2019 looks to be a packed year for Arizona developers and construction crews, as well as the residents and visitors who get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. With plenty of new and exciting developments to look forward to, you’re probably curious about the biggest construction projects that are ongoing or soon to break ground. Here are a few major developments you should know about:
1. Desert Diamond West Valley Casino
Glendale’s Desert Diamond West Valley Casino is a $400 million project that should be finished by the end of 2019. Though it only broke ground in December 2017, this drastic overhaul will double the size of the casino and has been over nine years in the making!
This new casino is being constructed adjacent to the existing temporary casino that opened its doors in 2015. The goal is to transform the full 135-acre property into a full-fledged casino, spa, and resort. Vacationers and Arizona staycationers alike are sure to enjoy this luxurious addition to the West Valley’s leisure offerings.
So what can you expect if you decide to hit Desert Diamond in 2020? In addition to classic table games like poker and blackjack, slots, and live bingo; and guests will be able to enjoy the sprawling 75,000-square-foot casino’s five brand new unique restaurants and two new parking garages. Spa and resort components will come in a future phase of construction.
2. Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley Resort
Another haven-in-the-making for tourists, local staycationers, and even residents looking to upgrade their permanent housing is the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale.
This 122-acre Paradise Valley development is poised to make a major splash with its 400-foot-long swimming pool featuring gorgeous views of Camelback Mountain, upscale shopping options, luxury residences, and much more.
Hundreds of construction workers have been working on the $2 billion resort project for nearly two years. If you’re interested in tracking Five Star Development’s progress, you can check the company’s blog for drone footage updates.
Don’t be fooled if the progress looks sparse from an outside point of view — a significant amount of construction is happening underground, including parking garages. In fact, according to The Arizona Republic in January of 2019, CEO Jerry Ayoub of Five Star Development said, “It’s like an underground city and now we’ve finally got a couple levels on top of it.”
3. State Route 189
As of June 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is beginning the construction of the organization’s largest project of 2019: a $134 million upgrade to State Route 189. This essential roadway acts as the connecting point between Interstate 19 in Nogales and the Mariposa Port of Entry — a major roadway for the transport of produce.
The project will include a bridge over Frank Reed Road that’s being constructed to improve the safety of the Nogales High School area. There will also be flyover ramps to make transitioning between SR 189 and I-19 an easier and safer experience. This is a two-year project that will involve several different crews, closures and construction equipment that should be finished by 2021 if all goes according to plan.
4. Gilbert Regional Park
Phoenix residents and those who live in the surrounding Maricopa County area will be thrilled to learn about the ongoing construction of a 272-acre public park in the southern end of Gilbert. The $100 million project is being approached in phases with $18.4 million being spent on the park in 2019 and $16.5 million in 2020.
This park is sure to delight Phoenix residents looking to save on fun activities, as it will offer a variety of free, family-friendly attractions. The sprawling park will boast six tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a play structure that’s accessible to those with disabilities — and that’s just the first phase! There will also be 300 new parking spaces available to help accommodate an influx of guests to the area.
5. Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway)
Arizona residents are sure to be delighted when the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway project is finished. It’s Arizona’s biggest construction project ever, and the regular delays are quite unpopular among Interstate 10 commuters. Fortunately, this three-year project is running ahead of schedule and should be complete by 2020.
The aim of the project is to alleviate congestion so drivers can get from point A to B without interruption. The project will add 22 miles of freeway to the current metropolitan transportation system, effectively connecting the west and east valleys. This should drastically reduce traffic on smaller streets and freeway corridors.
While these types of major construction projects can be a source of frustration, don’t forget to consider the big picture. Once the projects are finished, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy improved infrastructure and an overall elevated living experience. With so many exciting projects on the horizon, it’s as clear as a sunny day: the future is bright for Arizona residents!
Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She often covers the latest developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate, law, finance, and investing.
