SHALIMAR FACTS
See the Vision
Click this link to see the vision of the proposed Shalimar development and to tour the recently completed
BB Living and Cachet communities at Union Park at Norterra.
A New Chapter for Tempe: Sustainable Housing Meets Community Growth
A transformative new chapter is beginning in the heart of Tempe. The 44-acre Shalimar property will become Tempe's first major single-family home development in over two decades, bringing a thoughtfully designed blend of luxury for-sale homes and premium built-to-rent residences to our community.
This exciting new neighborhood is being crafted by two of Arizona's most respected names in residential development: award-winning luxury homebuilder Cachet Homes and premium rental community developer BB Living. Together, they're creating sustainable housing near top-rated schools that will enhance our area while honoring the property's legacy. Explore our vision for this landmark development and discover how it will contribute to Tempe's bright future.
Total number of homes: The new Shalimar community will feature 277 homes – 166 attached townhomes and 111 detached single-family homes. The design thoughtfully transitions density from west to east, aligning with existing neighborhood patterns and Tempe's 2050 General Plan's allowance of up to 9 units per acre.
School funding increases: The development will generate approximately $800,000 annually for education, supporting elementary, middle, and high schools, EVIT, and community colleges. With an average of one school-age child per household, Shalimar will bring an estimated 250 new students to Tempe schools, helping address enrollment declines.
Property tax benefits: The redevelopment will transform annual property tax revenue from $3,800 to approximately $1.3 million at full build-out – a 300-fold increase that substantially expands funding for community services.
Environmental Impact: Converting from a golf course to residential use significantly reduces water consumption through desert-smart landscaping and modern fixtures. The development preserves 25% of the property as open space, featuring a two-mile Greenbelt Trail System that spans over three acres.
Property value protection & growth: The development will enhance Central Tempe's revitalization efforts. Adding 277 new households will generate increased demand for retail, restaurants, and services, potentially spurring additional growth along Southern Avenue.
Meeting Tempe's housing needs: Tempe grows by approximately 1,500 residents annually, requiring about 650 new housing units each year. This development will deliver 277 homes over 2-3 years, representing 15% of Tempe's needed housing during this period. It marks the first significant single-family community since Rhythm's completion in 2018.
In the News!
History of the Property
Shalimar Golf Course is a +/- 44 acre golf course that was planned as part of the original Shalimar neighborhood, opening in 1961.
The golf course has always been private property that changed hands very few times.
In 1979, a Canadian company acquired the golf course with the intention of closing the golf course and redeveloping it into additional housing.
In 1980, the current owners, Dick and Jane Neuheisel worked with their neighbors to save the golf course, leading the effort to acquire the golf course and successfully led a legal battle that created an implied restrictive covenant requiring the golf course to remain in place until January 1, 2025
The Neuheisel family have subsidized the golf course and clubhouse operations for more than 40 years. They have at times entertained offers for the property from developers, but the implied restrictive covenant ensured that development of the golf course did not occur previously. The family has also been open to selling to other golf course operators, but there has been little interest from the market.
Please see Tempe Tribune article that offers details and facts about the search for a buyer.
The Shalimar Golf course has been privately owned
by “Tempe civic icons Dick and Jane Neuheisel” since 1984.
(The Tempe Tribune 9-22-24)
“Well, we held out,” Jane Neuheisel said. “It’s been for sale for at least 10 years, and we kept waiting for somebody with some money to make us an offer that would keep the golf course and bring it up to speed. All the offers that we got were for development. They just built so many golf courses in the East Valley. It was kind of a struggle, but we loved it, we loved every day of it. It’s bittersweet in a way, but it’s kind of a new beginning, too.”
“Dick’s health isn’t good right now. We’re hopeful he’s back on his feet again soon. We’re both 88. That’s a big number. So, were biting the bullet and doing this. It’s time. It was just time.” (The Tempe Tribune 9-22-24)
The Neuheisel family believes they have found the perfect development team with BB Living and Cachet Homes. “Known for it’s high-end rental properties, BB Living is partnering with Cachet Homes, which builds luxury for-purchase neighborhoods across the valley.” (The Tempe Tribune 9-22-24)