The award-winning Paradise Valley home, Desert House, is for sale, listed by Scott Jarson on AZArchitecture.com for $1,499,000. Referred to by the listing agent as “Modernist Architecture of the highest caliber,” Desert House is owned by Circle West Architects’ Peter Koliopoulos and his wife, Lynn.

If you’re not in the market for Desert House, but are interested in touring it, get a ticket for this weekend’s Gnosis Architects’ Own Homes Tour. The three day event Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13 will include a two-day self-guided tour of Valley architects’ own homes, including Desert House.

For more information on the weekend tours and activities, click here.

Check out more pics of homes on the “Digs We Dig” Tour after the jump:

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Salenger Home images by Mark Boiclair and Bill Timmerman.

We see the works of architects all around us every day. We all have our favorite buildings here in the Valley – whether it be a classic brick building, a mid-century mod construction, a brand-new sustainable design or something altogether different. But have you ever wondered what the living spaces of the talented architects who design our favorite digs are like? If so, you’ll want to check out the 3rd Annual Architects’ Own Homes Tour, November 11-13, Valleywide.

The tour, presented by Gnosis, Ltd., showcases the homes of nine Valley architects plus the living spaces of students at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.

Tickets are $65 – $50 with a student ID – and include the following:

Friday, Nov. 11
Pecha Kucha & Panel Discussion/Symposium at Taliesin West, hosted by the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, moderated by Max Underwood AIA, President’s Professor, ASU School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Cocktail Party: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Symposium: 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Saturday, Nov. 12
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
FLW Student Shelters will be open to ticket holders via 20-person tours, 15 minutes apart

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Self-driving tour throughout Valley to see architects’ own homes

Sunday, Nov. 13
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Self-driving tour throughout Valley to see architects’ own homes

Get a sneak peek of one of the homes on the tour with a look at the 1954 renovated bungalow in Tempe of Matthew and Maria Salenger:

Architecture lovers are going to love this gem that recently came to our attention.  A 1950′s FLW masterpiece that can be yours for a cool $2.6M.   Call your banker and count on a long renovation. 

[Listing per Jarson]

[Additional photos courtesy AZ Central]

This intriguing luxury home from azarchitecture.com is described as one of the most “interesting designs” by the famed architect, Will Bruder + Partners. The use of  ”curvlinear” design elements keep this magnificent home flowing and allows for rooms with expansive views. The copper accents over concrete block must have cost the builder a pretty penny, but the effect is dramatic and luxurious throughout the interior of the 4,700 foot Biltmore home.

Not a day goes by without some mention of our city and how real estate has been hammered.   Well, if you want to see what a mere six million plus gets you today, take a little peak at this beauty.   [Russ Lyon]

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IT COMES TO READING stories about high-end modern homes, you tend to run into the same phrases—“blending indoors and outdoors,” “buildings set gently on the site,” “forms that complement the surroundings.” These qualities are all part of the Bridge House—as the architects call it—in Lost Canyon, an area of North Scottsdale, Ariz. But this home has one thing many of the others do not—a physical and visual experience meant to mimic an actual walk through the desert…

If you’re currently planning on breaking your lease in order to move into Tempe’s West 6th condos (who isn’t?), breathe easy as you have until December. The newest luxury property to hit Tempe is now accepting reservations for Tower 2, anticipating a holiday season move-in. As the taller of the two buildings, it’s posh pads are more spacious and come complete with breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. With West 6th welcoming lucky residents to Tower 1 this August, it’s almost guaranteed anyone who visits will want a spot in Tower 2. Great news for all, as this earlier then expected December move in date will finally(!) complete this iconic project.

Looking for a place to rent in Maricopa County? Well, thanks to yet another Hollywood reality t.v. show, Bristol Palin’s five bedroom 2.5 bathroom, Arizona home is up for rent. The former Dancing With the Stars contestant is, for now, trading in college life at ASU for a life on the television screen. For only $1,400 a month you can be sitting in Bristol’s living room watching her on the small screen, and from the looks of it, there may be a swing included. Interested? Click here to make it yours.

