Scottsdale’s Papago Plaza renovations move forward with zoning vote

PHOENIX — