Saguaro Ranch Life | Volume 2 | Issue 3
520.833.6141 | saguaroranch.com
REPORTER D E S E R T
L I V I N G.
N A T U R A L L Y.
Miramonte Homes Begins Building Luxury Residences At Moonlight Canyon Tucson-based homebuilder Miramonte Homes is moving forward on Phase One to sell six spectacular luxury residences at Moonlight Canyon. Purchasers are able to select from thoughtfully designed 2,934 to 3,800 squarefoot floor plans that incorporate the very best attributes of desert living and also take advantage of the breathtaking views. Those purchasing larger lots can choose to add a guest casita ranging in size from approximately 424 to 647 square feet. Designed by Ron Robinette Architects, Inc., who has played an integral role in the design of the newly renovated Saguaro Ranch Club, each model features a beautifully flowing floor plan that is ideal for entertaining as well as single level convenience. “We believe 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 to introduce ample natural light into the living spaces of the home.” Distinguished by 9-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, these homes make quite a statement. Covered patio
spaces provide welcomed shade, while an optional swimming pool, jetted spa and fire pit can enhance year-round outdoor living. “We are very excited to be building the first model homes on Lot 1 and Lot 43, the latter of which was recently sold and the site work has begun,” commented Chris Kemmerly, Principal and CEO of Miramonte Homes. “Ron’s designs create such an exceptional platform for us to build these quality crafted and inspired homes at 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 communities it builds in.
DEVELOPER’S CORNER - PG. 2
HOMEOWNER PROFILE - PG. 2
ARCHITECT’S CORNER - PG. 2
LIVING THE DREAM - PG. 3
BUILDER’S CORNER - PG. 4
The latest community improvements are exciting for Saguaro Ranch’s owners.
Why did Dr. Quinn and his wife choose Saguaro Ranch for their primary home?
Learn how architect Marc Soloway approaches home design for the desert.
The four-plus acre Estate Lots are distinguished by views and privacy.
McHallam Builders creates signature custom homes at Saguaro Ranch.
DEVELOPER'S CORNER
Homeowner Profile New Sales Center, Custom Home Starts, Clubhouse Improvements Highlight Activity
Ten years ago, Dr. Quinn and his wife purchased a five-acre homesite in north Scottsdale, intending to build a custom home.
Saguaro Ranch’s development partners Scott Lund-
“We had an architect already doing designs, but before we started building,
berg and Brian Peschel, who are also business part-
we learned that the owners of the lot right in front of us had plans to build a
ners, are pleased to announce the recent opening of
three-story house that would block our view of Pinnacle Peak, which was the
the Sales Center, located at the Saguaro Ranch Club.
reason we were going to move there,” said Dr. Quinn. “So, when I saw the adver-
“We believe it is important to have a place where
tisement for Saguaro Ranch, we decided to come down here and look at it.”
real estate agents and their clients can meet with our
At the time, the couple was living in Tennessee, but business travel out West
sales professionals in a comfortable, socially distanced
ultimately introduced them to the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the unique
setting,” said Scott Lundberg, president, Saguaro Lot
qualities of Saguaro Ranch.
