Metrocenter Mall Site Gets Green Light for PUD

Approved uses at Metrocenter could range from retail, senior or multifamily housing to office/medical.

PHOENIX—The Phoenix city council has unanimously approved a planned unit development application for 130 acres in and around the iconic Metrocenter Mall development, located on Interstate 17 between Peoria and Dunlap Roads. Of the 130 acres, 83 acres are occupied by Metrocenter Mall, the adjoining Macy s and Sears anchor spaces, and the 10-acre land site of a future Walmart Supercenter . The new zoning allows for multiple new uses. It also allows for increased height and density at the infill site, which boasts the highest surrounding residential density in all of the metro Phoenix market. “This is a landmark moment that we have been working toward for quite a long time,” said Warren Fink , COO of Carlyle Development Company , the owner of Metrocenter Mall. “After several years of collaboration with the city, the community and its leaders, we now have the official green light to redevelop this valuable infill site in a very significant way, first and foremost by bringing in dynamic new uses that will make this a true urban village for Phoenix residents.” Under the PUD, approved uses at Metrocenter could range from senior housing and multifamily housing to corporate office, healthcare and additional retail, restaurant and entertainment amenities. The PUD allows for a height increase up to 180 feet (approximately 15 stories). It also allows Carlyle to almost double its current 800,000 square feet of existing space, to a total of 1.6 million square feet. The PUD additionally includes an amendment to the sign ordinance, allowing construction of three electronic billboards along Interstate 17 between Peoria and Dunlap Roads. “The zoning designation for this project was unanimously supported by the village planning committee, planning commission and Phoenix city council, a clear message that our community is anxious to see this development plan move forward,” said Phoenix councilwoman Thelda Williams , in whose district Metrocenter is located. “Many people have worked hard to move this project forward and the end result will be such an asset in our community.” The balance of the PUD–approximately 45 acres–encompasses land and businesses around the mall loop road, such as Castles-N-Coasters, College of America and the former Sports Authority big box. “Our focus is on opportunity,” said Fink. “We are in active talks with a number of potential development partners now, and will move forward with a balance of creativity and strategy. Our objective is to develop projects that respond to market demand and reinvigorate this land site as its highest and best use.” One of the first projects to move forward at Metrocenter will be the construction of a 148,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter. The anticipated Supercenter will sit directly adjacent to Metrocenter Mall, at the site of the former Broadway building. The development, which is in pre-construction, marks the single largest capital investment in Metrocenter Mall in decades. Warren Fink tells GlobeSt.com: “We will move forward with projects with an eye on what the market can bear. Metrocenter has always been a central feature in the lives of area residents, and we intend for it to continue to serve that purpose.” Other benchmarks on the horizon include the extension of light rail to the Metrocenter site. That on-property light rail stop is expected to be operational by 2023. “I grew up just a few blocks from Metrocenter, which has been an important part of my life and the lives of so many other Phoenix residents,” said Mayor Greg Stanton . “It feels good to help this area maintain its vitality as one of our Valley’s most important and recognizable retail and employment areas.”