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Gordon Baker GRI, CDPE

A Way Cool Place To Take Children (and Adults)

Arizona Science Center Entrance

The central Phoenix location makes the Science Center accessible for those living in Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa as well as those coming from Glendale, Avondale or Buckeye, and it is well worth the trip. Phoenix area residents are fortunate to have a facility such as the Arizona Science Center. Even better is the proximity to the light rail transit station. My family boarded the light rail in Mesa and rode into Phoenix and got off 1 block from the center. An all day light rail adult ticket was $3.50, and for children $1.75. My only regret was that we arrived so late in the afternoon that we could not take advantage of all the attractions. Fry’s was sponsoring the entire weekend so admission was free. Thank you, Fry’s.

Over 300 Hands On Exhibits Keep You Busy

Bed of NailsOne room was dedicated to making physics simple. At least that’s how I would explain it. One of the popular exhibits was a live tug of war exhibit that showed interactively how levers work. The bed of nails is always scary until you actually try it, and you had to wait in line. Another hands on exhibits demonstrated how pulleys work as kids elevated themselves in a chair by pulling on a rope that was threaded through one or more pulleys. Or you might experience rotational momentum and inertia as you were spun around so fast that you could Remote Air Planehardly stand up. And that’s just one room. Both parents and children were equally enjoying the exhibits.

A Humble Beginning

The Science Center opened in 1984 in a small 10,000 sq.ft. storefront exhibition. In 1997, the Center opened with 120,000 sq.ft after significant fund raising and contributions. After another fund raising campaign and renovation that lasted into 2008, the Arizona Science Center now Arizona Science Center Missionfeatures a Planetarium, a 5 story IMAX Theatre, and more than 300 hands on exhibits. The Dorrance Planetarium is the first science center in the world to showcase a state-of-the-art NanoSeam dome.

More things to see, not enought time

We did have enough time to visit the Forces of Nature exhibit where we watched a video depicting extreme weather conditions at the same time being rained upon, blown upon and exposed to heat lamps in order to make the experience more realistic. The whole time were were standing on a movable platform so the earthquake effects were more believable.

My Digital World was the last one we visited that explained about digital technology and how information is shared. Of course, there is an explanation of how the internet works. For a more complete description of the activities, click on Science Center activities. Here is the link for Pricing and Hours. Another 2 - 3 hours would have made our trip complete.

The Arizona Science Center is impressive and deserving of at least one visit to check it out. You may even decide to become a member so you an return many times per year as the exhibits change and new ones are added.

Gordon Baker, a east valley Realtor also specializes in Phoenix waterfront homes and lake communities throughout the Phoenix valley.

Advantages of Post Tension Slabs in Phoenix Home Construction


Post Tension SlabExpansive soil in Phoenix and the East Valley

Post tension slabs are used to create a slab that is stronger than the typical slab and foundation that is poured in stages. Post tension slabs are used in many parts of the country and Arizona where the soil has high shrink / swell potential, commonly know as expansive soil. Parts of the Phoenix area have soil that is expansive and exhibits a high shrink / swell potential. The USDA has published a shrink / swell potential map for Phoenix which identifies the cities or towns most affected by this condition. Cave Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, and north Phoenix, and parts of north Scottsdale are such areas.

Installing Post Tensioned Slabs

Post Tension Slab and TendonsConcrete performs extremely well under compression (pushed together), but poorly in tension (pulled apart). The cables or tendons are stretched with hydraulic jacks up to 25,000 psi and clamped at the ends. The result is the tendons constantly keep the concrete in compression forming a stronger more reliable foundation and slab.

The plastic sheathed cables are positioned in the slab at the correct height and distance using “chairs” or little cone shaped supports. The plastic coating allows the cables to move within the concrete after it is poured and stretched. This is why you may also hear the term unbonded, since the cables can move independently of the slab. Once the concrete is poured and has reached approximately 75% of the desired strength, the cables are stretched using a hydraulic jack. Applying the pressure to the concrete after it is poured and cured is the “post tension” part of the process and name. The cables are then anchored at the ends and allowed to cure.

Identifying Post Tension Slabs In A House?

Since the cables or tendons in the slab have been stretched to high Post Tensioned Slab Stamptensile strengths, it is extremely important that you do not drill, cut, chisel or do anything to expose the tendons. An easy way to verify if the slab is post tension is to go to the edge of the garage by the garage door and check for stamped warning in the concrete similar to the one on the right.

What About Houses Without A Post Tension Slab?

The majority of the homes in Phoenix do not have post tension slabs. Home builders may choose not to use post tension slabs if the house is not in a high risk area. As you'll notice on the map, many areas and cities are considered low risk. The best approach is to consult the shrink / swell map of the Phoenix area to identify the areas where it would be a concern. If the house uses a slab on grade type of foundation, look for severe settling cracks, especially if they are recent. Settling cracks that have not moved for a long time pose less of a concern. A qualified inspector can also be a good source of information.

A simple yet critical practive that you can control is to keep water away from the house. Many home builders suggest keeping sprinklers and landscaping at least 12 – 24 inches away from the side of the house.

Being aware of the expansive soil condition is the first step. Looking for excessive settling cracks and continued settling is important. Using a qualified inspector is key and ultimately keeping water a safe distance from the perimeter of the home will help avoid further risk.

For further questions or assistance in searching for homes, feel free to call me at 480-326-8571. For homes with in law suites, guest quarters or casitas, go to East Valley Guest Quarter Homes.

