Harvard Investments believes that the places it creates should reflect both the land it manages and the future it helps shape. Today, Harvard Investments is proud to introduce Solstice Foothills, the new name for its 1,940-acre master planned community in the City of Goodyear. It marks a defining moment in the evolution of one of the West Valley’s most significant land holdings.
Formerly known as Rio 1900 and before that, King Ranch, this remarkable property is entering a new chapter. With its new identity, Solstice Foothills represents more than a name change; it reflects Harvard Investments’ vision, values, and long-term commitment to thoughtful, responsible development along the Gila River corridor.
The name Solstice Foothills draws direct inspiration from the natural world that surrounds the site. From its foothill topography to the seasonal rhythms of the Sonoran Desert, the land itself guided the naming process.
The naming is an extension of design and an opportunity to express intent and set direction. Solstice Foothills captures both permanence and transformation, symbolizing the balance between honoring the land and shaping the future.
As Amy Weidman, Vice President of Development, explains: “This is more than a rebrand. It’s a declaration of intent. Solstice Foothills reflects the land, the light, and the long view we are taking as stewards of this extraordinary place.”
Solstice Foothills is planned as a large-scale, thoughtfully integrated master planned community designed to meet the needs of a growing region while maintaining a deep respect for its environment.
The vision includes:
- Approximately 5,800 residences with a diverse range of housing options
- A walkable commercial core that fosters connection and convenience
- Community amenities centered on outdoor living and wellness
- A strong emphasis on water efficiency and responsible desert design
Every aspect of the plan reflects a belief that growth and stewardship must go hand in hand. By prioritizing sustainability, connectivity, and livability, Harvard is creating a place designed to thrive for generations.
The introduction of Solstice Foothills comes at a pivotal time for the project. Recent milestones have strengthened both the clarity and continuity of this vision, including approval of a General Plan amendment by the City of Goodyear and acquisition of key Arizona State Land Department parcels within the project boundary.
These steps ensure a contiguous and cohesive master plan, allowing the firm to deliver a unified community experience without fragmentation. They also support the creation of an uninterrupted trail system along the Gila River, an essential component of the project’s identity.
“With Solstice Foothills, we now have the clarity and continuity needed to fully realize the vision,” said Weidman. “It allows us to deliver a connected community: physically, environmentally, and socially, without compromise.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Solstice Foothills is its relationship to the Gila River. The community is designed to celebrate and engage with this unique natural asset, creating opportunities for recreation, education, and wellness.
Notably, Solstice Foothills is expected to become the first residential development in the West Valley to directly establish standards for the El Rio Trail, helping define how communities connect to the river corridor moving forward.
This represents a rare opportunity; one that aligns directly with Harvard Investments’ long-standing commitment to forward-thinking development.
“There are very few places where you can combine foothills, river access, and scale in this way,” Weidman noted. “Solstice Foothills will set the tone for how communities engage with the Gila River in the West Valley.”
The West Valley continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and Harvard Investments is proud to play a meaningful role in shaping its future.
Solstice Foothills is a long-term investment in the region’s growth, identity, and quality of life. By aligning vision, land, and infrastructure, Harvard Investments is creating a development that reflects both the opportunities of today and the needs of tomorrow.
With first homes anticipated around 2030, Harvard Investments is taking a deliberate, measured approach to ensure that every phase of development is aligned with its commitment to excellence.
At its core, Solstice Foothills represents what Harvard Investments does best: create places of lasting value through thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and a deep respect for the land.
“This name reflects where we are and where we’re going,” said Weidman. “Solstice Foothills is about honoring the land, shaping community, and building something truly distinctive for the West Valley.”
As Harvard Investments look ahead, it remains focused on delivering a community that meets the demands of a growing region and sets a new standard for how those communities can and should be built.
