By Keith Pomonis 

PHOENIX (Oct. 6, 2026) — When people think of Metro Phoenix, they usually picture a sprawling desert valley that goes on forever. But if you look toward downtown, you’ll find a unique architectural skyline shaped by a surprising rule.

Even though Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the U.S., it technically doesn’t have a single official “skyscraper.” According to the Council on Tall Buildings, a skyscraper must stand at least 492 feet tall. Because Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits right next to the urban core, strict FAA height restrictions have kept the skyline beautifully capped.

Despite these limits, the Valley has some incredible high-rises. Here are the top five tall buildings defining the Phoenix skyline, along with the history and quirks that make them special.

1. Chase Tower: Oh, so close (483 feet)

Since 1972, Chase Tower has held the title of the tallest building in Arizona. Originally built as the Valley Bank Center, its distinct cloverleaf shape occupies an entire city block.

• The History: It was built during a major 1970s downtown corporate boom. For decades, locals and tourists could ride up to the 39th floor to view the entire Valley from its public observation deck.
• Fun Fact: The tower sits on a massive underground pedestrian concourse that once bustled with shops. While the building has been entirely vacant since 2021, plans are currently underway to breathe new life into the giant by converting it into a mix of apartments and hotel rooms.

2. The Maeve Central Station: The new kid on the block (424 feet)

The newest addition to the upper limits of the skyline is The Maeve Central Station, which officially wrapped up construction in 2025.

• The History: This 33-story tower completely reshaped the former transit hub at Central Avenue and Polk Street.
• Fun Fact: It represents a massive cultural shift in Phoenix. For decades, the city grew outward; this tower proves the city is now aggressively growing upward, packing a vibrant mix of residential apartments and retail spaces right into the urban core.

3. U.S. Bank Center: The trailblazer (407 feet)

Completed in 1976, the 31-story U.S. Bank Center stands as a testament to late-70s corporate ambition.

• The History: It was built during a time when high-rise safety laws were still evolving across the country.
• Fun Fact: It secured a permanent spot in local history by becoming the very first high-rise building in Arizona to feature an automatic fire sprinkler system.

4. CenturyLink Tower: The neon crown (397 feet)

Finished in 1989 and known natively to many locals as the Qwest Tower, this Midtown landmark brings a bit of artistic flair to the desert.

• The History: Built right at the tail end of the 80s boom, it was designed to anchor the commercial stretch of Central Avenue north of downtown.
• Fun Fact: It is easily the most recognizable building at night. Its roof features a decorative, pyramid-shaped crown lit with turquoise neon that illuminates the desert sky.

5. Alliance Bank Tower: The modern landmark (385 feet)

Part of the bustling, modern CityScape development, the Alliance Bank Tower was completed in 2010.

• The History: It was built to revitalize downtown Phoenix, successfully bringing street-level energy, dining, and nightlife back to the city center.
• Fun Fact: Wrapped in sleek blue glass, its highly reflective exterior mirrors the intense Arizona sun, making it look completely different depending on the hour of the day.

While these five hold the records today, Phoenix’s horizontal legacy is about to meet a massive vertical shift. Developers have broken ground on the upcoming Arro project, a stunning mixed-use development. Its north tower is slated to reach 541 feet. Once it is finished, it will officially break the FAA glass ceiling and become Phoenix’s very first true skyscraper.

Keith Pomonis is the President of Mesa-based EHS Restoration. For more information call (480) 306-5777 or visit ehsrestoration.com.

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Oct. 6, 2026) – Kidder Mathews has expanded its Phoenix Healthcare Services Group with the addition of three professionals: Amita Sall, Shannon Hamer, and Makai Rich, underscoring the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving Arizona’s evolving healthcare real estate market.

The new team members bring diverse experience in healthcare advisory services, transaction management, financial analysis, development, and site selection, strengthening one of the region’s leading healthcare-focused commercial real estate practices.

“Healthcare providers continue to face complex real estate decisions as they grow, relocate, and adapt to changing patient needs,” said Rachael Thompson, Senior Vice

President at Kidder Mathews. “Amita, Shannon, and Makai each bring unique strengths that enhance our ability to deliver strategic solutions for healthcare clients throughout Arizona. Their expertise, energy, and commitment to client service make them exceptional additions to our team, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Sall joins the Healthcare Services Group as an Associate, where she primarily focuses on tenant representation for healthcare providers across the Valley.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Sall attended Seattle University and earned an INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Certificate. With a previous background in healthcare recruitment at many of the major hospital systems in the Puget Sound, she now holds an Arizona Department of Real Estate Salesperson’s License and is active in numerous industry organizations, including the Association of Medical Facilities Professionals (AMFP), Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), AZCREW, and Women in Healthcare.

