General contractor Stevens Leinweber Construction Inc. and design firm Ware Malcomb completed the new downtown Scottsdale, Ariz., headquarters for property technology firm Lessen Inc. Ware Malcomb provided interior architecture and design services for the 25,000-sq-ft tenant improvement project located at 4800 N Scottsdale Road.

Lessen is a provider of tech-enabled, end-to-end renovation and maintenance services for the single-family and multifamily rental industries. Powered by a proprietary technology suite, Lessen’s local field project managers deploy and oversee a network of vetted service professionals in 40-plus markets.

“Lessen wanted a large space that would be attractive to teammates as they return to an office environment,” Lynne Orlowski, director, interior architecture and design for Ware Malcomb, said in a statement. “This office reflects energy, fun and collaboration and exemplifies Lessen’s brand.”

Lessen’s suite is comprised of two half floors joined by an existing interior staircase within Portales Corporate Center, a Class-A office property. Ware Malcomb says its design team created an attention-grabbing space, incorporating Lessen’s brand color scheme to create a spirited interior. The staircase leading down from the main floor to the secondary floor was refurbished and clad in steel.

Photo courtesy of Dominium

Affordable housing owner, developer and manager Dominium’s first ground-up construction community in Arizona, Solstice of Mesa, was named an Exemplary Multi-Family Project by the Arizona Dept. of Housing. Dominium was presented the award at the 2023 Housing Hero Awards in conjunction with the 2023 Arizona Housing Forum in Tucson. The Housing Hero Awards recognize outstanding multifamily rental projects in urban or rural Arizona that serve low- to moderate-income individuals, families or seniors. “We envision an Arizona with safe, inclusive, livable communities and affordable housing options for all,” Joan Serviss, director of the Arizona Dept. of Housing, said in a statement. “Solstice of Mesa was recognized with a Housing Hero Award for its large-scale impact on seniors in need, adding vital affordable units for Arizonans.”

Solstice of Mesa was honored for providing 237 units of desperately needed affordable multifamily housing to the senior population earning no more than 60% of area median income. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, walk in closet, laundry and covered balcony. In addition to the below-market rents, seniors enjoy amenities including a large community room, salon and a fitness center overlooking the pool. There is also a library, business center and movie theater. The project was also recognized for its architectural design and energy efficient technology, including efficient water use. “We are proud of this thriving community and the ability to provide vital affordable housing to the senior population,” Owen Metz, senior vice president, regional development leader for Dominium’s Mountain West region and Phoenix office, said in a statement.