P.B. Bell and Davis Enterprises selected to redevelop Phoenix’s historic Barrister Place building

PHOENIX (Aug. 30, 2014) – P.B. Bell Companies, a leader in multi-family housing and commercial real estate development and management, and Davis Enterprises, an investment and development company serving Arizona’s retail and office sectors for six decades, have been selected by the City of Phoenix to redevelop the historic Barrister Place building in downtown Phoenix.

City officials chose P.B. Bell Companies/Davis Enterprises collaboration from among seven bidders seeking to redevelop Barrister Place and two adjacent parcels on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street. The collaborators’ plans call for an adaptive-reuse renovation effort that centers on creating and operating a boutique mixed-use community on the site. Special emphasis will be placed on preserving the building’s historic façade while modernizing the interior to carry it, and the accompanying development, into the future.

“The Barrister building is an iconic piece of downtown Phoenix history and we are honored to be involved in helping write its next chapter,” said Mike Trueman, vice president of development for P.B. Bell Companies.

Originally opened in 1915 as the Jefferson Hotel, the six-story, concrete-and-brick Barrister Place once was hailed as the state’s tallest building. The City of Phoenix acquired the building in 1990 and used it to house offices and the Phoenix Police Museum before moving those operations and closing the building in 2010. But, perhaps the building’s most famous role was a cameo shot in the opening scene of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic horror film, “Psycho.”

Trueman said like the Barrister building, P.B. Bell and Davis Enterprises have deep roots in the Phoenix community, making the team an ideal match for the redevelopment project. The collaboration aligns two long-time, family-owned investment and development companies. Logan Van Sittert, a notable architect, is also a partner and principal on the project with Davis Enterprises. P.B. Bell Companies was founded by Phil Bell in 1976 with a goal of becoming a leader in the multi-family acquisitions, development and property management industry. Davis Enterprises has been investing in and developing retail and office space in Arizona since 1948. The company, which focuses primarily on high-density infill redevelopment and multi-tenant space, is now managed by the third generation.

“We are two legacy companies working together on a legacy project,” said Mark Davis, partner, Davis Enterprises. Circle West Architects of Phoenix rounds out the development and design team.

Following construction, P.B. Bell Companies will market and property manage the residential and commercial spaces, and Davis Enterprises will oversee leasing for the retail space. For P.B. Bell leasing, contact Debbie Willis, president and designated broker of property services, at 480-951-2222. For Davis leasing, contact Jenifer Davis Lunt, managing partner and principal, at 602-275-1000, ext. 106.

About The P.B. Bell Companies

P.B. Bell Companies has developed thousands of apartment units in 27 communities, many of which are award winning. Founded by Philip Bell in 1976, the company later diversified into commercial real estate management and includes P.B. Bell Asset Management, Inc. and MT Builders, which provides general contracting, construction management, and design-build services for multi-family and senior living communities, retail centers, churches, schools, and office/industrial buildings.

While well known for its depth in multi-family housing, P.B. Bell Companies also has a significant, and growing, commercial property management and development portfolio, overseeing office, industrial and retail space in Phoenix and Tucson. For more information, visitwww.pbbell.com or call 480-951-2222.

About Davis Enterprises

Davis Enterprises is a third-generation, family-owned company that has been investing and developing in Arizona since 1948. The company revitalizes the real estate marketplace with an emphasis on high-density infill redevelopment by transforming underperforming properties into vital community assets. Davis’ longevity in the market and strong commitment to building relationships contributes to its ability to deliver innovative development solutions, creative ownership and strategic operations. For more information, visit www.de-az.com or call 602-275-1000.

Media Contact
Rachel Brockway
Serendipit Consulting
602.283.5209