Saguaro Ranch Life | Volume 2 | Issue 2
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REPORTER D E S E R T
L I V I N G.
N A T U R A L L Y.
Robinette Architects, Inc. Designed Home — Lot #43
Miramonte Homes Announces Plans to Build Luxury Residences at Moonlight Canyon. Saguaro Ranch and Miramonte Homes recently reached an agreement for the Tucson-based homebuilder to offer 43 breathtaking luxury residences at Moonlight Canyon, which is coming soon. Buyers will be able to select from thoughtfully designed 2,800 to 3,800 square-foot floor plans that integrate the very best attributes of desert living and also take advantage of the extraordinary views. Designed by Robinette Architects, Inc., who has also been instrumental in the design of the newly remodeled Saguaro Ranch Owners Club, each model at Moonlight Canyon at Saguaro Ranch offers single level convenience and features a beautifully flowing floor plan ideal for entertaining. “We believed that having all of the living spaces on one level made sense for today’s buyer, and that the low-profile design fits
appropriately with the desert surroundings,” said Ron Robinette, the architectural firm’s founder. “We’ve incorporated large windows for indoor and outdoor living and to introduce natural light into the main living space of the home.”
Distinguished by ten-foot flat and raised ceilings, a Great Room with a fireplace, and a chef-inspired contemporary kitchen with a pantry and top-of-the-line appliances results
in a home that makes quite a statement. A swimming pool and jacuzzi, fire pit and shaded outdoor spaces are included for year-round living. “We are looking forward to partnering with Scott and Brian to build at Saguaro Ranch,” added Chris Kemmerly, Principal and CEO of Miramonte Homes. “This is an exceptional and unique community, and we’re excited to be bringing these quality crafted homes to Moonlight Canyon.” Kemmerly, a 1982 graduate of the University of Arizona, brings decades of experience to Moonlight Canyon. One of the largest independent builders in Arizona, Miramonte Homes is known for real estate development expertise, durability in the marketplace and unwavering dedication to quality, craftsmanship, homebuyers and the community.
DEVELOPER’S CORNER - PG. 2
HOMEOWNER PROFILE - PG. 2
ARCHITECT’S CORNER - PG. 2
LIVING THE DREAM - PG. 3
BUILDER’S CORNER - PG. 4
Saguaro Ranch’s owners enthusiastic about the latest community improvements.
Why did Sig and Ann Weiler choose Saguaro Ranch for their second home?
Learn how Seavers Franks Architects design homes for
Great views and privacy are hallmarks of the four-plus
Aqua Design International makes a splash at the Saguaro
the desert Southwest.
acre Estate Lots.
Ranch Owners Club.
DEVELOPER'S CORNER
Homeowner Profile Clubhouse Renovation, New Home Starts, Self-Driving Tour Highlight Activity. Business partners Scott Lundberg and Brian Peschel, who are also the development partners behind Saguaro Ranch, are reporting excellent news coming from this side of the tunnel. Earlier this Spring renovation began on the Saguaro Ranch Owners Club, a project that is transforming the former McClintock’s Restaurant into a wonderful gathering place for members and their guests. “We’ve put together an impressive team to undertake the clubhouse makeover,” said Scott Lundberg, Member, Saguaro Property Development LLC. “Seeing the front loaders moving boulders,
With a beautiful home and farm in Illinois how could life get any better for Sig and Anna Weiler? Having a second home at Saguaro Ranch. “We started visiting Arizona in 1998 and were drawn to Tucson’s beautiful valley and mountain ranges,” said Anna. “In 2002, we purchased a patio home at La Paloma, a gated community in the Catalina Foothills, but soon realized we wanted more privacy.” That prompted the couple to ask a friend and local developer, Tony Marrs, to show them area properties, the last of which was Saguaro Ranch. They instantly fell in love because of its rock formations, the mountainsides, desert topography and the extraordinary privacy. “It felt as if we were in another world and living with nature,” Anna added. “We appreciated the developer’s respect for the environment and vision for Saguaro Ranch.” It wasn’t long before they started asking questions about owning real estate
foundations being poured and crews building amenities like the amphitheater and horseshoe
Continued on Page 4
pits, it’s very exciting.” Continued on Page 4
Fascinating Flora
Arch itect’s Corner Associated with Saguaro Ranch since its inception, Michael Franks, Principal with Seaver Franks Architects, has brought creativity and vision to hundreds of residential home design projects across Southern Arizona. The firm is proud to include three homes in Saguaro Ranch in its portfolio. In practice for over 40 years, Franks, a native Tucsonan, has applied his considerable knowledge to Saguaro Ranch, working in concert with the