Sall’s diverse background and client-centered approach have helped establish her as a trusted advisor in healthcare real estate. She assists clients with property acquisitions, leasing strategies, and long-term real estate planning, combining market expertise with a strong commitment to service and relationship building.

Outside of work, Sall enjoys international travel, exploring world cuisine, and watching international films. She is also active in community service through organizations including AFS International Exchange, Water1st International, and Global Ties Arizona.

Hamer joins Kidder Mathews as a Healthcare Real Estate Specialist and will provide transaction management services while supporting leasing efforts for the team’s medical office portfolio.

Originally from Toronto and raised in Phoenix, Hamer attended Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. She previously worked within an occupier services group, where she managed multi-market real estate portfolios and provided transaction management, site selection, and lease negotiation services.

Her commercial real estate background spans office, retail, and residential development, giving her a broad perspective that benefits healthcare clients navigating today’s increasingly competitive real estate environment.

Hamer lives in Phoenix with her husband and two children and is involved with the Southwest Autism Resource & Research Center (SARRC), serving on the organization’s annual fundraiser planning committee.

Rich joins the team as Brokerage Team Coordinator with a primary focus on tenant representation. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Rich earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in real estate from ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business. He also attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he played collegiate baseball.

In his role, Rich helps healthcare practices evaluate potential locations, compare real estate options, and navigate the leasing process. He also supports the team with property tours, lease negotiations, and transaction coordination.

Prior to joining Kidder Mathews, Rich gained experience in real estate development, financial analysis, and sales. During internships with Trammell Crow Residential, he researched development opportunities, analyzed acquisition prospects, and supported construction projects. His sales experience further sharpened his relationship-building and client service skills, complementing his analytical real estate background.

As demand for healthcare services continues to grow across Arizona, the expanded team positions Kidder Mathews to provide even greater support to medical practices, healthcare systems, investors, and property owners throughout the region.

TUCSON, ARIZONA (Oct. 5, 2026) — Fitness operators led this week’s reported leasing activity, with Frontline 24/7 Fitness and CrossFit 646 accounting for a combined 10,692 square feet. Restaurant and cafe activity included a planned second Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream shop, a second Tucson AZ Sandwich Co. store, Urban Matcha and an expansion for Renee’s Tucson. Medical, office and service businesses rounded out the report.

Larsen Baker and VOLK Company reported 17 transactions totaling approximately 37,485 square feet for September 28 through October 2, 2026. The total includes new leases, an expansion, a sublease and two renewals totaling 2,930 square feet. The expansion figure reflects the reported premises and should not be read as incremental new absorption.

RETAIL – 8330 N. Thornydale Road, Suite 130, Tucson, 85741 – Northwest Submarket
Frontline 24/7 Fitness, LLC leased approximately 5,692 square feet at 8330 N. Thornydale Road, Suite 130. Andreas Castillo of VOLK Company represented the tenant. Paul Warren of Commercial Management & Investments, Inc. represented the landlord, Commercial Resource Investors II, LLC.

INDUSTRIAL – 6800 N. Camino Martin, Suites 130 and 136, Marana, 85741 – Northwest Submarket
646 Fitness, LLC leased approximately 5,000 square feet at 6800 N. Camino Martin, Suites 130 and 136, in Marana. The tenant, operating as CrossFit 646, will combine its existing locations and relocate to Tucson’s northwest side. Jeramy Price of VOLK Company represented the tenant. Jackson Kraft of CBRE represented the landlord, Clover Real Estate II, LLC / Foodtown Development Company II, LLC.

OFFICE/WAREHOUSE – 2028 E. 14th Street, Tucson, 85719 – Central Submarket
Sunset Interiors Inc. leased approximately 3,800 square feet at 2028 E. 14th Street. Joey Castillo of VOLK Company represented the tenant. Max Fisher of BRD Realty represented the landlord, The Rosenthal Trust.

MEDICAL – 11015 N. Oracle Road, Suites 121 and 131, Oro Valley, 85737 – Northwest Submarket
Tucson Dermatology, Ltd. leased approximately 2,590 square feet of medical space at 11015 N. Oracle Road, Suites 121 and 131, at Steam Pump Village Shops. The practice will occupy a former urgent care office. VOLK Company handled the lease for landlord Steamy Shops LLC and White Toys LLC. Terry Dahlstrom of VOLK Company represented the tenant.

INDUSTRIAL – 255 E. Valencia Road, Suite 100, Tucson, 85706 – South Submarket
Darr Equipment Co. of Arizona, LLC leased approximately 2,340 square feet at 255 E. Valencia Road, Suite 100. Andreas Castillo and Joey Castillo of VOLK Company represented the landlord, VCC Investors LLC.

