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Arizona Center, Phoenix’s original downtown entertainment destination located at 3rd St. and Van Buren, will undergo a significant transformation beginning early 2017. Acquired by Parallel Capital Partners and Angelo, Gordon & Co. in December 2015, the new Arizona Center will embark on a $25 million makeover in 2017.
Arizona Center courtyard rendering. Courtesy of Zion & Zion.
“The Arizona Center refresh will create a new model for office, retail, and entertainment in the Southwest representing a new era for downtown Phoenix,” said Matt Root, managing partner for Parallel Capital Partners. “The plans will inspire a true sense of place that is relevant and fulfilling for everyone who visits, works, or plays there.”
Scheduled to break ground in early 2017, the project will take approximately nine months to complete. All current tenants will remain open during the renovation. In addition to the physical improvements, the Arizona Center brand is also getting a refresh with a new color palette, logo, and website. The new logo has a more modern feel while representing the explorative nature of the Center itself. A new website is also in development for Arizona Center and is expected to be completed in early 2017.
Arizona Center rendering.
The focus of the concept is to take the current introverted space and open it to the surrounding streets and the urban neighborhood, creating a more interactive and spontaneous experience that connects to the existing fabric of downtown Phoenix. The one million-square-foot multi-use project will create a 360-degree experience that communicates the unique attributes and identity of Arizona. Specific transformative elements include site furnishings, shade structures, landscape, lighting, new materials, fixtures and finishes, wayfinding, and branded signage features. In addition, the current parking garage at 4th and Fillmore streets will be upgraded and a valet parking element will be added on 3rd St., between Van Buren and Fillmore streets.
The multi-use space will be many things to many people. A central hub with eclectic meeting spaces and work stations to connect and recharge. A hotspot bursting with shopping, entertainment, and casual dining. A bustling cultural campus of offices, education, and arts. A place to live an urban-contemporary lifestyle. Or simply, a destination to connect for a day.
“Adding more points of entry such as valet parking, will allow visitors, workers, students, and downtown residents to access shops and restaurants with ease, and will create a more dynamic experience once there,” added Root.
The joint venture of Parallel Capital Partners and Angelo, Gordon & Co. paid $126 million for the 16-acre Arizona Center multi-use complex with entitlements for an additional 3.9 million square feet of improvements.
Arizona Center valet rendering.
Other developable sites on the property have the potential to double the density and vibrancy of the center and may include a new hotel, office and retail space, education buildings, multi-family housing, and other community spaces.
The new Arizona Center experience will allow visitors an opportunity to connect with family, co-workers, and friends to create countless new memories. The downtown destination will also be a place that’s reminiscent of authentic Arizona, but revitalized with the freshness of water features, greenspaces, and parks—a true sanctuary within an urban jungle. New retail tenants may include craft breweries and casual dining, plus additional shopping and entertainment options.
The architect for the retail refresh is Gensler, the world’s leading collaborative design firm. PdO is working on the interior redesign for One Arizona Center and Smith Group JJR is supporting development strategies for the entire property. The branding and public relations firm is Tempe, Ariz.-based, Zion & Zion.
Images courtesy of Zion & Zion.