Blaine Drake and his Mid-century Modern homes are gorgeous structures that grace the residential landscapes of Arizona. The Washburn Home located in Paradise Valley is a three bedroom/bathroom abode that emphasizes horizontality, which suitably frames the surrounding mountainous views. Built in 1955, it was remodeled in 2005 by local architect Al Beadle. The Washburn’s post and beam construction offers warm and welcoming features to the centrally located home boasting custom features: new flooring and spacious light-filled interiors. This marvelous home found on azarchitecture.com, has throughout the years managed to remain true to plan as it is an exquisite example of the Modern architecture of the late great Blaine Drake.

Washburn House

Washburn House

Washburn House

Washburn House

Washburn House

Washburn House

photo credit: Photos by HighResMediaLLC

Good news for Tempe urbanists and well-heeled ASU students as the posh West 6th Street Tempe Towers are finally open for business with move in scheduled for as early as August 1. Never heard of West 6th Street? Well, that’s because it was formerly known as Centerpoint Condos, i.e. the half-built high-rise towers that have been hulking over Mill Avenue for years now.

Take a full gallery of these deeeeluxe apartments in the sky-hi-hi after the jump. Or click here to learn more about this once-cursed project, including why it was one of dozens of high-profile projects that came to a crashing halt after Phoenix’s infamous ‘Tuxedo Suicide.’

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Quick, what is this odd-shaped structure at left? A condo complex? No. Vertical arboretum? Wrong. Airport control tower? Good guess, but still, no. This mind boggling structure has been erected in India of all places and is 27 stories tall. Keep the guesses coming, you’ll never get it (unless you cheated). Find out more after the jump.

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This here ladies and gents is the Washburn House by Blaine Drake.  Originally built by Drake in1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle, she’s a steal with her recently reduced price. [Buy It Here]

About the architect: Architect Blaine Drake was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original apprentices at Taliesin, Wisconsin, in 1933, and went on to establish his Arizona practice in 1945. He designed approximately two hundred projects during his long career, nearly two-thirds of which were built. Most of his work was in the Phoenix area and focused on residential architecture, though he also designed office, medical, and apartment buildings and churches.

At night the four-sided window walls glow from within

Recently, we heard about the passing of noted Valley architect, Michael Goodwin. The grandson of Tempe pioneers, Goodwin left behind an extensive oeuvre, including both the Marcos de Niza and Corona del Sol high schools, and was also an accomplished Cowboy Artist and a supporter of the theatrical arts. But honestly, we were much more interested to learn Goodwin was the man behind one of the Valley’s wackiest landmarks.

Yes, Goodwin’s firm designed Tempe City Hall (pictured), aka the three story upside-down pyramid located just off of Mill Avenue on Fifth Street. Built in 1970, this award winning design is actually an early nod to eco-friendly design. Not only does the tiny footprint allow for additional landscaping across a sunken courtyard, but the building’s design creates it’s own shade, even at high noon. Even cooler (he he), because the walls are tilted at a steep 45-degree angle, the extensive windows are never exposed to direct sunlight.

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At night the four-sided window walls glow from within

Recently, we heard about the passing of noted Valley architect, Michael Goodwin. The grandson of Tempe pioneers, Goodwin left behind an extensive oeuvre, including both the Marcos de Niza and Corona del Sol high schools, and was also an accomplished Cowboy Artist and a supporter of the theatrical arts. But honestly, we were much more interested to learn Goodwin was the man behind one of the Valley’s wackiest landmarks.

