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Mike Hardesty

Hi, I'm Mike

I once owned a vintage shop in the Melrose district because I love everything about historic and mid century homes. So much so, that now I am a Realtor specifically helping others capture that same charm for their lives. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, I'm happy to partner with you in your journey.

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Arcadia

Known for its graceful blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, Arcadia offers a diverse range of homes. From sprawling estates boasting stunning mountain views to cozy ranch-style abodes, there is a residence to suit […]

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Willo

The Willo Historic District is a beloved neighborhood located in central Phoenix, known for its beautifully preserved historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Willo is recognized as one of Phoenix’s most […]

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Woodlea

Woodlea Historic District showcases a stunning array of architectural styles, ranging from Spanish Colonial Revival to Tudor and Mid-Century Modern. As you explore its picturesque streets, you’ll encounter beautifully restored residences, each with its own […]

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My Story

I once owned a vintage shop in the Melrose district because I love everything about historic and mid century homes. So much so, that now I am a Realtor specifically helping others capture that same charm for their lives. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, I'm happy to partner with you in your journey.

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Client Testimonials

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Above and Beyond

We had an amazing experience working with Michael as our realtor. We did not live locally when we needed to sell our property, and he went above and beyond to help get the house ready for sale, including meeting companies for repairs, staging and follow-up. We then had multiple offers on our home within days of listing and were able to pick a wonderful family to sell it to. Would absolutely recommend Michael and use again if we ever move back to the area!

— Tina W.

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Always One Step Ahead

Can’t say enough about Michael and his skills as a sellers and buyers realtor. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him 3 times now and every time I’m completely comfortable and left with less worries than I had with previous realtors. He’s always on his game and always one step ahead. He’s both honest and realistic however, he always game to try to push the envelope. Although I don’t look forward to selling a house again, it’s an inevitable situation for us and I take comfort in knowing Michael will be there for us once again.

— Becky S.

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A Knowledgeable Professional With Your Interests in Mind

We would 100% suggest using Mike if you’re looking for a home, have already referred family members to him, and would absolutely do so again. It’s easy to get caught up in shiny social media real estate accounts run by people that don’t actually know what they’re doing, or “on-line house browsing”, underestimating the importance of an experienced realtor. Mike will put you at ease knowing that there’s a knowledgeable professional with your interests in mind, likely saving you time, money, and headaches, while helping you acquire your perfect home!

— Casey C.

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I ended up learning a lot more than just the desig I ended up learning a lot more than just the design of the Valley National Bank at 4401 E Camelback. I discovered how important Walter Bimson was to Phoenix’s growth and how many forward-thinking ideas he introduced at Valley National Bank, like small checking accounts, small-business loans, consumer credit, small savings accounts, drive-in banks, and branch banking. In a way, he was an architect for the whole city. There is no telling how many truly important loans and opportunities he provided, helping shape the people and businesses that would define Phoenix for decades. Perhaps that is why Frank Lloyd Wright called Bimson “a humane banker, believe it or not.”

Outside of banking, Bimson was a major art collector and one of the people who helped make the Phoenix Art Museum possible. He also personally guaranteed the construction of Wright’s design for Gammage Auditorium at ASU. It is a name and a person more people should know.

Then there is Frank Henry. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the first graduate of ASU’s School of Architecture in 1960, where he studied under Charles Montooth and Fred Langhorst, he designed what many consider one of Phoenix’s greatest buildings and helped raise the bar for everyday architecture in the city.

Beyond his own work, Frank spent decades teaching, mentoring, and advocating for Arizona architecture. He taught at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, gave tours and lectures, wrote about the Southwest, and was deeply involved in preservation, including helping save the David and Gladys Wright House in Arcadia. We can only hope his designs live on so future generations can appreciate them the way we have. #discoverphoenix
Do you have a favorite mural or muralist? Tag them Do you have a favorite mural or muralist? Tag them below.

I was first introduced to the mural scene back in 2014 when I owned Zinnias at Melrose. We collaborated with artists like Ashley Macias, Chris Sanchez (Volar), Jesse Perry, and JB Snyder, and I was immediately struck by their talent, curiosity, and work ethic.

Over time, most of the building ended up covered in murals. People stopped by daily to take photos, do shoots, or just spend a few minutes looking. What had been a pretty ordinary structure suddenly went from something you passed without noticing to something people paused for.

Nearly twelve years later, I still find myself driving around Phoenix looking for new murals, paying attention to the scale, the detail, and the thought behind them. I’m glad the city has made space for local artists, and through this series I want to share as many murals as I can, along with some context and the stories behind them when possible.