Saguaro Ranch (pronounced sah-WAR-row without a hard ‘g’) takes its name from the saguaro cactus, a plant unique to the Sonoran Desert, which covers large parts of Arizona, Southeastern California and Northwestern Mexico. Towering 30 to 60 feet, these iconic cacti grow as many as 30 “arms” that typically turn skyward. Like most desert plants the saguaro survives with very little water due to a root system only four to six inches deep. So well adapted to their climate over the centuries their lifespan can surpass 50 years, though some are believed to be 150 to 200 years old. The saguaro, the most prominent species of the region’s habitat, is protected by the Native Plant Protection Act and its blossom is Arizona’s state wildflower. It is estimated that Saguaro Ranch has over 17,000 saguaros dotting its landscape!
God-given landscape, client requirements and community architectural guidelines to design spectacular residences. “This setting provides an unparalleled environment for the desert home,” said Michael Franks, principal and managing partner. “Extraordinary natural beauty and skillful master planning help to ensure each design is as dramatic as the unique Tortolita Mountains location.” Often combining 3D modeling with physical models, the firm is better able to understand the conditions shaping hillside design and construction of each residence. Numerous elements factor into the design decisions with the team contemplating site orientation, the integration of natural rock outcroppings, desert vegetation, optimal view corridors, how the sun moves around the homesite—even interaction with wildlife. “Our design and building process results in homes uniquely created for the desert with a thoughtful placement of all architectural elements, balancing public and private gathering spaces with inviting indoor and outdoor living areas that capture light and accentuate dominant views,” Franks adds.
Estate Lots LOT 37
Four-plus Acre Estate Lots Provide Privacy, Dramatic Views. By nature—literally—Saguaro Ranch is inherently one of Southwestern Arizona’s most pristine landscapes. A conscious effort made by the development partners assures that 80 percent of its over 1,100 acres will remain undisturbed desert, an attribute mirrored by the community’s Estate Lots, whose heightened sense of privacy is amplified largely by their size. “Each homesite is just over four-acres and thoughtfully conceived building envelopes help preserve that feeling of open space within an owner’s property,” says Mike Conlin, manager and POA board member of Saguaro Ranch. “After people explore
LOT 36
these lots, I hear again and again about the amazing views or how incredible it would be to have a home secluded among the rock formations and saguaro cacti.” Located in the southeast section of the community four of the Estate Lots have views of Pusch Ridge, the Catalina Mountains and Tucson’s city lights. The three northernmost lots offer vistas primarily of the Tortolita Mountains and the Tucson Mountains, while one of the southernmost lots showcases the Catalina Mountains and the Tortolita Mountains and spectacular sunset views. “Once the renovation of the Saguaro Ranch Owners Club is completed later this year, the prices on our Estate Lots are going to increase,” Conlin explains. “Right now
LOT 99
is a terrific time to enjoy excellent value on them.”
Miramonte Plans to Build a Stunning Luxury Model Home. Miramonte has been crafting high-quality and stylish luxury homes in Northern and Southern Arizona for over 35 years—and this residence at Moonlight Canyon will be one of the most exceptional in its portfolio. Designed by Robinette Architects, Inc., an award-winning Tucson architectural firm, this impressive 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom luxury home will be distinguished by an open, flowing 3,431 square foot floor plan that offers single level convenience. The outdoor living space will include a covered porch area spanning 1,078 square feet, a jetted spa and swimming pool, and breathtaking desert and mountain views. Its contemporary styling will be accentuated by the significant use of floor-to-ceiling glass and flat ceilings, including a Great Room space characterized by 12-foot ceilings. Acting as a hub for entertaining, the open, chef-inspired kitchen will feature a pantry, top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops, custom cabinets and bar height seating for more casual dining. Of the three large en-suite bedrooms, the spacious Master Suite will have a luxurious bathroom with dual vanities, large walk-in closet and a separate exit to the patio and pool.
