Plans Emerge for Optima Kierland Center Expansion

By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX 
A new 10-story building is being proposed as an expansion to the four-building Optima Kierland Center multifamily development currently under construction in Phoenix. 
While the original development’s location is 7120, 7140, 7160 and 7180 E. Kierland Boulevard, the expansion’s location will be designated as 7190 E. Kierland Boulevard. 7190 will be located at the site of the current La Maison Interiors building that was purchased by the developer, Optima, back in 2019 according to an article published by the Phoenix Business Journal on August 2nd, 2019. 
Optima Kierland Phase II is proposed as a 10-story, 288-unit multifamily development meant to provide a, “unique high quality modern high–rise urban living experience,” according to the documents submitted to the city. 
Just like the other four buildings, all residential units will be located on floors two-10. The documents currently provide for 32 units per floor; however, the layout is still subject to final design. 
“The overall design concept is to sensitively integrate the new building into the existing Optima Kierland Center buildings by utilizing the same quality materials and integrating “on building” vegetative planting technology to provide visual excitement and dynamic visual interest,” the documents state. “The Project utilizes a glass and concrete structure featuring generous landscaped balconies to bring a living edge to each dwelling unit as well as meaningful private outdoor space.” 
The ground floor of the development will house the open space with gardens and vegetation, amenity area and main lobby. Amenities will include a fitness center, meeting space/conference rooms. The roof level will house the pool and spa area with seating and sunbathing areas, as well as more gardens to reduce heat and soften the building’s appearance. 
Phase II also provides three levels of below grade parking totaling 464 spaces. Adding in those spaces to the overall project will give a total of 1,922 parking spaces with elevator lobby access. 
The project has yet to go before the Phoenix Planning Commission and City Council. According to Optima, the original project is expected to finish construction sometime in spring 2021, with phase II beginning sometime after.