Sitting Bulls
Arizona’s recovery is a bit hyperopic, compared with other states. However, the resounding chorus of industry experts reveal 2015 holds more of the same, but better! That particular phrasing is from an interview with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank’s Pete Bolton, but the sentiment is the broken record we have been listening to for the last few years. While reporting for the cover story — AZRE’s annual outlook (page 34) — I spoke with many cautiously optimistic, but optimistic nonetheless, industry experts who are developing, brokering and investing in properties and business development throughout the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. You can read more about their industry predictions in the outlook. I also took a step back to look at a few dozen companies that have big plans for next year in “40 Companies to Watch” (page 30).
New to AZRE’s January issue is “Generation Next” — profiles of young professionals who are doing exceptional things with their careers. I like to refer to them as the under-40s with careers of over-40s. That may hover on hyperbole, but I’ll let you be the judge (page 26).
Also in this issue, you’ll find an article about the symbiotic relationship between brick-and-mortar retail establishments and their digital storefronts. You may be able to tell where that one is headed with RBC Capital Markets’ report of 40,000 U.S. retail store openings planned between November 2014 and 2015 (page 54).
I also encourage you to flip through the American Institute of Architects in Arizona’s Design Award results (page 46). These projects are truly stunning — from a resort in the middle of a desert wasteland to a border point of entry that is equally surreal. AZRE also congratulates the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Phoenix’s TOBY Award winners (page 48).
I hope this issue of AZRE helps you start the year off right! May it be more of the same, but better.
Amanda Ventura, Editor
amanda.ventura@azbigmedia.com
