Downtown Phoenix just got a glow-up with a serious ego. The high-rise formerly known as Astra has officially stepped into its new identity as Arro, a headline-making mixed-use development from Empire Group’s Aspirant Development that’s aiming to become the tallest building in Arizona—and one of the most defining additions to the skyline in decades.
This isn’t subtle. Arro is designed as a full-scale vertical playground, stacking luxury living, hospitality, office space, and experiential retail into one unapologetically ambitious address. The north tower will rise to 541 feet, claiming tallest-in-the-state status, while the south tower hits 425 feet, giving Downtown a two-tower flex that’s impossible to ignore.
“Arro represents a defining moment not only for our team, but for Downtown Phoenix as a whole,” says Geoffrey Jacobs, managing partner of Aspirant Development. “From its scale and architectural presence to the caliber of partners we’re bringing to the table, every element of this project has been thoughtfully considered to deliver something truly transformative.”
Now for the part everyone will be talking about. At the very top of the north tower, Pretty Decent Concepts is going big. The Phoenix-based hospitality group, founded by Teddy Myers, Thor Nguyen, and Kaitlin Myers, is taking over roughly 16,000 square feet across two levels to create a multi-concept restaurant and nightlife experience that leans all the way in on drama, design, and those skyline views.
“We were drawn to this space because it represents the kind of ambition we believe Downtown Phoenix deserves,” says Teddy Myers. “We’re planning a show-stopping, multi-concept experience across the top two floors, one that we hope will serve as the crown jewel not only of Downtown Phoenix, but of the entire Valley.”
And yes, the numbers hit just as hard. Arro spans about 1.8 million square feet, anchored by a 380-unit Class A+ residential tower built to maximize views in every direction. The north tower also brings The Optimist, a 250-key lifestyle hotel expected to align with a major global brand.
The south tower keeps the momentum going with approximately 150,000 square feet of large-floorplate Class A office space, plus 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and a 275-unit luxury co-living concept. Translation: this is not just a place to live or work. It is a full-on ecosystem.
Behind it all is Scottsdale-based Empire Group, a developer with a 50-year track record and more than 5,000 units in motion across the Southwest. Through its Aspirant Development arm, the company has been steadily reshaping the Valley with high-end, urban infill projects that feel a lot like this one.
Pretty Decent Concepts brings its own momentum, with a portfolio that includes Wren & Wolf, Carry On, and other immersive, design-forward spots that have earned national recognition from North America’s 50 Best Bars and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. In other words, they know how to create a moment.
Leasing is being led by Diversified Partners, the team behind the headline rooftop deal and a full-service commercial real estate firm known for guiding major mixed-use projects. “There is no better operator for this than Teddy Myers, who has shaped the food and beverage scene downtown,” says Marti Weinstein, noting the firm represented both landlord and tenant in the agreement.
Arro is expected to be permit-ready by the end of 2026, with a three-year construction timeline. Big picture? Phoenix isn’t just growing up. It’s going vertical in a way that demands attention.
Insider Takeaways
- Arro will rise 541 feet, making it the tallest building in Arizona. The project is one of the most significant skyline additions Phoenix has seen in decades.
- The rooftop concept spans roughly 16,000 square feet across two levels.
- The south tower includes 150,000 square feet of office space and 30,000 square feet of retail and dining.
- The project blends Class A+ residences, a luxury hotel, and co-living into one address.
To learn more, visit builtbyempire.com.
