Astra To Break Ground

Something big is coming. Actually, something taller than anything else in Arizona is coming. The Astra, a massive two-tower development by Aspirant Development, is about to redefine the entire rhythm of Downtown Phoenix. Housing is at the heart of downtown’s comeback, and this project is the boldest move yet in a city already beating expectations. Forget status quo. The skyline is getting a facelift.

From Quiet Nights To A Crowded Core

Downtown used to clear out after dark. Streets went silent. Sidewalks, empty. Restaurants flipped signs from open to out of business. It wasn’t a mystery, there just weren’t enough people living downtown. That’s changed. And it’s changing fast.

• Fewer than 10K people lived downtown pre-2014

• Now? More than 24K residents and counting

• On pace to hit 30K by 2030

• City’s original goal: 20K by 2030 (already crushed it)

• 58K workers downtown daily, but now they’re sticking around

• More apartments, more nightlife, more energy

• Restaurants have regulars again

More residents aren’t just good for vibes. They’re oxygen for local businesses. It's no longer a 9-to-5 zone. It’s becoming a 24/7 city center. And The Astra is set to take that momentum vertical.

Also Read: Two New High Rise Buildings Planned For Downtown Phoenix

The Astra Will Tower Over Arizona

Forget the Chase Tower. The Astra is coming for the crown. At 44 stories, it’s breaking records.

• 44 stories, 542 feet tall

• Tallest building in Arizona history

• Taller than the 1970s Chase Tower (by 59ish feet)

• Located at 2nd Avenue & Van Buren

• Groundbreaking set for late summer 2025

• Twin towers planned, second will rise soon after

• Retail, office, hotel, and 700 residential units

This isn't a single-use monolith. It’s mixed-use magic. Homes. Jobs. Shops. Life.

Not Just One Tower, But A Citywide Shift

The Astra isn’t a solo act. Aspirant Development has more in the works. And it’s all part of a broader play to reshape central Phoenix with purpose and scale.

• New 25-story project near Phoenix Art Museum

• Location: 1500 N. Central Ave

• Will include an art gallery, residential high-rise, and mixed-use elements

• Infill strategy: build where it matters, near transit and culture

• Seamless link between midtown and downtown

• Dense. Smart. Pedestrian friendly.

This isn’t suburban sprawl. It’s compact, walkable, and built for real life.

Chase Tower's Comeback In The Works

While The Astra reaches skyward, the former Chase Tower is finally showing signs of life. The city’s quietly working behind the scenes with new ownership to bring it back online.

• Currently fenced off and partially boarded up

• New renderings in development

• Future: hotel, office, residential, ground-floor retail

• No timeline yet, but movement is happening

Once the tallest, Chase Tower now needs a second act. And Phoenix seems ready to help it find one.

Construction Plans Set, Now The Clock Starts

A project like this doesn’t just rise overnight. From approvals to permits to cranes in the air, The Astra has a clear path and a timeline.

• Construction on Tower 1 starts summer 2025

• Two towers built simultaneously

• Estimated completion: 2028

• Zoning locked, no public hearings needed

• Backed by years of planning

It’s not just another rendering lost in a folder. This is happening. And it’s going up fast.

Also Read: City Of Phoenix Turns School Land Into Affordable Housing Units

Why Housing Is Still The Center Of It All

At the core of all this steel and glass? People. Apartments. Homes. Renters. Long-term residents. That’s what drives sustainability in downtown growth.

• The Stewart Apartments helped kick things off

• Each new tower brings more restaurants, shops, nightlife

• Businesses need residents more than foot traffic

• Growth supports culture, entertainment, small biz

• Day-to-night density keeps momentum rolling

Without a critical mass of downtown dwellers, you just get another office park. But Phoenix is building something different, a real urban core with real residents.

What’s Next For The Phoenix Skyline?

In a few years, the city you see now won’t look the same. From The Astra to other infill towers rising across central Phoenix, it’s clear: the skyline isn’t done growing.

• Dozens of new mid- and high-rise proposals in the pipeline

• More density around Roosevelt Row, Midtown, and near ASU Downtown

• Developers focusing on mixed-use, high-rise, high-impact sites

• Light rail, walkability, and live-work-play hubs drive planning

Downtown’s not a backdrop anymore. It’s the main stage. And the show is just getting started.

Also Read: The Metropolitan Brings Exciting New Life To Metrocenter Mall