The original project site consisted of three separate vacant land parcels, with three separate ownerships and three different zoning designations. By combining all three parcels, The Fountains at Ocotillo could be rezoned and developed as a cohesive 9.2-acre suburban mixed-use development that would include retail, office, and a 4-story hotel.

Aurbis Development gained control of the 4.7-acre office parcel in 2002 and began to formulate a master development plan for the entire 9-acre site. The concept and design for the project was supported by the director of the Ocotillo community. The director eventually endorsed the project and agreed to sell the 1.8-acre retail parcel to Aurbis if Aurbis could get control of the remaining hotel parcel.   Unfortunately, in the middle of negotiations, the property owner was approached by an independent hotel operator/developer who outbid Aurbis for the remaining parcel.

Without all of the parcels, it was impossible to move forward with the original project that was envisioned for the entire nine-acre site. With significant time and energy already invested in the project, the decision was made to move forward with the office component only, as a stand-alone project, and to integrate it as best as possible with the future hotel and retail parcels.

The project’s design requirements were complicated by the necessity to conform to the architectural style of the hotel, which was still being designed and remained on the drawing board for quite some time. The office project was designed to include materials and design elements that were not the first choice but which were necessary to conform to the expectations of Ocotillo as well as the conceptual design for the hotel. Zoning and Design Review Board approval from the City of Chandler was received in December, 2003. With commitments for 25% percent of the project, construction funding was secured and the project broke ground in May 2004. The project was completed in 2005 and the last condominium office unit was sold in February, 2006.