RETAIL – 7061–7065 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, 85715 – Northeast Submarket
Renee’s Tucson is expanding into approximately 2,228 square feet at 7061–7065 E. Tanque Verde Road. The restaurant has occupied space in the center since 2004, offering organic and healthful menu options along with gluten free favorites. The expansion is expected to be completed in spring 2027. VOLK Company represented the landlord, Sabino-Verde L.L.C.

MEDICAL OFFICE – 3001 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 115, Tucson, 85718 – Northeast Submarket
Face Me Aesthetics leased 2,200 square feet in Suite 115 at The Gallery Offices, at the northeast corner of Campbell Avenue and Skyline Drive. Isaac Figueroa, CCIM, SIOR, of Larsen Baker represented the landlord and handled the transaction.

RETAIL – 10325 and 10355 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley, 85737 – Northwest Submarket
Bella Chic, LLC leased approximately 1,940 square feet at 10325 and 10355 N. La Canada Drive. Andreas Castillo, Joey Castillo and Jeramy Price of VOLK Company represented the landlord, Canada Crossroads Baceline, LLC.

RETAIL – 2532 E. 6th Street, Tucson, 85716 – Central Submarket
Kuumba Made, Inc. subleased approximately 1,600 square feet at 2532 E. 6th Street in the Village of Sam Hughes shopping district. The company creates fragrances and wellness products using natural botanicals. Dave Volk and Joey Castillo of VOLK Company handled the sublease. The lease was assumed from Garret Iaco, LLC, which recently relocated Sorry Dad Studio to 2000 E. Speedway Boulevard. The landlord is Village of Sam Hughes, LLC.

RETAIL – 5955 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, 85711 – East Submarket
Liberty Ice Cream LLC leased approximately 1,500 square feet at 5955 E. Broadway Boulevard for a second Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream shop. Jeramy Price of VOLK Company represented the tenant. Shannon Murphy of CBRE represented the landlord, AC Broadway Pad LLC.

RETAIL – 3760 S. Palo Verde Road, Suite 100, Tucson, 85713 – South Submarket
AZSANDCO 6 Tucson, LLC leased approximately 1,500 square feet at 3760 S. Palo Verde Road, Suite 100. The tenant operates AZ Sandwich Co. and plans to open its second Tucson store at the location. Andreas Castillo of VOLK Company represented the tenant. Jason Wong of Crestline Properties represented the landlord, AP Ventures, LLC.

RETAIL – 405 E. Wetmore Road, Suite G-111, Tucson, 85705 – Central Submarket
Urban Matcha leased 1,400 square feet formerly occupied by Subway at Tucson Place Shopping Center, 405 E. Wetmore Road, Suite G-111. The space will be used as a matcha and tea cafe. Isaac Figueroa, CCIM, SIOR, of Larsen Baker represented the landlord. Bryan Berkely of Arizona Restaurant and Bar Brokers represented the tenant.

RETAIL – 9420 E. Golf Links Road, Suite 100, Tucson, 85730 – East Submarket
David and Anna Zimmerman leased approximately 1,200 square feet at 9420 E. Golf Links Road, Suite 100, for their State Farm Insurance Agency. Mike Coretz of Commercial Real Estate Group of Tucson represented the tenants. Andreas Castillo, Joey Castillo and Jeramy Price of VOLK Company represented the landlord, D & D Properties Group Management, LLC.

OFFICE – 2100 N. Kolb Road, Suite 103, Tucson, 85715 – Northeast Submarket
Catalina Home Tech leased approximately 815 square feet at 2100 N. Kolb Road, Suite 103. Scott Negilski and Jeramy Price of VOLK Company represented the tenant. John Yarborough of Paul Ash Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord, Soli Deo Gloria Properties, LLC.

OFFICE – 7315 N. Oracle Road, Suite 240, Tucson, 85704 – Northwest Submarket
Eli Crane For Congress leased 750 square feet of office space at Two Oracle, 7315 N. Oracle Road, Suite 240, just north of the northwest corner of Oracle and Ina roads. Isaac Figueroa, CCIM, SIOR, of Larsen Baker represented the landlord and handled the transaction.

Lease Renewals

INDUSTRIAL – 1321 E. Ajo Way, Suite 115, Tucson, 85713 – South Submarket
Hussmann Services Corporation renewed its lease for approximately 1,730 square feet at 1321 E. Ajo Way, Suite 115. The tenant has occupied the space since 2013. VOLK Company represented the landlord, Ajo Business Center Limited Partnership.

RETAIL – 1718 W. Ajo Way, Tucson, 85713 – South Submarket
Binh C. Huynh and Ci T. Cao renewed their lease for approximately 1,200 square feet at 1718 W. Ajo Way. The tenants operate Nails Aqui, previously known as Nail Trix, a nail salon operating since 2003. VOLK Company represented the landlord,

Submit sales and leases to [email protected].