Construction is officially underway on the third phase of Friendship Village Tempe’s multi-year campus transformation—a master-planned redevelopment that will modernize and expand the 50-acre senior living community through 2036.
The latest phase removes an older building to make space for a new five-story, 175,900-square-foot independent living facility. The project is designed and built by Ryan Companies US, Inc., developed by LCS Development, and will be managed by LCS once completed.
Friendship Village Tempe is one of the region’s first continuing care retirement communities, originally built in 1980. Leadership said ongoing resident demand has accelerated the next wave of growth.
“We’re thrilled to bring phase three of our campus master plan to life after several months of thoughtful planning and design,” said Cole Marvin, executive director, Friendship Village Tempe. “The response from prospective residents has been phenomenal as we’re already well over halfway sold in just five months of sales. This phase truly embodies our mission to make Friendship Village Tempe the most fun, vibrant senior living community to live at in the country.”
The third-phase community will feature:
✔ 69 independent living apartments in one- and two-bedroom layouts
✔ Two guest suites
✔ Below-grade parking for enhanced circulation and shade
✔ Apartment sizes ranging from 909 sq. ft. to a 2,396 sq. ft. penthouse
Amenities emphasize active senior lifestyles and social well-being:
Residents will also enjoy access to prior additions including:
These elements align with national senior housing demand trends for wellness integration, high amenities, and community-oriented living.
This marks the third consecutive redevelopment phase under the same team—an advantage for schedule, quality, and design cohesion.
“Our construction and Ryan A+E teams are excited to once again collaborate on delivering an exceptional building to the dynamic Friendship Village Tempe campus,” said Beau Brush, vice president of construction operations, Ryan Companies. “Once completed, this new building will provide seniors with welcoming residences, thoughtfully designed common areas, and the premier amenities that have come to define the Friendship Village experience.”
Ryan has delivered more than 60 senior living projects nationwide, including 10 in the Southwest. Each phase in Tempe will support seniors through a full continuum of care as age demographics shift sharply across Arizona.
Substantial completion for phase three is scheduled for Q4 2027
Arizona remains one of the fastest-growing destinations for retirees. The senior housing sector is seeing:
1. Rising occupancy post-pandemic
2. Continued demand for care-integrated communities
3. Increased investment into lifestyle-driven amenities
4. Communities designed for heat resilience and wellness
Friendship Village Tempe’s redevelopment positions it competitively as aging boomers seek modern, social, and flexible retirement living options.
Originally reported by AZ Big Media.
