Shawn Beaird from Dwell Arizona is back this week with “Energizing Taliesin West,” a look into solar powering the famous North Scottsdale Landmark.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural landmark Taliesin West just celebrated its 75th anniversary and will also be going green, aiming to turn the development into a net-zero site by producing as much energy as it consumes. Parterships with First Solar Inc. and energy consultant Big Green Zero (both companies in Phoenix…keeping it local!) are making this effort possible, through the generation of on site energy with the installation of a 250 kilowatt solar array system with 4,000 panels, and reducing existing energy use by replacing 5,000 lightbulbs with more energy efficient models, new HVAC systems, and better insulation for roofing and other areas. The project will take three years and will hopefully put in a big dent or even eliminate the $200,000 energy bills the foundation sees every year.

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Shawn Beaird of Dwell Arizona, realtor with Pascale Group of HomeSmart Elite specializing in modern and contemporary homes, mid-century modern homes, historic districts, and urban high-rises is back with a tribute to the architecture of Arizona of the past 100 years. 

As some around the world were celebrating Valentine’s Day, in Arizona we were commemorating our state’s 100th anniversary of becoming a state. Yes, Arizona is relatively young compared to the rest of the U.S., but there’s still a good deal of history that can be celebrated making it interesting to look back on how thing’s have changed. In honor of Arizona turning the ripe old age of 100, here’s a look at some beautiful homes for sale on the market either representative of their era or unique in style, with the age in which they were built spanning a full 100 years and 2 homes showcasing each decade.

For the full list including real estate info and architect, click here to Dwell Arizona.

Introducing Shawn Beaird of Dwell Arizona, realtor with Pascale Group of HomeSmart Elite specializing in modern and contemporary homes, mid-century modern homes, historic districts, and urban high-rises. With a passion for modern design and architecture, the Arizona native, brings us the latest in Valley real estate and home news each month.

There’s something genuinely beautiful about blending the old with the new in home design, maintaining the historic nature of something while giving it a contemporary or modern twist. This synthesis of old and new can be found throughout many of the historic districts we have here in Phoenix. If you have never had the pleasure of touring some of these neighborhoods and homes filled with character and charm, now is your chance!

Coronado Historic District is having their 25th Silver Anniversary Home Tour: Then and Now. This home tour will mark 25 years of Coronado home tours, explore how far the neighborhood has come over the years, and celebrate tradition while honoring innovation and renovation.

This historic district features many styles of homes from bungalow, English Tudor, Spanish Colonial Revival, Pueblo Revival, and Southwest, to a few more recently built contemporary homes. Many of the residents are from creative industries and backgrounds, leading to very charming and stylish renovations to their historic homes, some of which will be featured on the tour. Not only will visitors be able to tour homes, but there will also be several events such as yoga, dog training, music, food and vendors of all types. Also on display will be the 2nd Annual Coronado Classic Car Show with unique classic cars lining the streets.

A large area of homes is covered by the historic district designation in Central Phoenix, bounded by McDowell and Thomas to the south and north, and between 7th St and 16th St to the east and west.  The tour will focus on a smaller, much more specific section of the neighborhood.

Tour Details: Sunday, March 4, 2012, 10 am to 4 pm
Centered on Sheridan Street between 8th Street and Mitchell Street (3 blocks south of Thomas)
Tickets are $15 day of tour or $12.50 in advance

Visit Coronado Home Tour website for more info and to purchase tickets.

Here are just two of the interesting homes on tour after the jump: »READ MORE