Management, Inc., “It’s a plus that people thinking
“On that visit we bought a lot,” Dr. Quinn added. “We loved the privacy, the
about purchasing at Moonlight Canyon by Miramonte
views and the desert landscape. And once you go through the tunnel, it’s like you
Homes can literally see the enclave from the Sales Center and in minutes be walking the property.” In other news, crews started construction on custom homes on three Estate Lots. The lots, each over
are in the wilderness, yet it is very convenient to the grocery stores and shopping. It was everything we wanted.” Collaborating with architect, Ron Robinette, the couple landed on a stunning design, which was brought into focus after the trio walked the property Continued on Page 4
four-acres in size, feature building envelopes that allow for both privacy and the ability to position the Continued on Page 4
Arch itect’s Corner CORNER
LOT 11 Illustration
Don’t let Marc Soloway’s laid-back demeanor make you think his commitment to design is anything but serious business. A graduate of the University of Arizona Architecture Program, the award-winning architect, who founded Soloway
Marc Soloway
Designs in 1996, has devoted over two decades to designing inspired residential and commercial projects throughout Arizona, in California, Illinois, Colora You will see numerous avian species at Saguaro Ranch. The Cactus Wren, Arizona’s state bird, is a small brown bird with a speckled chest and white eye stripes that often nests in cacti where the spikes provide protection. Gambel’s Quail, which is recognized by its rotund body and quirky black head plume, travels in a covey of four to a dozen and is capable of quickly sprinting away from predators. Another speedy species is the Roadrunner, easily identified by its telltale mohawk, long tail and brown and white feathers. It can go from zero to 20 miles per hour in a flash. With its red cap of feathers, black-and-white-striped back, and white wing patches, the Gila Woodpecker is unmistakable. There are even snowbirds among the winged visitors, including the small and luminescent, Anna’s Hummingbird, which migrates to Arizona in winter months.
do and Montana. He also goes to great lengths to ensure clients are satisfied. “The only way to make sure the architecture is tailored to the client’s personality is to make sure I know my clients,” says Soloway. “It can’t be only about a questionnaire they fill out, but instead insightful conversations about who they are and how they live.” That level of understanding translates into custom homes that are as spectacular as they are functional. Soloway appreciates that every one of his clients is different and thus the design needs to be equally unique, where every room is aligned perfectly to maximize the views that make Saguaro Ranch so extraordinary. “Every rock outcropping, saguaro and view corridor needs to be taken into account, no matter how small,” Soloway adds. “The key is to bring the outside in and vice versa. Clients always comment on how the floor plans flow and the glass captures every ounce of view there is to be had. Add the influences of my interior design partner, Esthela Celaya, and the homes are just amazing.”
Estate Lots LOT 39
Custom Homes Take Shape on Four-plus Acre Estate Lots There has been a lot of activity in recent months associated with Saguaro Ranch’s Estate Lots, both with construction crews and sales momentum. Construction is in
RECENT MARKET ACTIVITY
various stages on a number of custom homes on Lots 11, 20 and 22. Purchasers contin-
Estate Lot #11 | SOLD
ue to be drawn to the homesites for their four-acre plus size, building envelopes
Estate Lot #13 | SOLD
designed to preserve a feeling of open space and the dramatic views.
Estate Lot #36 | UNDER CONTRACT
“These new home starts are always exciting,” said Mike Conlin, manager and POA board member of Saguaro Ranch. “This is when lot purchasers can see their architect’s
E s t a t e L o t # 3 7 | Av a i l a b l e
ideas transform from illustrations and 3-D computer representations come to life.”
E s t a t e L o t # 3 9 | Av a i l a b l e
Offering vistas primarily of the Tortolita Mountains and the Tucson Mountains is Lot
Estate Lot #97 | UNDER CONTRACT
37 and Lot 39, the community’s northernmost lots.
Estate Lot #98 | UNDER CONTRACT
“With closings on Lot 13 and Lot 100, and Lot 97, Lot 98 and Lot 99 recently going un-
Estate Lot #99 | UNDER CONTRACT
der contract, we only have two Estate Lots remaining in Phase One,” Conlin added. “We’re seeing a great deal of interest in those lots, so now is the time to come take a look.”
Estate Lot #100 | SOLD
Miramonte Plans to Build Another Gorgeous Model Home Miramonte has been crafting high-quality and stylish luxury homes in Northern and Southern Arizona for over 35 years—and this residence on Lot 1 at Moonlight Canyon will be one of the most exceptional in its portfolio. Moonlight Canyon by Miramonte Homes models, based on design concepts by the award-winning Tucson architectural firm Robinette Architects, Inc., include this impressive 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom luxury home that will be distinguished by an open and flowing floor plan that offers single level convenience, as well as breathtaking desert and mountain views. The outdoor living space will Artist’s Renderings — Actual Residences May Vary
include a significant covered porch area, along with the option to have a jetted spa, swimming pool and fire pit. Accentuated with interior design by Lori Carroll and Associates, its contemporary styling will incorporate the significant use of floor-to-ceiling glass and flat ceilings, including a Great Room space characterized by 11-foot ceilings. Acting as a hub for entertaining, the open, chef-inspired kitchen will include 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.
