Downtown Phoenix is now home to an eclectic international hotel concept, The Moxy. The hotel announced its opening in the historic Luhrs Building.
PEG Companies [PEG], a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment company focused on opportunistic and value-added opportunities, and Dallas-based A.G. Hill Partners purchased the historic Luhrs building at the end of 2019. Since that time, the team worked to renovate and convert the building’s interior while preserving the exterior facade. Located on the corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street, the new hotel opened its doors on December 21 under the management of PEG Hospitality Group, PEG’s in-house hospitality management division.
The first floor functions as an inviting lobby, bar and game room while floors two through nine house the hotel rooms. The state-of-the-art fitness center is located in the basement, and the top floor continues to function as a law office.
“The Luhrs Building stands in a Qualified Opportunity Zone [QOZ] which underscores PEG’s values of reimagining communities,” said Joe Madera, Regional Director of Operations at PEG Hospitality Group in a statement. “As one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Phoenix, this building embodies the youthful nature of Moxy while honoring the history of Downtown by becoming an eclectic epicenter.”
In addition to 164 rooms, luggage lockers, a luxury gym and a business center, guests and passersby have access to the bright and open “Plug and Meet” gathering areas with modern ergonomic seating and 55-inch televisions for presentation projection. All guest rooms are equipped with 55-inch flat-screen televisions, built-in USB ports and complimentary Wi-Fi. The lobby also boasts a state-of-the-art video wall and 24/7 food and beverage, offering a wide selection of snacks and drinks. Other hotel amenities include an a la carte food and beverage menu and a complimentary welcome cocktail for every guest upon check-in. The bar features wines by the glass, local brews and specialty cocktails such as the “Highball 101” which is made with a special machine that can’t be found in any other hotel or bar in the Valley. Guests can expect exotic spirits, like Japanese whiskey, but also cocktails with a more local taste, made with agave or prickly pear.
Ideally located for convenient transportation opportunities, the new hotel also has quick access to the Valley Metro light rail which will have a stop located on Jefferson St., allowing quick access to other parts of Downtown. Other nearby attractions include numerous bars and restaurants, as well as CityScape, Stand up Live, Copper Blues, The Phoenix Art Museum, Heritage District, The Van Buren, Chase Field and the Footprint Center.
“The Moxy Phoenix Downtown is where we hope to see the community engage with our eccentric communal spaces,” said Madera. “Downtown Phoenix is ripe for something different, and our goal is to create a destination spot for our weekend warriors.”
Jake Bodell, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP of FFKR Architects is the principal architect on the project, while Chris Shook from Flick-Mars is the interior designer.
The Moxy Phoenix Downtown is located at 116 South Central Ave. in Downtown Phoenix.
