Recently, the Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to approve The Wolff Company’s rezoning and proposed development for a 278-unit luxury apartment community at the northwest corner of 34th Way and Bell Road. The site is currently occupied by the Harkins North Valley 16 movie theater. Earlier this year, the local movie theater company announced it would be closing permanently after 20 years due to cost-prohibitive upgrades.

The Wolff Company, a Valley-based, third-generation family-owned residential developer, submitted its application for the proposed luxury multi-family residential development earlier this summer. The 278-unit residential community will consist mostly of three-story residential buildings, surrounding a centralized clubhouse, pool and amenity area. Known for its amenity-rich communities and high-quality finishes, The Wolff Company incorporated several features into the proposed design, including a pool area, barbeques, fitness center, coworking-style workstations, exhibition kitchen, game room, sport court and dog park. The residences will feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood-style plank flooring, and in-unit washers and dryers in a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom configurations.

Initially the application was met with strong resistance from the adjacent neighborhood with residents raising concerns about traffic, security and property values. In response, The Wolff Company and its representatives Jason Morris and Benjamin Tate from the land use law firm Withey Morris engaged in an extensive, months-long public outreach effort to address and respond to community concerns. Through a series of virtual neighborhood meetings and one-on-one discussions with the local residents, the developer was able to identify and address the neighborhood’s concerns and ensure that the proposed luxury apartment community was a good fit for the area.

“It is a testament to The Wolff Company’s commitment to working collaboratively and being a good neighbor in the communities in which they build,” says Benjamin Tate. “I have no doubt that their willingness to work diligently with the neighbors paved the way for this terrific outcome.”

The project construction plans are currently under review with the City of Phoenix and The Wolff Company expects to begin construction in the first half of 2022.