Great things are still happening in Central Phoenix! Since our original post a little over a year ago, the redevelopment of Park Central Mall has continued despite all of the curveballs that 2020 has thrown.
In addition to what we mentioned below, a multi-million dollar parking structure and construction of a new hotel are set to begin late this year. The new art component, called The New Archive, includes space for six large murals that are sure to add to Downtown Phoenix’s vibrant street art scene. In addition, Creighton University’s Health Sciences Campus is scheduled for completion in Spring 2021 and the apartment complex, Aspire Park Central, is also now under construction with plans for 278 units.
Per Phoenix Mayor Katie Gallego, “The transformation of Park Central is a shining example of the power of public-private partnerships. The city, the mall owners, and the construction and development team worked together to create a beautiful, multi-use hub that will serve an important role in the revitalization of Midtown. Park Central will be a model for how modern cities adapt to the needs of both businesses and community members.”
Read more about the exciting updates and view a slideshow tour of the Park Central Mall renovations right here, and we would love to know….. What aspect of the Park Central Mall revitalization are you most looking forward to?
SEPTEMBER 2019 POST:
Phoenix has seen significant improvement these last few years, and Midtown is no exception.
Park Central Mall first opened in 1957 as a regional outdoor mall and was the brainchild of brothers Ralph and A.J. Burgbacher. The two purchased the 46-acre property – located at Central Avenue and Earll Drive – in the 1950s, and it quickly became the hub of activity along Central Avenue. By the late 1990s, much of the mall had turned into office buildings and data centers, with a few popular restaurants included in the mix.
Several developers failed to buy the once iconic shopping center on Central Avenue between Thomas and Osborn roads, but a group that redeveloped another old Valley mall succeeded in 2017.
Now, the former low-rise mall is about to sprout a tower to house Creighton University’s $100 million medical school, a nine-story apartment building, a new parking structure, an arts center to house 400 and lots of outside, shaded meeting spaces. Park Central recently reinstalled its iconic statue, the Sun Worshiper.
While retail and restaurant spaces are still being filled, Valley-based sports bar Zipps has recently taken space inside the area. Zipps joins Thai Basil, First Watch, Fired Pie and Pita Bistro, to name a few.
Park Central is located in a central spot in the Valley, with easy access to major freeways, two light-rail stations nearby and is in between some of Phoenix’s hottest neighborhoods. This area truly shows off all of what Phoenix is to its core.
For more information on the Park Central Mall project, visit www.parkcentralphoenix.com.
