Empire Group of Companies, through its luxury urban infill division Aspirant Development, and Brinkmann Constructors have officially topped out construction on The Monroe, the highly anticipated senior living community being built in Old Town Scottsdale. The milestone marks the completion of the building’s structural framework and signals the project’s transition into interior construction.
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The Monroe is poised to become the first high-end senior living community in Old Town Scottsdale to offer true walkability to the area’s renowned dining, retail and cultural amenities. The 228-unit, 420,000-square-foot project will deliver a full continuum of care, from Active Adult to Memory Care, within a vibrant, urban setting designed to give residents access and connectivity to the energy of the surrounding community.
“To reach this stage of construction is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our entire team,” said Geoffrey Jacobs, managing partner of Aspirant Development.. “The Monroe represents a new standard for senior living in Scottsdale one that prioritizes walkability, lifestyle and connection. We are proud to see this vision continue to come to life in the heart of Old Town.”
Offering 118 active adult units, 74 independent/assisted living units with full kitchens, and 36 memory care units, The Monroe also will feature ground-floor retail and restaurant space designed to serve both residents and the broader community. A publicly accessible paseo along the southern edge of the property will create a dynamic pedestrian corridor, reinforcing the project’s integration into the surrounding neighborhood.
Resident-focused amenities will include a theater, chapel, salon, art studio, casual and upscale dining venues, an elevated fitness center, a secluded activity deck with an outdoor pool, BBQs and communal gathering areas, as well as a rooftop deck with panoramic views of Old Town Scottsdale. An upper-story indoor-outdoor lounge and multiple social spaces are designed to foster connection, creativity and wellness.
To date, construction of The Monroe has included approximately 17,877 cubic yards of concrete, more than 1,004,000 linear feet (nearly 190 miles) of post-tension cables, and more than 2.3 million pounds (1,163 tons) of rebar. The project also has required more than 30,000 cubic yards of dirt export for the subterranean garage and has surpassed 114,000 manhours worked since the project’s groundbreaking.
“We appreciate Aspirant Development and Cogir’s vision in bringing this project to the Old Town Scottsdale community,” said Joe Strobbe, vice president, Phoenix, Brinkmann Constructors. “Reaching the topping out milestone reflects the strength of collaboration among our partners, including the City of Scottsdale, APS, and the design team at Gensler and Sydnor. This moment marks an important transition from structural construction to interior buildout, and we’re proud of the work completed safely by our on-site team and trade partners.”
Designed by Gensler in collaboration with Douglas Sydnor Architect & Associates, The Monroe integrates modern desert architecture with high-performance materials, including brick, composite wall panels, metal accents and glass guardrails. The building’s stepped form, shaded patio spaces and Sonoran Desert-inspired palette allow it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings while offering residents a variety of indoor-outdoor living experiences.
Cogir Management USA will operate the community, bringing its signature full-service approach to senior living. Leasing is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026.