PS: If you see your work in the reel and you’re not tagged, please send me a DM. I want to make sure credit is given where it’s due.
Comment “OPEN” and I’ll DM you the listing l Comment “OPEN” and I’ll DM you the listing link to this iconic unit at Al Beadle’s Bridgewood North 40 in Arcadia. There’s an Open House this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, making it a great opportunity to see the space in person.

Huge thanks to @ymarsh and @asoldevere for the tour and for walking me through their thinking behind the reimagined space. The butler’s pantry with a sink, the reworked staircase, and the laundry placement were all smart, highly considered interventions that update the home for contemporary living without disrupting its architectural integrity. I really enjoyed hearing the rationale behind each decision and appreciate them taking the time to share their process.

🪧 Listed by Aaron Soldevere with SimplySOLD
So now that you know more about the history and me So now that you know more about the history and meaning behind “Wall Cycle to Ocotillo”, what are your thoughts?

I’ve driven past these pots for years, even more so in the last five since moving near Granada Park. I’ve taken my kids to the teapot to explore, we always point out the giant octopus vessel when we pass by, and I’ve long been curious about the story behind them. With some encouragement from my wife, I finally decided to dig deeper. What I didn’t expect was how much fun I’d have exploring each piece and learning the history behind this truly unprecedented public art installation.

Other fun facts about “Wall Cycle to Ocotillo”

- Although the artists got pushback from not being from Arizona, Mags and Lajos didn’t design this from a desk in Massachusetts. They biked the neighborhoods and talked to residents. What they kept seeing, over and over, was Southwestern history, pottery, and handmade objects displayed in everyday homes. That’s where the idea came from, and I have to admit that I’m more fond of the installation now that I learned more about the intention. 

- It’s really fun to see the vessels off Maryland, walk under the 51 through the tunnel, and then emerge just a short walk from the teapot on the west side of the highway. It’s an easy, enjoyable experience for anyone, and my kids absolutely love it.

- In the early 2000s, an expansion of SR-51 added an HOV lane and required taller sound walls. Twelve sculptures were removed, while others were protected in place. Several wall-mounted pieces are now on display at the Deer Valley Water Treatment Plant.

Sources: Wikipedia, https://harriesheder.com, Arizona Republic, Arizona Memory Project, Arizona Department of Transportation, Public Art Archive, Smithsonian Institution
I want to make a couple of things clear before any I want to make a couple of things clear before anyone jumps into the comments or gets all huffy puffy.

1. This isn’t about blaming one person, one company, or one developer. What we are seeing is the result of decades of bad policy and unchecked incentives. Please do not single out individual people or businesses.

2. I’m not anti-development, and I’m not even against people building huge homes. What I am against is tearing down architecturally significant houses just to do it. Not every mid-century or ranch home is worth saving. I’m realistic about that. But the ones that matter absolutely deserve recognition and protection.

3. I genuinely believe that it is now or never to protect what’s left. So please offer constructive criticism, ideas, and if this is something you care about, get involved. The problem comes from multiple directions: city policies, lack of seller education, and yes, greed. But I am confident that enough people care that we can find a better approach. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So let’s stop repeating the cycle and push for change.

Thanks for watching and listening.

Special thanks to @redmodern @grungymatt and my wife for letting me nag them for the last two days. I can always count on them for their honesty and constructive criticism (especially my wife 🤣). 

📸 borrowed a couple of pics from @azarchitecture @modernphoenix and @azeyephoto . Thank you!
Comment “WW2” and I’ll send you the listing Comment “WW2” and I’ll send you the listing link to this one-of-a-kind home located in Central Phoenix. 

Opportunities to purchase something this unique and rich in history are rare, especially at this price point. It’s an exciting chance for a first-time homebuyer or for anyone looking to expand on the existing space, with the large irrigated lot providing the perfect canvas.

🏠 1 BD
🛁 1 BA
📏 828 SF
🏡 1/4 acre irrigated lot / R4 Multifamily Zoning
📍16th St & Camelback
💰 $449,000
🪧 Listed by Scott Jarson with @azarchitecture
It’s actually been 39 days now, and honestly, I It’s actually been 39 days now, and honestly, I almost didn’t post this reel.

But I meant every word I said, and I felt like I needed to share it, even if it was just to get some of these feelings off my chest (pun intended).

Thank you for listening, and thank you to all my friends and family for your unconditional love and support this last month. It means more than you’ll ever know. ❤️
A hug and a heartfelt thank you to every soul who A hug and a heartfelt thank you to every soul who tried to save her. Part of her will live on at the Shemer Art Center, but her spirit, and the memories wrapped up in that iconic masterpiece will stay with us forever. #whitegates

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