The evolution of Downtown Phoenix continues, and there are three key projects leading the market forward, The Link PHX, Block 23 and two buildings going up at the newly renovated Arizona Center — the AC Hotel by Marriott and Palm Tower, a residential tower. All of these projects are in different stages of development, but the tallest of the new buildings, The Link PHX, will be the first one to be delivered.
Sara Scoville-Weaver, business development manager at Downtown Phoenix Inc. said that all these projects will bring more people and vibrancy and more businesses to the downtown. Scoville-Weaver also said that these projects were developed on land that was empty and by having more people live here and shop here, that will bring more visitors which is good not just for the downtown but for the entire city.
The Link PHX
The developer of The Link PHX, CA Residential, collaborated with UEB Builders and architectural firm Shepley Bulfinch to build a 30-story residential tower at an estimated cost of $31 million on Pierce and 3rd Street. The Link PHX opened in September.
There are 257 residential units at The Link PHX, said Bob Flannery, president of CA Residential. “Amenities include bike parking and repair station, Luxor package lockers, showcase kitchens, 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness center with Fitness On-Demand Fitness and yoga studio,” said Flannery. “Residents will also enjoy a rooftop deck with pool and hot tub — Arizona’s highest — along with a dog park, outdoor TVs, lounge area, grill stations, outdoor fireplace and an indoor lounge and game room.”
The first residents were scheduled for move-in on Sept. 1, Flannery said “We are thrilled to provide Phoenicians with a new perspective of the city!” he added. “Views are commanding in all directions from this 30-story tower and the amenity package is set to dazzle even the most discerning of residents.”
Block 23
According to the RED Development fact sheet, Block 23, a mixed-use development, includes 330 residential units by StreetLights Residential, 230,000-square-feet of creative office space, an approximately 67,000-square-foot Fry’s Food Store, restaurant/retail uses and above- and below-grade parking. The tallest part of the development is the 17-story residential tower. The office and retail building is nine stories high.
The surface and subterranean parking lot known as Block 23 is located between Washington Street on the north, Jefferson Street to the south, 1st Street to the west, and 2nd Street to the east. It is an expansion of CityScape Phoenix to 2nd Street. The Block 23 is nestled between CityScape and Collier Center.
The Fry’s Food Store will be the future of the grocery industry with its urban design and operational efficiency where the highest quality grocery product will be delivered in the most technologically advanced grocery store in the state.
“This area has been a food desert for decades and we are excited to bring a full service grocery store to all who frequent the downtown area,” said Pam Giannonatti, manager at Fry’s division of Kroger Corporate Affairs, in an email. “We are excited to provide fresh nutritious food to downtown Phoenix.”
Block23 has the potential to bring $76 million in net additional sales taxes to the City of Phoenix over the next 50 years, to create 1,294 permanent jobs and an estimated $234 million annual economic impact.
Arizona Center Redevelopment
Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix has undergone a $25 million redevelopment project. According to information provided by Leslie Sonnenklar, associated director of public relations at Arizona Center, the renovation opened up Arizona Center’s 1 million-square-foot property to the surrounding streets for more integrated downtown experience where entertainment, events, shopping, casual dining as well offices and education take part.
“We are thrilled to debut the newly renovated Arizona Center,” said Matt Root, managing partner for Parallel Capital Partners, owner and manager of the center. “The upgrades to the center bring a whole new vibe to the heart of downtown Phoenix. As we add tenants, Arizona Center will continue to become an even bigger hub for meeting up with family and friends, entertainment, shopping and so much more
In addition to the Arizona Center renovation, the AC Hotel by Marriott broke ground on Sept. 6. The hotel will be located on a 49,190-square parcel on 5th St. between Fillmore and Van Buren St.
The developer, LaPour Partners, is working with the architect AXIS GFA and the builder Layton Construction, on this 13-story and 199-room hotel scheduled to be completed within 18 months after groundbreaking, according to information provided by Sonnenklar.
“Downtown Phoenix is a true destination, and soon Arizona Center will be able to host out-of-town visitors in the heart of it all,” Root said.
Palm Tower, the 31-story residential tower on Arizona Center’s property, will break ground by the end of the year, according to Sonnenkar. North American Development Group (NADG) will be working with Will Bruder Architects on this project. The builder has yet to be determined.
Sonnenklar said in an email that the Palm Tower is scheduled for completion approximately 24 months after the groundbreaking.
