On Monday, April 5, 2021, City of Avondale broke ground on a significant capital project that will be a showpiece at The BLVD, an exciting new development along Avondale Boulevard. City officials were joined by Willmeng Construction Inc., a Phoenix-based commercial general contractor, and J2 Engineering & Environmental Design for a virtual groundbreaking ceremony on the new water features project at the corner of Avondale Blvd. and W. Dale Earnhardt Dr., in Avondale.

READ ALSO: Phoenix Children’s will build new clinic in Avondale

“This has been a long-time vision of the City Council and leadership,” said Kenn Weise, Avondale Mayor. “I was honored to have been on a previous City Council that set the wheels in motion for the long-range plans for the area then known as City Center. Avondale has come a long way, and today, The BLVD is poised to attract the quality development and investment that will make Avondale a premier destination in Valley.”

In October of 2020, Avondale City Council approved the plans for The BLVD Water Features project, featuring water features for the community to enjoy. The project includes two signature entrance water features, a one-acre lake, koi pond, splash pad, pedestrian bridges, and inviting landscaping.

“Willmeng is grateful to be entrusted by the City of Avondale to construct The BLVD Water Features project. This project sets the tone for the exciting development that will occur within this vital economic corridor in the months and years ahead,” said James Murphy, Willmeng CEO. “It has been an exceptional experience working closely with our design partner, J2 Engineering & Environmental Design, and the City of Avondale team to take this project from concept to construction. We look forward to doing our part in delivering this vision for Avondale to enjoy.”

Once completed in August of 2021, the public oasis at The BLVD will consist of more than 5.5-acres of space that will set the stage for future development within the Park Avenue District. The project is expected to cost $4.8 million dollars, to include all the entry water features.

“J2 is very excited to be a partner with the City of Avondale and Willmeng Construction on the BLVD enhancements,” said Jeff Velasquez, Vice President, Principal Landscape Architect at J2 Engineering & Environmental Design. “The iconic entry monument water features and destination lake zone will be outstanding additions to the BLVD’s long-term live-work-play environment. These signature features will help to enhance the economic development potential for this core area for years to come.”

To watch a video of the groundbreaking ceremony, view it from Avondale’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKbVVW-TMn8

To learn more about The BLVD, contact the Avondale Local EDGE; an initiative of the Avondale Office of Economic Development. Follow Avondale EDGE at @AvondaleEDGE, visit the website, AvondaleLocalEDGE.com or call 623-333-1400.