The foundation has been laid for a new residential community in Tempe that promises to implement the newest energy efficiency and green initiatives, according to the Arizona Daily Star. The Caliber Development will begin construction on the $14 million, 32-unit luxury townhome community called The Roosevelt, which will be located west of Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe.

According to Modus Development, the sustainable townhome community will be one of the most groundbreaking urban residential projects in Tempe. The Roosevelt will be a Zero Energy Ready townhome community that will include the latest in energy efficiency and green initiatives as well as home automation. The townhomes will feature contemporary designs and spacious interiors with over 1,800 feet of living space. Townhomes will also have two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Recessed windows and decks for each unit will also provide “tremendous light and permeability,” and the Net Zero Energy technology will not only add value but will also ensure long-term sustainability.

Rendering courtesy of Modus Companies

Over the last few years, Tempe has evolved into a “can’t-miss” destination with an influx of restaurants, bars, and shops diverting off of Mill Avenue that have given the area a fresh look. Appealing to the younger generations and those appreciating eco-friendly options, the new development will undoubtedly speak to the millennial crowd and those looking to downsize into smaller, convenient living spaces.

The city has already proven its commitment to energy conservation as well as pleasing the energy-savvy residents of the community. On June 12, 2014, Tempe City Council adopted a goal to provide a minimum of 20 percent of the municipal operations energy from renewable energy sources by the year 2025. In addition, the city also has goals to reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will ultimately lower utility costs. 

Efforts from local businesses for energy conservation have also made the city appealing as well as a leader in sustainability. Making headlines as the only Arizona hotel with LEED certification, Aloft Hotel Tempe uses high-efficiency HVAC units, a water-efficient irrigation system, a heat island effect roof, and recycled materials wherever possible to assist in the city’s goal for a greener future. The hotel also uses packaging-free dispensers for shower products in order to reduce plastic waste as well as a digital filing system to reduce paper waste.

The Tempe Transportation Center photo courtesy of Cygnusloop99 

The Tempe Transportation Center integrates light rail, city buses, cyclists, and pedestrians for an innovative, flexible, and multi-use facility. The LEED Platinum facility showcases many sustainable features, including a living roof of native desert plants and 12 inches of soil to help lower energy costs and lessen the heat island effect. Other sustainable strategies include a storm water recovery system, low-flow fixtures, photovoltaic solar collection, recycled acoustical ceiling tiles, and wheat grass millwork. The project has won multiple awards including the National Smart Growth Award and the Best of the Best Award for a Sustainable Project from Southwest Contractor.

When complete, The Roosevelt will join the city’s green efforts as well as “fulfill the heightened demand from buyers wanting sustainability features  that reduce aspects like energy and water usage” says Roy Bade, executive vice president of commercial acquisitions and development of Caliber. In addition to exceeding environmental design qualifications and Energy Star certification, per their press release, homes will also include solar panels, LED lighting, hybrid water heaters, Energy Star appliances, cool roof technology, and more. Home automation technology will explore “the areas of virtual assistants, energy management, security, locks, cameras, smoke detectors, electrical control, lighting and outdoor sprinklers,” with smartphone apps that will help control these systems inside and outside of the home.

The Roosevelt townhomes are priced from $450,000 to $500,000. The first phase of construction will consist of 14 units, which are expected to be completed by December 2018.