Formerly Circles Records & Tapes and a historic Studebaker showroom in Phoenix, The Stewart is now a luxe new high-rise dwelling.
Tall ceilings and big-city views mark the luxe penthouse apartments.
When Geoffrey Jacobs was a high school student at Brophy Prep in the 1980s, he often wandered down Central Avenue to buy music at Circles Records & Tapes, a brick building with a unique circular window that was originally built in 1947 as a Studebaker showroom for The Stewart Motor Company.
Recently, Jacobs, now managing partner of Aspirant Development, unveiled The Stewart, a 19-story high-rise of 312 luxury apartments, which preserves most of that historic building at street level in front—it’s now occupied by breakfast restaurant Snooze.
The Stewart’s kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, islands, three-dimensional tile backsplashes and blown-glass pendant lights.
“Circles Records and The Stewart Motor Company were part of an important landmark building,” says Jacobs, “and both companies inspired our design.” Jacobs worked with CCBG Architects of Phoenix and Tempe’s Lawrence Lake Interiors to achieve a look for the building, common spaces and units that is both retro and edgy. Features include three levels of airy two-bedroom penthouse units, concierge service, balconies, quartz countertops, under-cabinet lighting, walk-in closets, a fitness facility, an outdoor recreation deck and an 18th-floor pool (said to be the highest in the state), from which you can watch planes land at Sky Harbor Airport.
And the building’s 24-floor plan options? Named after artists whose music was once sold at Circles. Think Frampton, Bowie and Jagger, and, as an homage to Arizona voices Nicks and Ronstadt. Two-bedroom apartments $2,955-$6,240, 800 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Photography by: the stewart
