Phoenix's Luhrs Center, built in 1920s, to get face lift

[Source: John McLean, Business Gazette] -- The historic Luhrs Center in downtown Phoenix is getting a makeover. The property was recently purchased by Hansji Urban and is being updated to offer historic ambience while adding modern technology. The 10-story Luhrs Building at 11 W. Jefferson St. was constructed in 1924 and features approximately 78,000 rentable square feet. The building is currently vacant. The 14-story Luhrs Tower, built in 1929 by local businessman George Luhrs at 45 W. Jefferson St., is full of historic features, including Art Deco accents and Spanish-colonial influences. It was once the tallest building in Phoenix. It contains approximately 35,000 square feet of rentable space. The one-story Luhrs Arcade sits between Luhrs Building and Luhrs Tower. The new owner plans to bring the entire center up to class-A level upon completion in 2008. Jerry Jacobs and Larry Downey of Cushman & Wakefield in Phoenix are the leasing agents for the property.