Phoenix is saying goodbye to the Metrocenter Mall, a landmark since 1973, as it prepares for demolition. Once a popular spot known for being Arizona’s first two-story, air-conditioned mall and featuring scenes from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”, the mall closed in 2020. According to12News, the site will be redeveloped into an $850 million walkable village with homes and commercial spaces, with demolition set for Monday at noon.
In what represents a substantial reshaping of the Valley, the new development will introduce 2,600 multifamily homes and 150,000 square feet of space designed for retail and restaurants, situated conveniently beside Phoenix s new metro light rail station. The project, as noted by12News, had been delayed due to additional environmental work, pushing back the initial summer 2023 demolition plans. Despite the setback, city officials anticipate the first phase of the new village to launch in 2026.
As the Phoenix community prepares to let go of the Metrocenter Mall, city officials and former patrons reminisce over its cultural significance. “I was about 5 years old when the mall first opened. I went [to Metrocenter] for as long as I could remember. I worked there, [got] photos with Santa, hung out with my friends and was also a cruiser,” Councilwoman Ann O Brien shared in a statement obtained byPhoenix New Times, highlighting the personal connections many locals have with the venue.
Despite its nostalgic value, the mall’s fall from grace came as a response to the changing retail landscape, with online shopping ventures and newer centers attracting consumers. Anchor stores departed, and in the late 2010s, the once-bustling Metrocenter faced a sharp decline. The blow of the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately shuttered the mall for good.Phoenix New Times notes, “By 2019, the mall had become a shadow of its former self, as most retail spaces were vacant and few shoppers remained.”
Concord Wilshire Capital and TLG Investment Partners are helming the redevelopment, which overcame financing hurdles earlier this year. Once demolition permits are in place, Phoenix will watch as the mall makes way for a modern concept aimed at revitalizing the site and setting a precedent for how to repurpose defunct malls across the country. For more details on the project and its implications for the city, visit12Newsand thePhoenix New Times.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply