Built for the Ages

BizTUCSONApril 20, 2026

3 minutes read

Thoughtful Construction, Details Distinguish New Campus

By Loni Nannini

Against a backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views of Pusch Ridge, La Posada has leveraged cutting-edge architecture and design with state-of-the-art construction to create a timeless jewel of retirement living.

“We were seeking a contemporary Southwestern vibe that highlighted our amazing views of the Catalina Mountains and our surrounding desert,” said Joni Condit, president and CEO of La Posada Communities.

To bring the vision to fruition, La Posada chose Gensler, an architecture, design and planning firm with offices in 56 locations globally. Gensler Phoenix Principal/Co-Managing Director Martha dePlazaola Abbott and Principal Jay Silverberg oversaw the project, which was designed to “echo the quiet beauty of the natural surroundings” while fostering camaraderie and connection.

“At its center lies a shared heart—a campus amenity core that nurtures a strong sense of community among residents,” said Silverberg. “From this center, the residential wings extend thoughtfully, each one carefully positioned to follow the land’s natural contours and tread lightly upon the site. This sensitive placement opens sweeping views toward the distant mountains, inviting residents into a deeper relationship with the landscape.”

The landscape dictated a creative approach to the design of the campus, according to Kevin Palmer, owner’s rep and director of facilities for La Posada at Pusch Ridge.

“The site is beautiful and challenging. We have 80 acres, which is great because it gives us privacy, but only a bit more than half of the property is buildable. We have our own unique little valley and some areas are protected by hills, so we were working with a smaller footprint for the campus,” said Palmer.

These limitations created opportunity: The three residential wings went vertical. Each five-story tower maximizes access to views for residents in Phase I of the multi-phase project, which included 166 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments—each with a private balcony or terrace—and 11 floor plan options.

Views are also a priority for the two-story central hub of living, dining and gathering areas—complete with extended terrace and event lawn—and the outdoor resort-style pool and adjacent Viva Center that includes fitness, an art studio, a salon spa, and game/meeting rooms.

“The plan weaves together indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage gathering, social activity, and everyday interaction, cultivating an elevated sense of belonging. These shared moments and places help shape an environment that feels less like a facility and more like a true home,” said Silverberg.

In 2018, when La Posada was ready to begin construction, the Southern Arizona commercial and residential market was booming. No lumber subcontractor in Arizona was available to provide a firm price for a wood framed building, so the board put the project on hold. In 2020, when steel was fluctuating around the cost of lumber, La Posada made the decision to pivot to a steel and concrete structure for structural strength and sustainability, low maintenance, sound reduction and superior fire and termite resistance. Suddenly, the chosen general contractor decided to close his firm, but thankfully, everything fell into place when Sundt VP and Regional Director Ian McDowell contacted Condit. Headquartered in Tucson, Sundt has 13 offices nationwide.

“He said, ‘I heard you have a project with no builder, and I am a contractor looking for a project.’ I think we were meant to work together,” said Condit.

“If you want to build for longevity and overall quality, concrete and steel provide the highest quality. The majority of this building is cast-in-place concrete and signature elements like the lobby are made of steel. They really pulled out all the stops. When you walk in the lobby, the whole thing screams quality,” said McDowell.

A Chihuly-inspired chandelier and a horizontal fireplace adds natural elegance, and exterior accents of African stone veneer and iron create seamless outdoor-indoor transitions. Public art and sculptures such as The Beacon by Ray King inspire wonder throughout the campus. The hallways of each residential floor and building feature a different Arizona photographer’s work selected by curator, Faye Urlacher of artstudio 101.

McDowell said attention to detail throughout the project elevates the resident experience.

“When you are building for someone, you always want to understand their motivation. It was really refreshing to work with La Posada because they are so invested and focused on resident satisfaction. It feels good to be part of that.”