Ensemble Real Estate Solutions recently oversaw extensive improvements to Santa Fe Plaza in north Scottsdale. Ensemble is currently the leasing agent and property management company of the building.
Santa Fe Plaza is a unique medical office property that was built in 1985. The adobe, Spanish-style, 25,241-sq.-ft. building has excellent visibility from two major thoroughfares―90th Street and Mountain View Road. Having direct access from the Loop 101 and being just minutes from Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center are big pluses for its medical tenants and their patients.
Ensemble put together a detailed, comprehensive construction plan for the renovation. Prior to commencing with the project, an event was held to introduce the tenants to the renovation plan where Ensemble staff explained the process and how the design was developed. This event vested the tenants in the project and helped Ensemble complete the entire project in seven weeks with little effect or inconvenience to the existing tenants.
The renovation included the following elements:
1. Re-doing the central courtyard.
Santa Fe Plaza had a wonderful central courtyard but over the years, the fichus trees had grown too large and were attracting a large number of birds that left a big mess. The trees were removed, smaller plantings were installed and colorful cloth awnings were added to provide shade that the fichus trees previously had provided. A relaxing, bubbling fountain also was added.
2. Improve the landscaping.
Landscaping had been done “piecemeal” over the years so there was no longer any unified plan. Some trees and shrubs were removed and others trimmed to return the landscaping to its original plan.
3. Improve building signage and lighting.
These building elements were no longer consistent so changes were made to unify them. Signage also was added to more clearly identify the pedestrian and vehicle access points for the building.
4. Re-paint the exterior.
The exterior of Santa Fe Plaza had been painted all one color. To highlight its unique architecture, it was repainted in several southwestern colors.
5. Improve the parking structure.
The renovations were done on time and under the budget of $250,000. Spec suites are under way with a budget of $250,000.
“We are excited to bring this building back to its former glory,” said Marina Hammersmith, Senior Vice President Healthcare Brokerage Services for Ensemble and leasing agent for Santa Fe Plaza. “The newly completed renovation has created quite a buzz in the industry and we have already signed a new tenant for the building as a result of the building improvements.”
