Vintage Partners, the Phoenix-based commercial real estate development and investment company, announced its selection by the Chandler City Council to develop the The Row in downtown Chandler’s newly designated entertainment district, an all-new mixed used project on the SW corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. Created in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, this stylish and pedestrian friendly 60KSF, two-story mixed-used development will be the heart and soul of the new Downtown Chandler Entertainment District when the first phase opens in Q4 2015. Highlights will include the Alamo Drafthouse Chandler, an eight-screen theatre and adjacent bar & restaurant that will serve as the first Arizona location of this iconic Austin, Tex.-based chain boasting 19 locations nationwide. Furthermore, this development will showcase a wide variety of exciting local dining options.
The Row was selected by the Chandler City Council following a rigorous open application process to determine the best way to develop this prominent, 4-acre site. Along with Vintage Partners and Alamo Drafthouse, project partners include former Chandler City Councilman Martin Sepulveda, RSP Architects and Kitchell Development.
“The Vintage Partners team has all lived and worked in the Valley for decades, so we’re committed to delivering a world-class entertainment district to Chandler’s already vibrant downtown,” says David Scholl, Vintage Partners principle heading the downtown Chandler efforts. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between the historic downtown to the south and the more suburban area just north, to create a unique, energetic gathering place that still looks like it belongs.” Scholl, a former executive vice president of Westcor, helped spearhead the creation of the Chandler Fashion Center before becoming a principle and forming Vintage Partners in 2011 with a collective portfolio that’s delivered more than 14 million sq.-ft. of retail development and 60,000-acres of single-family residential projects.
The City of Chandler leadership helped pave the way for this project to come to life.
“We were looking for a signature project to act as an entryway to Downtown, and I believe this project fits,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “Council just designated the area as an entertainment district, and this will be an excellent fit for Downtown as we continue to grow as a destination.”
“[We’ve] been looking for the perfect site for our first venue in Arizona and finally found it in Downtown Chandler,” says Alamo Drafthouse Chandler partner, Craig Paschich. “With the energy invested in downtown Chandler by the City and the area’s already impressive growth, we couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to bring the first cinema eatery to downtown Chandler adding to the area’s vibrant restaurant and retail landscape.” Alamo Drafthouse has earned accolades like “Best Theater Ever” (Time Magazine) and “the coolest theater in the world” (Wired).
The initial phase of the downtown Chandler development will include additional space for restaurants, retail and offices, with the potential to add up to 50 residences, plus additional spaces for a fitness center or yoga studio and a parking garage.
