The Dealmaker is a daily note of the day’s top real estate stories served just in time for lunch. Bon Appetit! Subscribe here to receive the Dealmaker to your inbox
New homes up again, sales erasing slow start to 2019. Things got off to a slow start this year but have rebounded and year-to-date sales are expected to soon be even with numbers from last year. That’s the overall takeaway from real estate consultant Jim Belfiore. Check out the data in Mike Sunnucks’ report. http://bit.ly/2OZfXJs
HOUSES HISTORY? –Seven historic homes in Phoenix could be demolished for new development. “Historic-preservation advocates say they plan to fight demolition of the [Coronado Historic District homes], claiming destruction could set a precedent for all of Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods.” AZCentral (Subscriber Content). http://bit.ly/2Z7rz0P
States with most Energy Star builds. Arizona shines in this FIXr report that takes a GRAPHIC look at “the number of single-family homes being built in the U.S. with Energy Star certification.” http://bit.ly/2ZbmQqW
County wants to enlarge San Tan Plan to protect rural lifestyle. <- That was just one of several major amendments floated at the Pinal County BoS work session Wednesday. Others included: Developer rezone requests, an area-plan land exclusion to the tune of 37,370 acres, and green energy land use re-designations. Details in CGD. http://bit.ly/2P0CJAL
Developer: Fire in Tempe won’t delay Watermark opening.PBJ checks in with Fenix Development project manager Mike Loretz on Watermark’s completion status in the wake of Wednesday’s fire. http://bit.ly/2Z8w1sr
Tempe streetcar construction wraps for the season. And that means Mill Ave. will now be open in BOTH DIRECTIONS, from University to Rio Salado — welcomed news for area businesses, which had to put up with 3 months of streetcar “construction disruption.” (OTOH, as far as sales during construction, some merchants crushed it.) AZ Business Mag. http://bit.ly/2H8D6mk
Tempe approves new rules for scooters, bikes. Bike lanes, sidewalks, speed limits and age restrictions are all part of the new rules for Tempeans, reports Mike Sunnucks in RLGR. http://bit.ly/2KCVshA
Nogales looks to expand its city limits. “This isn’t the first time that annexation has been proposed as Mayor Arturo Garino, who served previously from 2011-2014, tried once before.” Chamber Business News. http://bit.ly/2YUSRZ9
Jobs: Phoenix region loses professional, business service jobs but health care, manufacturing gain. Mike Sunnucks takes deep dive into the latest data from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. RLGR. http://bit.ly/33D6gDZ
Cameron’s $5M + deals of the day –http://bit.ly/2HccbX3
As a supplement to the Dealmaker, we thought you might enjoy these articles!
California Is world’s biggest legal pot market, says new report. Cannabis capitalism. Bud bonanza. THC treasures. Weed windfall. Call it what you want but ‘gold’ rush 2.0 is most definitely on in Cali, as cannabis sales are projected to hit $3.1 billion in 2019. Forbes. http://bit.ly/2KCFYdp
McSally open but noncommittal on gun legislation. “In the wake of the mass shootings that rocked the nation in recent weeks, McSally has suggested some willingness to consider gun control measures, an apparent shift from her previous stance on the topic.” AZ Mirror.http://bit.ly/2KQuwde
Denver Airport terminating $1.8 billion Great Hall Renovation contract. Denver International Airport is scrapping a development contract for a “massive terminal renovation,” a move that comes “years ahead of the project’s scheduled completion.” Westworld. http://bit.ly/2P1cL01
Virgin Galactic opens ‘Gateway to Space.’ “The opening of the company’s Gateway to Space and the arrival of the mothership in New Mexico brings Virgin Galactic another major step closer to starting commercial service.” Albuquerque Journal. http://bit.ly/2KNiscA
Inside the 40th World Wiffle Ball Championship and competitive Wiffle ball.The Ringer explores how Wiffle ball has grown from a kids’ game into a competitive sport for adults. FUN FACT: Jordan Rose’s husband, Jason Rose, was winner of the 1995 Wiffle Ball World Series. And tap on to check out a new YouTube sensation — the all- Wiffle Ball Channel. It may involve Jordan’s kids! http://bit.ly/307Bv7S
Vanity, thy name is Phoenix. A new survey ranks the most conceited cities in the country. How vain is Phoenix? AZCentral answers with this paraphrased nod to Carly Simon, “You’re so vain you probably think this story’s about you.” http://bit.ly/2Hah4Qu
House speaker gives generous bonuses to opposing party’s staff. “All House employees received raises of at least 3% in July, but many political staffers in the chamber also got bonuses in the past year — some as high as $20,000.” That extra cash sure will come in handy, particularly for any staffer who wants to read this piece from AZ Cap Times but lacks a subscription — since it’s PAYWALLED! http://bit.ly/2Nalr1w
