The Biltmore area is one of the most prestigious locations in Phoenix.  Some of the most recognized landmarks of the area include the Biltmore Resort and its hiking trails; the Wrigley Mansion and the notable 24^th Street and Camelback shopping mall.

Surrounded by luxury homes and a business district, lies the historic Arizona Biltmore hotel.  The famous hotel is where the name for the Biltmore area came from.  This Arizona landmark first opened February 23, 1929 and was referred to as “The Jewel of the Desert.”

The striking design of the Arizona Biltmore is one of the first things that you will notice when arriving.  Many have thought that the dramatic features of the hotel were designed by the creativity of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, when in fact, the hotel was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, who studied under him. 

The Arizona Biltmore has a rich history of guests, which include presidents and celebrities.  In fact, Marilyn Monroe called the hotel’s pool, her favorite pool!  It’s a little bit of Washington and Hollywood in the desert, and it’s that history and luxury that bring people to the Biltmore area, to call it home.   

Also not to miss is the Wrigley Mansion, which sits atop a small hill overlooking the Arizona Biltmore hotel.  Originally built in 1932 as a 50^th Anniversary gift to his wife, bubble gum guru, William Wrigley Jr. primarily used Wrigley Mansion as a winter home.  The mansion is famous for its amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.  Wrigley Mansion spans for 16,000 square feet and has 24 rooms and 12 bathrooms. 

The Wrigley family continued to own the mansion until 1973, then changing hands several times.  In 1992, the City of Phoenix was planning on tearing down the mansion to make room for condos, when Geordie and Jamie Hormel bought it.  The couple then restored the property with the intention of sharing Wrigley Mansion with everyone.

Wrigley Mansion has been designated as a “Phoenix Point of Pride” and is a popular destination for weddings, conventions and special events.  Due to zoning regulations, Wrigley Mansion must operate as a private club.

It’s a highly sought after area due to its luxury shopping, fine dining and a high standard of living.  While modern amenities such as shopping, fine dining and upscale housing are what you think of when you refer to the Biltmore area, it’s the history of Biltmore that is much more fascinating.

The Biltmore is located in north central Phoenix, spreading out from the area of North 24^th Street and East Camelback Road.   When looking for high-end stores or delicious restaurants, you can visit the exquisite Biltmore Fashion Park.   Originally opening in the 1960s, the Biltmore Fashion Park was later renovated in the early 2000s to become the extraordinary place that it is today. 

A hub of Arizona history make the Biltmore highly desirable for history buffs, and those who appreciate architecture, design, art and the glitz and glamor of Hollywood! 

It is hard to believe but another year has come and gone and lets welcome 2015. I really am so appreciative for all of you for hiring me to list 167 homes and sell 154 homes in 2014 making me the tope selling North Central Realtor for over the past 14 years. In 32 sales in 2014, I represented both the buyer and seller which can be delicate since that makes me a dual agent but after 24 years of selling homes, I have learned how to deal with this situation. Being a dual agent can be beneficial to the seller because I am more in control of the sale and helps to prevent delays from lack of communications.

Approximately 4 months ago, a female real estate agent was murdered in Arkansas and the death sent a shock throughout the real estate world. Our profession can be very dangerous because we never know what strangers will show up at our open houses or sometimes what strangers we are meeting at showings. I contacted my good friend and North Central resident, US Marshall David Gonzales, who agreed to speak at 3 of our HomeSmart's regional meetings and my HomeSmart Elite meeting( we meet at North Phoenix Baptist Church) which consisted of 140 HomeSmart agents at that meeting. David made all the agents aware of that we should be careful of our surroundings and do not take things for granted. I appreciate all the time he spent with our agents. Obviously, no matter what you do for a living or how you conduct your daily lives, David reiterated that you cannot be predictable in your daily routine.
   

I also was very appreciative for another North Central resident, David Karstadt, who is the owner of Karstadt Taekwon-Do, which is located at 7th Street/Rose Lane, for teaching a self defense class for our realtors and even some of the realtor's children. I asked David's son, John, who also teaches at his dad's studio, to write a bio on his dad and their company.
   

Growing up in Central Phoenix, Master David Karstadt began his Taekwon-Do training in 1977. After earning his 2nd degree black belt he opened his first school in 1986. Since that time Master Karstadt has taught thousands of Phoenix area families while developing leaders in the community. He has also hosted women's self-defense seminars, works with the freshman P.E. class at Xavier College Preparatory teaching self-defense, awareness and empowerment, holds yearly fundraisers feeding families for the holidays, has donated thousands to Phoenix area schools through his after-school programs, has been coach of the U.S. Taekwon-Do Team and has produced numerous Taekwon-Do World Champions. I hope you guys will sign up for his classes which deal with all ages.. Tell him you saw this article and he will give you a discount on your classes.
   

Since my dad and I owned the Jockey Club Nightclub, first located at 2110 E Highland from 1976-1985 and then a second location at 52 E Camelback from 1989-1996, which was once Navarres and now is Sweet Tomatoes, I am very partial to North Central Businesses. I am excited and proud to welcome a new location for Orangetheory Fitness, which will open at the Safeway Center, 7th Street/Glendale in January. I contacted the owner, Bobbe Ariano and asked her for a write up on her company:

Orangetheory Fitness is coming to Central Phoenix! It has been mentioned by FOX news, ABC, NBC and the New York Times as "The best one hour workout!" Orangetheory Fitness is group personal training that focuses on five zones of your heart rate. Through interval training combined with weights, men and women can burn up to 1000 calories in one hour. This workout is proven and is designed for all fitness levels from beginners to elite athletes. 

The workout at Orangetheory Fitness is lead by experienced and certified personal trainers. They bring fun music and energy to every workout. The equipment used consists of TRX, Water Rowers, Treadmills, Bikes, Weights and more.  We are excited to become a part of the Central Phoenix community. Our new location will open February 1st.  Now is the time to sign up and receive the founding rate at our pre sale location. It is located at 742 E Glendale Ave, suite 172. It is on the NEC of 7th and Glendale. Pre sale rates aren't here for long, so don't miss out! Stop in and say hello.         

Thanks Bobbe..Let's make 2015 a healthy one for all of you and your loved ones.