The Housing Trust Group’s concept for its award-winning Aviva project in Mesa, Ariz., was to transport luxurious, urban-style living out to the suburbs. Located about 13 miles east of downtown Mesa, the 325-unit community was delivered ahead of schedule and fully leased in less than seven months. Rents clock in at $200 above the base rate of nearby properties with the target market being younger, working professionals.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Mesa, Ariz.
Developer: Housing Trust Group
Architect: Biltform Architecture Group
Builder: Chasse Building Team
Interior Designer: Lawrence Lake Interiors
Opened: September 2018
Number of units: 325
Unit mix: One-, two-, and three-bedrooms
Rents: $1,294 to $1,769
Designed by Biltform Architecture Group and built by the Chasse Building Team, the community was constructed with more than a nod to green as the National Green Building Standard was employed via dual-glazed high-efficiency windows, weather-sealed insulated doors, Energy Star–rated appliances, low-VOC paints, wide-plank green flooring, and low-flow faucets. Outdoors, Aviva favors drought-tolerant native plants and low water usage for landscaping.
The community’s amenities include one of the largest swimming pools in Arizona. The resort-style, 150-foot-long outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi spa is surrounded by ultra-chic cabana beds, chaise lounge chairs, fire pits, a custom cornhole court, and an outdoor pingpong table. Residents can also socialize at the community’s porch, which features a 120-inch video screen, a dual-sided fireplace, premium outdoor kitchen grills, multiple 65-inch TVs, and ample cozy seating options.
Mark Boisclair Photography
Other amenities include a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a media and game room, with a custom billiards table; co-working spaces; and a state-of-the-art-health and wellness center that includes smart cardio machines, free weights, boxing, and a yoga and spin studio with a 24/7 virtual trainer.
Additionally, Aviva has 10 outdoor fitness stations with stationary fitness equipment, a playground with covered seating areas, a basketball court, and one of the largest apartment “bark parks” in the state.
Indoors, open floor plans feature expansive kitchens that include quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings with vaulted ceilings on upper floors, private spa-like master baths, and private patios with storage. All units also are equipped with the highest-speed internet and cable TV available in the market. The unit mix consists of 131 one-bedroom, 180 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom units.
The success and popularity of the community was foreshadowed even before it was officially open for business. Aviva had more than 50% of its 325 apartments pre-leased ahead of its official grand opening—a 30-year record for Mark-Taylor, Aviva’s property management company.