Yes, Goodwin’s firm designed Tempe City Hall (pictured), aka the three story upside-down pyramid located just off of Mill Avenue on Fifth Street. Built in 1970, this award winning design is actually an early nod to eco-friendly design. Not only does the tiny footprint allow for additional landscaping across a sunken courtyard, but the building’s design creates it’s own shade, even at high noon. Even cooler (he he), because the walls are tilted at a steep 45-degree angle, the extensive windows are never exposed to direct sunlight.

»READ MORE

Thinking about making a last minute dash to Kentucky to watch the 137th annual Run for the Roses? Make your next visit to Churchhill Downs a regal one by booking a stay inside CastlePost, a 15-room European-style estate.

Located in Versailles (Kentucky, that is), rest your royal head at this rolling estate only a short (horse) ride away from Churchill Downs. Boasting extensive lawns, stables, billiard rooms and 15 king-like suites, the staff will be more than happy to arrange for a ride to the Derby, or you can partake in your own “Run of the Roses” with one of the property horses. Just be sure you don’t spill you mint julep all over your oversized hat.

[Urban Daddy]

It turns out, Phoenix is no longer the fifth largest city in the nation. In fact, we may have never been.

Yes, it looks like Philadelphia has officially reclaimed its crown as America’s fifth-largest city, behind New York, LA, Chicago and Houston, respectively. This contradicts the earlier estimates that Phoenix had blown past the City of Brotherly Love back in 2007. Now the US Census Bureau has revised those earlier estimates, saying that despite a healthy 9.4 percent overall population growth over the last decade, Phoenix still ended the decade at 1.446M vs Philly’s 1.526M.

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Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? In fact, this generous gentleman is offering free rent, meals and utilities to one lucky lady. Yes, while driving through an unnamed Central Phoenix neighborhood, one of our intrepid reporters came across this very unusual plea. In case you can’t make it out (see a full sized image after the jump), this gentleman is advertising for a little female companionship in the most blunt way possible. One sign reads: Wanted Female Companion: Free Rent Meals Utilities. And if that’s not enticing enough, another says: Seeking Nice Girlfriend and Lifetime Soulmate.

Oh and BTW, if you’re feeling a little commitment-phobic, he’ll also sell you some Fresh Plucked Juicy Sweet Grapefruit for just a buck.

So, anyone out there want to get in touch with this mystery romantic? Contact us and we’ll send his phone number.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it

Call it the house that classified ads (and Sheriff Joe bashing) built. Yes, sources tell us that the owner of this sleek-yet-woodsy abode featuring million dollar views of the Phoenix skyline is none other than Michael Lacey, the famously hard-nosed editor/co-owner of the Phoenix New Times.

Perched on a rocky rise straddling the Paradise Valley-Phoenix border, this custom manse appears to be at least a $1-2M project. Which, crazy as it sounds, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the approximately $22M in fines Lacey and his Village Voice Media just paid out following a bitter court battle with a rival paper in San Francisco, in what media pundits are calling the Last Great Newspaper War.

After the jump, take in a full slideshow of what 40 years of sticking it to the man will buy you. Plus, learn a little more about how Lacey, an ASU dropout and self-described ‘foul-mouthed son of a sailor,‘ transformed a single newspaper into the nation’s largest chain of ‘alt-weekly’ newspapers once valued at $400M. All while giving away his products away for free.

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Five years ago, you would have walked right by this home, designed by the late architect Alfred Newman Beadle, assuming it was just another Santa Fean monstrosity. But underneath it all, was a great home screaming for air. It was liberated by design + build firm, 180 degrees. (By David Tyda/Photography by Michael Baxter)

Call it the house that classified ads (and Sheriff Joe bashing) built. Yes, sources tell us that the owner of this sleek-yet-woodsy abode featuring million dollar views of the Phoenix skyline is none other than Michael Lacey, the famously hard-nosed editor/co-owner of the Phoenix New Times.

Perched on a rocky rise straddling the Paradise Valley-Phoenix border, this custom manse appears to be at least a $1-2M project. Which, crazy as it sounds, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the approximately $22M in fines Lacey and his Village Voice Media just paid out following a bitter court battle with a rival paper in San Francisco, in what media pundits are calling the Last Great Newspaper War.