Builder’s Corner JW Marriott Starr Pass
Amangiri
Aqua Design International is Making a Splash.
Continued from
Homeowner Profile
One of the most visible additions to the community is the Saguaro Ranch Owners Club pool and spa complex. Working in concert with Ron Robinette Architects, Inc., Tucson-based Aqua Design International specializes in the design of swimming pools, spas and water features — and the firm is showcasing its inspired thinking to Saguaro Ranch.“Water in the desert has a wonderful, soothing effect on people,” says Dave Acklin, President, Aqua Design International. “The design concept was rendered by Ron and integrates the pool and spa with the amenities of the pool area, which include a swim up bar in the pool, the lap pool and therapy spa, a firepit, a horseshoe pit and a Bocce ball court. ”The award-winning landscape
and they soon found themselves looking at home sites. After numerous
architecture firm has designed some of the most iconic pool complexes in the
visits they purchased two lots.
world, including Utah’s Amangiri, Four Seasons Punta Mita, Four Seasons
“Shortly afterwards we hired a wonderful architect, Ron Robinette, and started building within nine months,” Anna commented. “We pictured a
Anguilla, JW Marriott Starr Pass, Omni Tucson National and Loews Santa
home built right into the mountainside and Ron helped us realize that vision.”
Monica Beach Resort. “We’ve been fortunate to work with Ron on several projects over the years,” adds Acklin. “He’s one of the preeminent architects in Arizona and this
Robinette, a Tucson native, brought his considerable knowledge to the blueprints with the result being a home that allows Sig and Anna to enjoy indoor and outdoor living—and phenomenal vistas.
collaboration assures that members will have the best experience possible
“We love the peace and serenity here and generally try to spend 50
at the new Saguaro Ranch Owners Club.”
percent of our time in the fall, winter and spring months between Illinois
Renovation on the clubhouse began in the Spring with a target completion date of late 2020 or early 2021.
and Arizona,” Anna explained. “Ron designed the patio with the best views in Tucson so when our family and friends visit, they ask why we go back to Illinois at all.”
Continued from DEVELOPER'S CORNER When the project is completed owners will be able to enjoy a 25-yard lap pool, numerous “conversation islands”, firepits, a rooftop fitness suite and seating area with a two-sided fireplace that provides breathtaking 180-degree views, horseshoe pit, a Bocce ball court and two pickleball courts. Skillfully executing the design of Tucson’s Robinette Architects, Inc., is a consortium of local firms, including Madan Builders LLC, Marcon Excavating & Construction, Inc, Stone Scapes Design and Landscaping, LLC, and Aqua
built, while Lot 22 showcases the design skills of Tucson-based
Design International.
architect/builder Michael Bratton.
Newsworthy as well is that Estate Lot 11 recently sold, illustrating
Introduced in March, a ‘Self-guided’ Driving Tour is credited for furthering
that there continues to be a demand for larger acreage properties at
interest in Saguaro Ranch from dozens of local realtors and their clients that
Saguaro Ranch. The new owners retained renowned local architect,
browsed the property at their own pace
Marc Soloway, to design their new home. Just over four-acres each,
“Brokers and their clients not only discovered the national park-like setting
the remaining Estate Lots are also distinguished by their privacy and
here, but they were able to see progress on the Saguaro Ranch Owners Club
stunning views. Construction on two new custom homes is making
first-hand,” Lundberg explained. “The driving tour is incredibly popular
news this summer, too. Lot 20 is the site of a spectacular design by
and a great way to see the community.”
Ron Robinette, whose clients are having a single level residence
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