alexander Homes. "We could already see the activity that was starting to happen there so we knew we needed to jump in."
It would be in north Peoria.
In November, Cromer, his wife and two kids will move into their
4,700-square-foot Tuscan-style home with
a secluded courtyard, 20-foot stone
turret, guest house and other features.
The home, valued around $1.3 million, is under construction at Montana de Oro Ranch, a 24-lot gated community near Pinnacle Peak Road and 93rd Avenue.
In recent years, such neighborhoods have transformed the West Valley into a hot spot for luxury, custom-built mansions that resemble those in the northeast Valley.
One main lure is the affordable land, but there is also the open space, large lots, intimate mountain views and close proximity to the state's second-largest lake.
"The Lake Pleasant corridor is becoming the next north Scottsdale, just with a different flavor," said Cromer, a project manager for Alexander Homes. "It's the Valley's next luxury-home boom area."
But unlike many buyers in the northeast Valley, those in the West Valley are building primary homes.
And several are subcontractors and entrepreneurs; they own painting, construction and pool companies.
One resident in Cromer's community has plans for an 8,000-square-foot home with 3,600 square feet of air-conditioned garage space to store boats, recreational vehicles and trucks.
"In addition to the luxury cars, people here have $60,000 Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks," he said. "You don't see that in Paradise Valley as much."
But from an architectural standpoint, the West Valley luxury homes resemble those in Paradise Valley and north Scottsdale.
The homes boast extensive stonework, outdoor water features, wet bars, wine cellars and turrets.
"The West Valley is poised for growth," Cromer said. "I hear it, read about it and can see what's going on here."
Like many custom builders, Alexander Homes used to concentrate on the northeast Valley. But in 2004, the company purchased about 10 lots along the Lake Pleasant corridor.
"The availability of land in north Peoria was a huge draw and prices were reasonable," said Chip Alexander, co-owner of Alexander Homes. "We could already see the activity that was starting to happen there so we knew we needed to jump in."
Maura J. Halpern
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Desert Showcase
