Before and during the 1800s, Indians hunted and farmed this land now known as Ahwatukee. It was at the time when 32 gold and silver mines were registered in this rich area. The area's first home was built for a dentist, Dr. Ames, in 1921. It was later purchased by Helen Brinton in 1935 and she named it, Ahwatukee (Ah-wa-too-kee), a Crow Indian word meaning 'House of Dreams'. According to Indian legend, if you hang a 'dream catcher' over your window at night, as you bring the morning light in, good dreams will be caught in the web and remain while bad dreams trickle down the dangling feathers and drift away. The Ahwatukee Foothills area must have a giant dream catcher hanging over this community!
This cozy area has all the warmth and charm of a small town blessed by the amenities of a big city just over the hill. There is a mix of folks in both people and housing, as well as many places for visitors and neighbors to come together and enjoy the Arizona outdoors. Because our economy is job-based, the sunshine and great weather aren't the only reasons people are attracted to this area. Ahwatukee is one of the fastest growing communities in the valley. Today, the population exceeds 70,000 and development plans anticipate an eventual population of around 120,000. In fact, the area has been growing so rapidly that in recent years a new school has opened each year to accommodate our new neighbors. The residents of Ahwatukee have the highest income per household in the valley.
The Ahwatukee Foothills area is 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport and exciting downtown Phoenix, featuring our latest sports venue, Bank One Ball Park, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and America West Arena, home of the Suns basketball team. Our growing technologies presence include Motorola, Intel, Allied-Signal, MicroAge, Insight, nearby McDonnell Douglas and many others.
The Foothills is distinguished by its scenic desert-mountain landscape offering more than 40 miles of recreational trails. Golf is also a major attraction for both winter visitors and those that live here year around. We feature some of the world's finest golf courses offering lush fairways and the opportunity to test one's abilities to the fullest. As you can well imagine, Ahwatukee has so much to offer!
As you drive around The Foothills, Mountain Park Ranch, and Club West areas, it's hard to imagine that as recently as 15 years ago, absolutely none of it was there. The nearly 7,000 acres which encompasses these areas are bordered on the east by Interstate 10, on the west by state-owned land, on the south by the Gila River Indian reservation and on the north by South Mountain Park, the largest city park in the United States.
Mountain Park Ranch
Originally owned by Continental Homes, Inc., this 2,650 acre property was purchased by Genstar who began development in 1987. The Joint Venture of Newfoundland and American General finished the infrastructure which now includes 5,700 single family homes and 1,300 apartments. Growth continues as new subdividisions pop up everywhere. The latest, which just broke ground April 1, 1997, is a private gated community called "Estates at the Ranch," at 32nd Street and Cahndler Boulevard. New retail also continues to grow in the remaining commercial areas.
The Foothills
The Foothills Development encompasses 4,140 acres. Before 1947, the site was in an undisturbed condition. In May, 1947, the property was leased by the International Harvester Company to be used as an equipment testing facility. In February, 1948, International Harvester Company started the development of test facilities. In April, 1968, International Harvester acquired ownership of the property for approximately $1.6 million. Then, in 1983, the property was purchased by 4140 Investments, Inc. In 1986, Del Webb Corporation joint-ventured with 4140 Investments, Inc. and subsequently bought them out. Del Webb then developed The Foothills.
Club West
In 1988, UDC purchased 1,000 of the original 4,140 acres from Del Webb Corporation with plans to develop UDC.s Club West. Homes beagan to pop up in 1992. Today, there are just over 700 homes in Club West. Upon completion of this subdivision, it is projected to consist of 2,971 homes, which will include multi-family housing as well. The masterplanned amenities are complete, with its up and running golf course. There are five commercial parcels in Club West.
And Beyond
West of Club West lies 640 acres of state land which is scheduled to go up for auction. On the other side of the state land is 320 acres which is owned by SM320 L.L.C., a division of Phoenix Holdings, Inc. The development of this master planned community is contingent upon the sale of the state land. Beyond Club West, the state land and the property owned by SM320 L.L.C. lies the proposed future interchange of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. If completed, it will provide an alternate route out of The Foothills area with greater access to the West Valley.