Condominiums may be in tough shape all over the country but one thing is certain, empty nesters are beginning to move into them. The Arizona Republic covers the opening of Bridgeview, a luxury condo tower on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake. The 12-story tower has views of the lake and bridges (hence the name) as well as neighboring towns and the mountains. The $140 million building is n the 17-acre Hayden Ferry Lakeside mixed-use site that also includes office space and retail. A luxury hotel is also planned. Amenities at Bridgeview include a lounge, library with a fireplace, business center, demonstration and catering kitchen, dining room/supper club, home theater, billiards room, a gym with a sauna and steam room, outdoor heated pool and spa, outdoor barbeque area, zen garden and a putting course.

While many condo towers in the Southwest have had trouble selling, the project manager at Bridgeview reports that nearly half the 104 Bridgeview condos were sold before construction was completed. That would have been slow sales a few years back but is pretty good for this market. Bridgeview has one-, two- and three-bedroom residences starting at about $680,000 and 5,000-square-foot penthouse homes at about $5.6 million.