Metrocenter to be Demolished

Current Metrocenter owners announced their plans today to demolish the existing structure.

“We’re not just going to wipe the slate clean and create a, you know, Anytown, USA, type of project. We want to make it special,” said Chris Anderson, senior managing director of Hines. “We envision restaurants, some service retail so you know things like barber shop, child care.”

‘Development will be done in phases to include parks, an amphitheater and more than 2,600 apartments at different price points. Christine Mackay, Phoenix economic development director, said renters will include people who make between 80 and 120% of the area median income.’

“It’s more known as attainable or workforce housing as opposed to subsidized housing,” Mackay said. “But more in the price point of the workforce that is in and around that particular area.”

‘The site is near an existing Walmart Supercenter, Cholla Library, a branch of Phoenix Public Library, Castles ‘N Coasters amusement park, the Arizona Canal and Rose Mofford Sports Complex. Total construction costs are estimated at more than $750 million.‘

‘Light rail construction is underway at the site and, starting in 2024, passengers can travel downtown through Tempe and into Mesa. The City Council is expected to approve bonds to build public parking, just as it did for the redevelopment of Park Central Mall in midtown. In the case of Metrocenter, the garages will be smaller and spread out to best serve residents, visitors, and light rail park-and-ride users.’

Read the full article at KJZZ.com