Phoenix Mixed-Use Project Blends High-Rise and Neighborhood Scale
Shepley Bulfinch is featured in Building Design+Construction for its work on Saiya, a mixed-use development in Phoenix that brings together two distinct building typologies: an innovative pairing of a concrete tower and a wood-frame structure.
The project spans approximately 605,000 sf and includes 389 residential units across a 23-story concrete high-rise and a complementary 5-over-1 wood-frame building. Developed at a cost of $150 million, Saiya was completed in 2025 after breaking ground in 2022.
Saiya, Phoenix, AZ. Photo by Mitch Medeiros.
Rather than an imposing monolithic form, Saiya’s design steps down toward the residential neighborhood along 2nd Avenue with townhome-scaled elements and brick facades.
Saiya, Phoenix, AZ. Photo by Matt Winquist.
Saiya, Phoenix, AZ. Photo by Jenn Evans.
Bridging Downtown and Neighborhood
Located at the intersection of downtown Phoenix and a residential neighborhood, the project is designed to mediate between two distinct urban conditions. The massing transitions in scale, from the tower to more residentially scaled elements, responding directly to community feedback about visual compatibility and neighborhood character.
The design strategically steps down along 2nd Avenue, incorporating materials and proportions that reflect surrounding bungalows while concealing parking and maintaining a pedestrian-friendly edge.
Designing for Connectivity and Experience
A key move in the project was reimagining an existing alley as a pedestrian paseo that links the site and enhances walkability. This intervention activates the interior of the development, strengthens connections across the site, and creates a more engaging public realm.
The project also emphasizes access to daylight and outdoor space, alongside a robust suite of amenities, including rooftop spaces, fitness facilities, and shared gathering areas. Saiya also incorporates a large-scale public art component.
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