After the jump, take in a full slideshow of what 40 years of sticking it to the man will buy you. Plus, learn a little more about how Lacey, an ASU dropout and self-described ‘foul-mouthed son of a sailor,‘ transformed a single newspaper into the nation’s largest chain of ‘alt-weeklies’ once valued at $400M. All while giving away his products away for free.

»READ MORE

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it

[Editor's note: As of April 2011, the Centerpoint Condos on Mill Ave have been sold, renamed West 6th Street and turned into luxury rentals. Skip to the 4th paragraph if you are looking for the deets on the so-called Tuxedo Suicide]

So much for that. The Phoenix Business Journal is reporting that the sale of the abandoned Centerpoint condos looming over Mill Ave has fallen through. Now, mere months after everyone was high-fiving that an Ohio-based developer was going to turn the half-built towers into luxury apartments, the deal has imploded.

Then again, this project was probably doomed, if not from the beginning, at least from the day a prominent Valley businessman was found dead inside the master bedroom of his sprawling Phoenix mansion.

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Banker Scott Coles and his wife at a charity event mere months before he killed himself and his company collapsed into bankruptcy

Here at DLT/Scoop Factory, we always love to hear from our readers. Even if you just want to say we suck and don’t know how to spell (complementary complimentary copyediting services are always appreciated).

However, a recent comment was so informative and heartfelt, that we decided it deserved its own post. It came in response to yesterday’s write-up on the long-awaited resurrection of the Centerpoint/West 6th Street towers looming over Downtown Tempe, as well as the project’s connection to Phoenix’s infamous ‘Tuxedo Suicide.’ One reader wrote in to tell us that it wasn’t just shady real estate developers and crooked bankers who were left holding the bag when longtime local lender, Mortgages Ltd., went belly up follwing the death of owner, Scott Coles (pictured). In fact, plenty of innocent people lost their life savings.

“Hello Scoop Factory – I would kindly ask everyone for some compassion by being a bit less ‘breezy’ in descriptions of the financial disaster that was the Centerpoint Condo’s…

Yes, it was made sensational by the tragic and strange suicide of Scott Coles … But it represented just the tip of the iceberg of a huge, Valley-wide real estate disaster that wiped out the retirement savings of a good many people, who had invested, in trust and good faith, with his company, Mortgages, Ltd.

My mother was one of those people …

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Its been a tough couple of years for Valley urbanists as several high profile ‘live/work/play’ projects ground to a halt. However, we’re happy to report that things are finally looking up as both Safari Drive in Downtown Scottsdale and the 44 Monroe tower in Phoenix have been rescued from bankruptcy. This on the heels of the news that the all-but-abandoned Centerpoint Condos hulking over Mill Ave have been transformed into luxury rentals (and renamed West Sixth Street).

In fact, after attending the Safari Drive grand reopening, we’re happy to report that the real estate crash must officially be over, because they partied like it was 2005. There were red carpets, fine foods, classy parting gifts and even aerialists pouring Champagne while twirling through the night sky. That said, one thing was definitely 2011: the prices.

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Who says tunnels in AZ are just for smuggling drugs? A city cleanup crew in the West Valley suburb of Avondale just discovered a 40-foot long tunnel hidden under a roadway that was stuffed to the gills with 800-pounds stolen stuff. According to AZ Central, an undercover officer suspected a group of homeless people of running criminal ring that stole bikes, jewelry, electronics, copper wire and other goods. He tracked the group back to a trash-filled highway underpass near Buckeye and El Mirage roads and requested a cleanup crew. That’s when workers discovered the hideout pictured at left, which also included a sleeping quarters.

However, before you get any ideas about renting out this now-available studio space, know that the AZ Dept of Transportation has already cleaned out and filled in the space to ensure the safety of drivers using the roadway.