Massive Project Underway in West Valley Section of Phoenix

In fall 2002, construction was continuing on a new planned-unit community in Phoenix. A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier in May for the massive project located on the former Caterpillar proving grounds in West Valley. The 8,800-acre site is north of Interstate 10 at the southeast tip of the White Tank Mountains.

Called Verrado, the community will eventually contain several golf courses, the first which will be designed by Tom Lehman and John Fought. Phase 1 also involves 1,750 single- and multi-family residence. Subsequent phases include a village-town center with shops, 16 parks, restaurants, and entertainment and business districts. The project, previously called Whitestone, is being developed by DMB Associates of Scottsdale.

The master plan for Verrado was designed by EDAW of San Francisco, and Swaback Partners and Dale Gordon Design, both of Scottsdale. Tentative home prices range from $130,000 to about $400,000. Real estate sales are expected to commence in mid-2003 following completion of the community’s infrastructure.