Buoyed by a strong economy and a robust demand for rental housing in the Valley, Scottsdale-based The Empire Group of Companies last week broke ground on the Village at Pebble Creek.

Village at Pebble Creek is a single-family rental concept located at the southwest corner of Pebble Creek Parkway and West Virginia Avenue. It allows renters the convenience and privacy of a house with all the benefits of a traditional rental. It’s expected to open in December.

“What we’re doing here as developers is solving a problem,” said Randy Grudzinski, Head of Capital Markets for The Empire Group. “Maricopa County is the fastest growing market in America. Because of this growth, by 2020 we could face rental deficit of 20,000 to 30,000 units. There really isn’t enough supply.”

Grudzinski said the Village at Pebble Creek will be an attractive option to two demographics – millennials and those who prefer the convenience of renting over owning.

“Our intent is to solve this bowling ball of demand. This is one way of doing that,” Grudzinski said.

Village at Pebble Creek will feature 184 rental homes on a 15-acre site in a gated community. Amenities include pet park and pet salon; swimming pool, hot tub, firepit and barbeques; resident clubhouse with WiFi, community table, kitchen and 80-inch flat screen TV; fitness center; automated package lockers; and high-speed fiber optic Internet delivery.

In addition, each home will feature a fenced private backyard with dog door and Smart Home technology including digital thermostat, lighting controls, keyless door entry, doorbell with camera – all controlled from a smart phone or tablet app.

Kitchen amenities include stainless steel appliances including range, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and washer and dryer. Village at Pebble Creek will offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes.

“We are planning for our first units to be available around the end of this year,” said Kirk Larson, Vice President of Construction for The Empire Group,” then delivering about 20 more units on a monthly basis.”

According to The Empire Group Founder and Principal Richard Felker and Principal Geoffrey Jacobs, the ownership group’s strategy is the launching of the Village brand in Goodyear with the addition of more Village communities to other parts of the Valley.

Goodyear makes sense for the Village brand with its highly-educated and skilled workforce Southwest charm. Goodyear has created the right economic conditions for businesses to thrive. There is easy access to Interstate 10, the Loop 101 and Loop 303 freeways as well as excellent transportation access to regional airports and rail services.

“This city council embraces development,” said Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord, who was in attendance. “We really appreciate a company like The Empire Group picking this little piece of dirt. You were really smart in your research. Goodyear is one of the fastest growing cities in the Valley. With companies moving here, thank you for making this choice.”

Stellar Residential will handle property management for the Village at Pebble Creek.

There is more to come from The Empire Group and its single-family rentals venture,” said Dale Phillips, President of Stellar Residential. “It’s even more exciting for Stellar Residential as we have been chosen to be the property management company.”

 The construction and design team comprise general contractor, LSH; and architect of record, Felten Group. Subcontractors include Terrascape Consulting, civil engineering; McGough/Adamson, landscape architecture; StudioDwell, interior design; Wright Engineering, electrical consultants; and Ei, mechanical consultants.

Officials attending the groundbreaking of the Village at Pebble Creek include (left to right) Randy Grudzinski, Head of Capital Markets, The Empire Group; Richard Felker, Founder and Principal, The Empire Group; Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord; Geoffrey Jacobs, Principal, The Empire Group; Dale Phillips, President and Co-Founder, Stellar Residential; Jay Dassele, Vice President and Co-Founder, Stellar Residential; Tanner Bickelhaupt, Partner, Stellar Residential; R.J. Brady, Community Manager, Stellar Residential; Jennie Raye Benson, Director of Corporate Affairs, Stellar Residential.