Construction on towers to start in Tempe where Devil's Advocate stood

By Corina Vanek

A Scottsdale developer plans to begin construction on a 533-unit apartment project in Tempe this spring near the southeast corner of Rural Road and University Drive.

Aspirant Development, a division of Empire Group, is developing the project, called Revelry, which will include two apartment towers and first- and second-floor retail space. The development is at the site of the former Devil’s Advocate, a popular college sports bar, which closed in late 2024, more than a year after Aspirant announced plans for the project.

“Revelry represents our belief that successful urban high-rise projects must be intentional in every aspect, from design and amenities to how they engage the surrounding neighborhood,” Geoffrey Jacobs, managing partner of Aspirant Development, said in a statement. “Located at one of Tempe’s most active intersections, Revelry benefits from exceptional visibility, direct access to ASU, and a dense surrounding population.”

The two towers will reach 17 and 15 stories tall, and the development will include furnished and unfurnished units. Amenities at the development will include pickleball courts, a golf simulator, aromatherapy rooms, a sauna, cold plunge, bowling alley, arcade and an outdoor deck with a pool.

Empire Group bought the 3.66 acres of land for $16 million, according to real estate database Vizzda.

The site is directly east of another proposed high-rise apartment complex. That project, called Leo Tempe, would include demolishing a strip retail center, a gas station and several other commercial buildings on that site. The development is planned to include two, 20-story apartment towers with ground-floor commercial space.

Final Thoughts:

Tempe continues to lean into vertical, walkable growth, and the Revelry project is a clear signal of confidence in the city’s urban core—especially near ASU. Replacing a longtime local landmark with two high-rise towers reflects strong demand for housing, amenities, and mixed-use living in this corridor. For renters, buyers, and investors, this area matters right now because limited land and constant demand keep values resilient. As projects like this reshape Tempe, opportunities often ripple into nearby neighborhoods. Arizona Home Group Realtors are here to help you understand where growth is heading and how to position yourself smartly.