Builder’s Corner
Saguaro Ranch Estate Lot 20 Custom Home
McHallam Builders Custom Home on Lot 20
McHallam Builders Crafts Another Custom Home at Saguaro Ranch
Joe McHallam
Continued from
Homeowner Profile
Quality, excellent workmanship, professionalism, efficient project management, good communication and solid contract administration. These are attributes that only begin to define McHallam Builders, a general contractor whose work you’ll see within Saguaro Ranch. Operating in the Tucson area since 2007, the company is driven by the pursuit of excellence and prides itself with the relationships it has with the best sub-contractors, vendors, suppliers, craftsmen and fabricators. Company founder, Joseph McHallam, is bringing that energy to the north side of the tunnel.
numerous times, an exercise that gave them a good idea of how views would
“Saguaro Ranch is like no other development in the Tucson area,” says McHallam. “When you drive through the tunnel into the backside of the mountains, there is no question you’re part of something very special.” McHallam Builders is currently constructing a custom home, its second at Saguaro Ranch in recent years—something that clearly requires familiarity with the desert terrain. Building directly into the Tortolita Mountains presents several challenges in terms of grade changes, drainage, site work and foundation con-
be maximized. “We’ve always enjoyed our privacy and we like the idea that we could look out and not see houses all around,” Dr. Quinn commented. “Out front you cannot see another house, and out back you can barely see elements of two houses.” The couple finds peace of mind from being in a gated community monitored by an attendant and enjoying a connection with nature. “We see bobcats, mule deer and desert tortoises,” said Dr. Quinn. “I would
struction. Between the company’s extensive experience with the Sonoran Desert
guess I have stopped to move a desert tortoise out of the road at least 50
environment, proper planning and problem-solving skills, its assignments, while
times since we’ve lived here. It is like we’re living in a national park.”
certainly challenging, are particularly rewarding for both McHallam Builders
They also appreciate how aggressive the new owners are about marketing,
and its clients.
and enhancing the community’s infrastructure and amenities, resulting in
Construction on the new custom home should be complete by Spring 2022.
renewed interest by realtors and their clients.
Continued from DEVELOPER'S CORNER homes to take advantage of the extraordinary views. Notable, too, is that two more Estate Lots were sold and three were recently put under contract, a clear sign that there is a demand for larger acreage properties here as well. One home reflects a stunning design by Ron Robinette for a single level residence, another showcases the design skills of architect/ builder Michael Bratton, and the third home is based on an impressive design by architect Marc Soloway, which is being executed by Tucson-based McHallam Builders.
ing 180-degree views, a Bocce ball court and pickleball courts.
Excitement is building as well for the completion of the Saguaro
A consortium of local firms are executing the design of Robinette Architects,
Ranch Club, as construction on it continues. The amphitheater and
Inc., including Aqua Design International, Stone Scapes Design and Landscap-
horseshoe pits are in place, progress is being made on the fitness
ing, LLC, Madan Builders LLC and Marcon Excavating & Construction, Inc.
area, and now that the foundation and side walls for the swimming
A ‘Self-guided’ Driving Tour continues to be popular with agents and poten-
pool are poured, the surface tiling will be occurring soon.
tial buyers that browse the property at their own pace.
When finished, members will be able to enjoy a 25-yard lap pool,
“Brokers and their clients are awestruck by the landscape hidden on the
numerous “conversation islands”, firepits, the rooftop fitness suite
other side of our tunnel,” Lundberg explained. “The addition of the Sales Center
and seating area with a two-sided fireplace that provides breathtak-
really helps in that discovery process.”
Learn More About Living in Unsurpassed Privacy by Calling, Emailing or Going Online.
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