Sunbelt Holdings Celebrates 30 Years of Success

Sunbelt Holdings, a local real estate investment and development company headquartered in Scottsdale, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The acclaimed company is a recognized leader in real estate management,  investment and development throughout the Southwest and is dedicated to creating real  estate projects that give back, both to its investors and the community. Its efforts are concentrated primarily in Arizona. The company has also completed projects in California and Texas.

The firm, founded by Chairman of the Board Tor Andenaes, began as Andenaes Planning and Construction in December 1979. Its first project was the Granada Royale Hotel situated on a five-acre parcel at 44th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix. The most recent project is Blackstone at Vistancia, a private, gated community in the  Vistancia master plan in north Peoria. The company name was changed to Sunbelt Holdings in November 1984.

Sunbelt Holdings’ list of successfully developed, award-winning communities includes Blackstone, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Johnson Ranch, The Legacy Golf  Resort, Power Ranch, Superstition Foothills, Sonoran Foothills, Arizona Traditions, Surprise Farms and Vistancia.

Reflecting on Sunbelt Holdings’ success, Andenaes said, “Arizona has proven to be a good place to develop quality projects with memorable characteristics. I believe  Sunbelt Holdings’ people and their commitment have been the essential element.”

“Our objective is to plan innovative and timeless projects—whether a commercial office complex or a master planned community,” said President John Graham, who  joined the company in 1982. “Sunbelt Holdings has built a reputation of creating long-term value for our partners and the residents of our communities. People appreciate our focus on integrity and quality,” he added.

Sunbelt Holdings’ Chief Financial Officer Curt Smith joined the firm in 1996, bringing many years of experience in planned community development.

“We strive to create planned environments that evolve into integrated communities as well as to develop properties that give back to the area,” said Smith.
Reflecting this philosophy, Sunbelt Holdings has donated land for school sites in the Valley valued at approximately $30 million. “We often say that we create more than just a home—we create a sense of community,” added Smith. “We do research with prospective homeowners, then plan amenities that people desire. We endeavor to build a community that each partner city can point to with pride.”