This morning I got to take a hard hat tour of the Spire project currently under construction at 14th & Champa.  I have followed this project very closely since it broke ground in May of 2007; my first post was in January.  It has been so exciting watching it crest upwards and take its place in our skyline.  I did find out today that there are now 496 units down from the original 503 as a result to some changes on the upper floors.

Our tour began all the way up on the 38th floor and the views were amazing.  We were able to walk around the entire floor and see the views from every side of the building.  Next we went down to the 25th floor which was much further along.  Each floor of the Spire will have a central hallway down the center of the building where people will enter their units.  Our next stop was on the 12th floor where a majority of units are very close to being finished.  I liked the selection of finishes for both the cabinets and countertops.  Another great feature throughout the building is that the ceiling will be exposed concrete for most of the unit.  Where there is a traditional ceiling it has a great curve to it which really provides visual interest and drama.

We then walked down to the 10th floor and toured a unit that was just about to get carpet - it already had the hardwood floor installed.  The darker finishes in this unit were great.  Another unique feature is that wherever possible they have designed the units to let in as much daylight as possible - especially with the clear glass sliding bedroom door and open shelf on top of bedroom walls.  Even 10 floors up the views were great.  We finished the tour on the 9th floor which is the amenity floor where we got to see the roughed in pool, hot tub and planters.  There will be a couple of units on this floor  - one has a stunning wrap around terrace with views of the CBD.

Spire will be topping out in January and their sales center is expected to open across the street in early February.  Homeowners will most likely start moving into their units in 4th quarter of 2009.  Hopefully I will get to tour the completed building sometime in 2009.  Thanks to JE Dunn who made today’s tour possible.  Spire is being developed by the Nichols Partnership and was designed by RNL.