Friendship Village Tempe: Expanding and Enhancing a Landlocked Community
Friendship Village Tempe at a Glance
Friendship Village Tempe is a Phoenix not-for-profit retirement community located in Tempe, Arizona. Built in the 1980s, the pioneering campus was one of the region’s first Life Plan Communities and set the standard for exceptional senior living experiences.
Project Scope
Redevelopment, Expansion
Type
Life Plan Community
Unit Mix Before Expansion
- Independent living: 527
- Skilled nursing: 128
- Assisted living: 67
- Memory care: 24
Units Added in Phase I
Independent living: 40
Units Added in Phase II
Independent living: 64
Challenges
- Eagerness from residents and prospects for enhanced amenities.
- Site constraints in landlocked community with six aging courtyard apartment buildings featuring small, outdated apartment.
- Prior to demolishing the existing structure, residents were relocated to new or temporary residences within the community.
- Placement of amenities because of site limitations.
Friendship Village Tempe Community Gallery
Amenities
In partnership with Friendship Village Tempe, LCS Development completed a new 101,000-square-foot expansion to meet growing market demand and enhance resident experiences. This addition includes a rooftop pickleball court, a microbrewery with outdoor seating, and other modern amenities designed to foster community and wellness.
Friendship Village Tempe, nestled in the scenic desert landscape, also offers a wide array of existing amenities, including multiple dining venues, a fully staffed fitness center with a swimming pool and hot tub, a woodworking shop, three libraries, and a computer lab with training classes.
Celebrating Positive Outcomes
Friendship Village Tempe’s redevelopment introduced a 101,000-square-foot building filled with modern amenities like rooftop pickleball courts, dining venues, and a brewery—designed to elevate daily living. The project not only expanded housing options but also enhanced convenience and lifestyle for current and future residents. These improvements reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, comfort, and community vibrancy.
40
The new independent living residences were fully reserved in advance, showing strong demand and resident confidence in the community’s future.
66
To maximize space and accessibility, 66 underground spots were built beneath the new structure—enhancing convenience for residents and guests alike.
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Following the success of Phase I, the second phase expanded housing options and was quickly filled, reinforcing the community’s appeal and long-term planning.
Business Profile
Friendship Village Tempe is a Phoenix not-for-profit retirement community located in Tempe, Arizona. Built in the 1980s, the pioneering campus was one of the region’s first Life Plan Communities and set the standard for exceptional senior living experiences.
Business Situation
The pioneering community was ready for a revitalization. Future success and inherent complexities because of a landlocked campus led to Friendship Village Tempe embarking on two years of planning with LCS Development. The six-phase master plan readied the community for redevelopment.
Phase I of the master plan called for 40 new independent living apartment homes to be built on an existing parking lot, so it was critical for the team to include 66 underground parking spots in the design of the new structure. Wanting to also update amenities but not having the acreage to do so, the LCS Development team was challenged to think creatively to include state-of-the-art amenities throughout the project. The solution: go up! The team devised a plan to include amenities like pickleball courts, relaxing common spaces, dining venues and even a brewery on the rooftop of each new building.
Partnering with Leaders who Listen
LCS Development knows the importance of active listening to create and foster strong partnerships, especially when it comes to developing successful and complex senior living communities. For Friendship Village Tempe, the success of
We are very excited about the future of Friendship Village Tempe. We have invested significant time and effort into this project and believe it is going to benefit our residents and team members which will ensure our ongoing success well into the future. The Village has a reputation for staying ahead of the curve in all things senior living and this project is no exception. -Cole Marvin, Executive Director of Friendship Village Tempe
the community expansion projects depended on the strong relationships LCS Development built within the community. LCS Development was able to give current and prospective residents the improvements and amenities to continue delivering exceptional experiences. Amidst complicated challenges, such as Friendship Village Tempe being landlocked, LCS Development provided creative solutions, like the rooftop dining and pickleball courts.
When partnering with LCS Development, partners can expect to receive exceptional experiences. LCS Development finished Phase I and brought its expertise to Phase II, which introduced a 64-unit independent living building featuring thoughtfully designed rooftop amenities.
Partnering With LCS
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