​Glendale, commercial real estate firm to plan mixed-use project near stadium

PHOENIX — The Glendale City Council on Tuesday approved a collaboration with the Arizona Cardinals and a commercial real estate firm to plan a mixed-use project on the southeast corner of 95th Avenue and Cardinals Way, just south of State Farm Stadium.

The area upon completion could include up to 600,000 square feet of Class A office development, more than 60,000 square feet of retail amenities, restaurant and entertainment space, hotels and approximately 230 units of multi-family residential, according to a press release.

The site will also be master-planned to provide event parking for State Farm Stadium, as well as the Crystal Lagoons Island Resort and Mattel amusement park under construction just west of the project, according to the release.

It could also incorporate a pedestrian-oriented, walkable environment highlighted by tree-lined shaded sidewalks that parallel vehicular spines winding through the development, according to the release, with the walkways enhanced with pedestrian nodes and landscaped plaza spaces that feature public art, accent lighting and a pedestrian underpass to the stadium.

Measuring 62 acres, the site includes a parcel of land in the northwest portion owned by an affiliate of the Arizona Cardinals, while the remainder of the site is owned by the city.

“This exciting partnership, with a true industry leader in Plaza Companies, will create new employment opportunities for the community, draw major businesses and commerce to the region as it provides further cultural enhancements for this already thriving area of the city,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said in the release.

“We look forward to working with Plaza Companies on this project as we create a dynamic live, work, experience here in Glendale that is unrivaled in the region while it continues to expand and blossom as a major economic engine.”

Plaza Companies, headquartered in the West Valley, in the past has created SkySong, The Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center and is redeveloping Park Central in midtown Phoenix from a retail center to an almost 500,000-square-foot community hub.

“We are looking forward to creating a significant economic engine for the West Valley that will add to the substantial private investment pouring into the growing sports and entertainment district that includes State Farm Stadium, Gila River Arena, Westgate Entertainment District the Crystal Lagoons Island Resort development and the many other amenities in the area,” Sharon Harper, chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies, said in the release.

“We know from experience that a strong public-private partnership can lead to transformative economic impact, and we look forward to bringing an innovative development approach to this project.”

The motion for the collaboration passed 5-2, with council members Lauren Tolmachoff and Bart Turner voting no.

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