Image courtesy of Empire Group

By NOLAN POINTER

PHOENIX, Conn. – Empire Group of Companies, through its luxury urban infill division Aspirant Development, is expected to be permit-ready by the end of 2026 on a $675 million downtown Phoenix high-rise project known as Arro (formerly Astra).

The landmark mixed-use development is poised to become the tallest building in Arizona upon completion in approximately three years.

Layton Construction has been chosen as the general contractor. Gensler is the design firm.

Spanning approximately 1.8 million square feet, Arro will introduce a new level of scale and sophistication to Downtown Phoenix, anchored by a 541-foot tall north tower – that is set to become the state’s tallest building – and a 425-foot tall south tower. The project is designed to integrate luxury residential, hospitality, office and experiential retail offerings into a cohesive, vertically connected urban destination.

Aspirant Development is the developer. It is partnering with immersive local restaurant group, Pretty Decent Concepts, to develop and operate a 16,000-square-foot, signature, multi-level restaurant and nightlife experience atop the north tower. The concept will occupy the top two floors of the building, delivering a dynamic, design-forward destination with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Valley.

Arro also will include The Optimist, a 250-key luxury lifestyle hotel concept planned for the north tower. The hotel is expected to be flagged by a major global brand, to be announced at a later date.

The development will feature a 380-unit Class A+ residential tower within the north tower, designed to maximize unobstructed views in every direction, alongside the rooftop restaurant experience and hotel. The south tower will include approximately 150,000 square feet of large-floorplate Class A office space, 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and a 275-unit luxury co-living component.

Diversified Partners is leading leasing efforts for the project’s retail and restaurant components.