The Housing Trust Group’s concept for its award-winning Aviva project in Mesa, Ariz., was to transport luxurious, urban-style living out to the suburbs. Located about 13 miles east of downtown Mesa, the 325-unit community was delivered ahead of schedule and fully leased in less than seven months. Rents clock in at $200 above the base rate of nearby properties with the target market being younger, working professionals.
Designed by Biltform Architecture Group and built by the Chasse Building Team, the community was constructed with more than a nod to green as the National Green Building Standard was employed via dual-glazed high-efficiency windows, weather-sealed insulated doors, Energy Star–rated appliances, low-VOC paints, wide-plank green flooring, and low-flow faucets. Outdoors, Aviva favors drought-tolerant native plants and low water usage for landscaping.
The community’s amenities include one of the largest swimming pools in Arizona. The resort-style, 150-foot-long outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi spa is surrounded by ultra-chic cabana beds, chaise lounge chairs, fire pits, a custom cornhole court, and an outdoor pingpong table. Residents can also socialize at the community’s porch, which features a 120-inch video screen, a dual-sided fireplace, premium outdoor kitchen grills, multiple 65-inch TVs, and ample cozy seating options.
Other amenities include a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a media and game room, with a custom billiards table; co-working spaces; and a state-of-the-art-health and wellness center that includes smart cardio machines, free weights, boxing, and a yoga and spin studio with a 24/7 virtual trainer.
Additionally, Aviva has 10 outdoor fitness stations with stationary fitness equipment, a playground with covered seating areas, a basketball court, and one of the largest apartment “bark parks” in the state.
Indoors, open floor plans feature expansive kitchens that include quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings with vaulted ceilings on upper floors, private spa-like master baths, and private patios with storage. All units also are equipped with the highest-speed internet and cable TV available in the market. The unit mix consists of 131 one-bedroom, 180 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom units.
The success and popularity of the community was foreshadowed even before it was officially open for business. Aviva had more than 50% of its 325 apartments pre-leased ahead of its official grand opening—a 30-year record for Mark-Taylor, Aviva’s property management company.
