Orpheum Lofts: Tour, Pictures, & History (Downtown, Phoenix AZ)

Orpheum-Lofts-phoenix-arizonaWe performed a study of Orpheum Lofts at 114 W. Adams in downtown Phoenix during construction in 2004. We liked the scope of the project and the amazing 1931 Phoenix Title and Trust Building at the project’s core. We ruffled a few feathers when we publically criticized the developer for the lack of dedicated parking. In 2004 downtown Phoenix was not a walk-able city and travel by car was still a basic requirement. If you’ve read our articles you know we are not shy about how we feel.

Today, the lack of parking at Orpheum Lofts is not the deal killer we noted in 2004. Loft owners can lease parking spaces in nearby buildings and Metro Light Rail offers a viable transportation option. Thus we have no qualms in recommending ownership at Orpheum Lofts, especially at the low prices seen in 2011 and early 2012. Below we offer a bit of history about the Phoenix Title and Trust building, the conversion to Orpheum Lofts, a virtual tour of the building and information about lofts homes for sale or lease at the very beautiful Orpheum Lofts.

Business Tower to Residential Lofts, a history of Phoenix Title & Trust Building

If you have been to the Orpheum Lofts and walked into the Lobby you know this is a special building. In the late 1920’s the firm of the firm of Lescher and Mahoney was contracted to design a building for Phoenix Trust and Title, the area’s premiere title and trust firm with roots going back to the 1800’s.

Side Note: Lescher and Mahoney’s influence in Arizona is the stuff of legends. More than 30 of its designs hold spots in the national register of historic buildings.  The Orpheum Theater, Moeur Building at ASU, Phoenix City Hall (1928), Hanny’s Building, Brophy Chapel, and US Post Office (1931) are just a few of buildings attributed to Lescher & Mahoney.

The Phoenix Title and Trust building, simply called the Title & Trust Building in public records, was a striking 11 story structure in the Moderne architectural style, AKA Art Deco. The mix of brick, marble, brass, etched glass and terra cotta combined with stunning design made the Title and Trust Building the place to be. Thomas Brothers Books from the 1940’s and 1950’s show this was home to top law firms, bankers, investment firms much more.

The-premium-orpheum-lofts-in-downtown-phxThe neighborhood was equally amazing with the nearby courthouse, theaters and the legendary Tom’s Tavern… a power brokers hot spot. A former employee of Tom’s said that  more legal battles were won or lost at the Tavern than in the courtroom.

The Phoenix Trust and Title building did well for many decades and then it didn’t. By the end of the 1900’s it was a low rent office building that had seen its finest days gone by. Thankfully, someone saw through the dirt, grime and disinterest to envision an urban residential loft project to be called Orpheum Lofts.

Orpheum Lofts, the beginning to 2012

Denver Based TASB, LLC was the firm who converted the Phoenix Title and Trust building (AKA First Interstate Building) into the Orpheum Lofts. They were well known for residential and mixed used projects in the Denver area. Thankfully, they also recognized the special qualities that made the Title and Trust building significant and incorporated preservation into the building’s retrofit. The original lobby, elevators, door frames, and elegant staircase were brought back to their moderne charm as was the building’s exterior. While maintaining the Art Deco charm, TASB, LLC integrated modern features, technology and design materials making the residential building appropriate for its second century of life.

phoenix-arizona-lofts-downtown-orpheumIn all, 90 loft homes were created within the 11 story u-shaped building. Approximately 90,000 sq.ft. was held to the residential homes while an additional 47,000+ sq.ft. served as amenities and street level retail space. Below are some bullet points about Orpheum Lofts.

  • 90 Loft Homes including a grand penthouse unit on the top floor
  • Floor Plans ranging in size from 712 to 1800 sq. ft. with one bedroom/one bath to two bedroom/2 bath models.
  • Exposed Brick in many units
  • Orpheum Loft interiors greatly vary by unit. The original builder encourage options and design upgrades. You’ll find a variety of kitchen styles, cabinets, flooring and design details. Certainly can’t be called a one-size fits all development.
  • A Walk Score in the mid 90’s.
  • Light Rail is 1 to 1.5 blocks away (Central for north bound and Washington for southbound)
  • Rentals are allowed.

Orpheum-lofts-amenities-downtown-phx

Orpheum Lofts Amenities Include:

  • Heated swimming pool & spa
  • Sauna/steam room
  • Nice fitness center with a variety of equipment.
  • Men’s and woman’s locker room.
  • Conference room.
  • Event room with pool table, couches, tables and wide screen television.
  • High-speed internet connections
  • 24-hour doorman / Security Services
  • Retail businesses on street level.
  • Pets welcome

Conclusions about Orpheum Lofts

Although we were not great fans of Orpheum Lofts went they first came on the market, we are today. The HOA management company tells us they are financially healthy (always research this when buying a condo). NOTE: Make sure and put HOA fee’s into your calculation when buying a condo; Orpheum’s are over $400.00 per month.

The lack of parking, although a bit of a pain, is not the problem it was in 2004. Parking can be had at the Renaissance building across the street and we are told prices range from about $70-$100 per month.

The Orpheum Loft building is the real plus. The absolute beauty, exterior and interior, is rare in Phoenix. Very few of our epic historic buildings made it though the thoughtless destruction of the 1980’s and 90’s. Even if you are not planning on buying a place here, a look at the lobby and elevators is worth the trip.

We especially like the location. Orpheum Lofts are in the heart of the city. It is true Urban Living with lots of options within a small radius. You still have to travel a bit to get groceries, yet it is much easier now with light rail going to the downtown Phoenix Public Market and CityScape located down the street.

Our bottom like is that we like Orpheum Lofts for people looking for a true urban experience and are not too car dependent.

A Virtual Tour Of Orpheum Lofts

What’s For Sale at Orpheum Lofts Phoenix

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The Urban Team has been professionally representing home, condo, loft and land buyers for over 20 years. Our experience give you a big advantage.

The Urban Team at Realty Executives
7600 N. 16th Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ  85020
602-234-5777 (voice)
602-486-4839 (text)
Gene@UrbanTeamAZ.com

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