Waterfront homes in Avondale at Crystal Gardens

Avondale Waterfront Community

Crystal Gardens entrance lake

This one of a kind lake community is home to the Avondale Wetland project and is surrounded by the Crystal Gardens residential development. Instead of lakes, they are "cells" which are used to purify incoming water from the Salt River Project (SRP) and Central Arizona Project (CAP). Various species of fish are stocked in the lakes in order to control algae, insects and weeds. This treated water is then recharged back into the underground aquifer.

A Natural Filtering System

Water Cell with Bulrush plantsTwenty-one "cells" or separate lakes cover 72 acres with the purpose of creating a water purification system and wetland habitat. Water is treated naturally as it flows through the cells to remove nitrates and phosphates before being recharged back into the groundwater. Water moves from cell to cell by gravity through 24 inch pipes. On an average day, 4.5 million gallons of water flow through the system. Bulrush plants seen in some of the lakes (cells) contain bacteria that help clean the pollutants and the wetland ecosystem allows the nitrogen cycle to occur naturally.Crystal Gardens view from 2nd story

Satellite view of Crystal Gardens

Fish are stocked in the cells to create a balanced ecosystem that naturally maintains the lakes. Israeli Carp are used to eat algae, White Amur keep the weeds under control, Japanese Koi and Goldfish assist in controlling insects, and Channel Catfish feed off the bottom of the basins.

Avondale Waterfront Homes at Crystal Gardens

Crystal Gardens Waterfront Homes for Sale

This wetalnd project in Avondale is surrounded by Crystal Gardens residential homes. Crystal Gardens marquee The paths around the lakes provide residents with 8.75 miles of walking paths and trails. Continental, Presley, and Earlie Homes built the homes in the subdivision between 1999 - 2002. There are over 300 waterfront homes in the subdivsion. Because of the layout of the lake community, the majority of the homes are on waterfront lots.

Click on Send me waterfront homes for sale to receive listings in Crystal Gardens. For more waterfront property information in Phoenix, click on Phoenix Lake Communities, or Phoenx Waterfront Properties.

Mesa Condo Lakefront Community of Superstition Lakes

Superstition Lakes Condominiums in Mesa Gated Waterfront Condominium Community in Mesa

When you're looking for location, Superstition Lakes has plenty to offer. This small and almost overlooked Mesa lakefront condo community is surrounded by lakes and the Superstition Springs Golf Club. Less than a mile away you'll find the Superstition Mall on the other side of the easily accessible Superstition freeway. To the east are awesome views of the Superstition mountains. Residents of this gated commuity have access to the clubhouse, spa and community pool.

Golf anyone?

Neighboring Superstition Lakes is the Superstition Springs Golf Club, a PGASuperstition Lakes overlooking water Tour qualifying course. It's the combination of lakes, fairways and greens provides for extremely scenic and relaxing views from waterfront condos. Superstition Springs Golf Club has been recognized as a challenging course and was named by Golfweek as one of “America’s Best Golf Courses” in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94.

Satellite view of Superstition Lakes Condos

Within a 20 minute drive just past Gold Canyon you'll find some great hiking at Peralta trails . Another must-visit Gilbert attraction close to Superstition Lakes is the Riparian Preserve located at Greenfield and Guadalupe next to the Southeast Regional library.

Superstition Lakes Bridge and Condos in Mesa

Superstition Lakes Condominiums for Sale

Superstition Lakes Waterfront Condos for sale

The gated community of Superstition Lakes in Mesa provides an affordable option for those looking for a vacation or second home during the winter months in a gated waterfront / lake community. The amenities within Superstition Lakes and the surrounding area make this a desirable location.

For addtional waterfront information about lake communities in the area, click on Mesa lake communities, or Phoenix waterfront homes for sale.

The Springs Neighborhood in Chandler - Lake Community and Waterfront Homes for Sale

The Springs terraced lakes

Lake community offers smaller waterfront homes

Each lake community has it’s own personality and character. For The Springs in Chandler, that would be the terraced lakes which create continually flowing small waterfalls that make some parts seem more like a stream. The Springs features tall pines trees along the streets and lakes, instead of the typical mesquite and palo verde trees so common in most communities, . At times when you’re looking at the waterfront lined by large pine trees, for a moment you forget you’re in the desert of Arizona.

Neighborhood community pool and tennis court Springs Swim and Raquet Club

The Springs is one of the few waterfront communities in the valley that features a community pool. Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert is the other lake community that has a community pool. The community pool at The Springs is at the end of the lake providing privacy and a great view.

There are over 250 waterfront homes, and the average home size is approximately 1,700 sq.ft. This is a perfect fit for those buyers desiring a smaller waterfront home instead of large waterfront homes found in many lake communities.

Satellite view of The Springs in Chandler

Homes for Sale in The Springs

The Springs Marquee

Convenient Chandler Location

Conveniently located a little over a mile from the 202 freeway, accessibility to the east valley and Phoenix is not a problem. The Chandler Fashion Center, located at the 101 and Chandler Blvd. is a short 5 mile drive.

The Springs falls within the Chandler Unified School District. Bologna is the elementary school, and Willis is Jr. High School, and Perry, which is the newest Chandler High School.

Springs lakefront homeIf you would like a customized search for The Springs lake community or any other waterfront subdivision, please click on Find Me A Waterfront Home. For additional waterfront information, visit the only blog about Phoenix lake communities and waterfront homes for sale. Or visit Phoenix Waterfront Properties.