Christown mall in Phoenix looks toward future with redevelopment plan

PHOENIX – The first indoor shopping mall in Phoenix, now called Christown Spectrum, could get an extensive makeover if ownership plans become a reality.

The mall at 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road wants to add residences, a hotel, entertainment and high-rise business offices. Property manager Kimco Realty plans to ask for permission to rezone the 98-acre site.

A Valley zoning law firm working with the company said on its website that the mixed-use project would be built out in phases.

“This broad range of uses will be integrated into an urban oasis with pedestrian pathways, seating, and an array of open spaces and plazas. The full redevelopment of the site will occur over time,” the firm said.

The proposal points to the mall’s proximity to light rail and the freeway as pluses for adding offices, more than 2,000 living spaces and a 300-room hotel.

“Christown Spectrum intends to accommodate the full spectrum of business and commerce tenants from the small use tenants looking for quality space with nearby freeway and light-rail accessibility all the way to corporate headquarters in a signature building.”

The mall opened in 1961 as Chris-Town, and was also the city’s first air-conditioned shopping center. The name changed to Phoenix Spectrum Mall in 2001, followed by its current name in 2007.

California-based Kimco bought the shopping center in 2015.

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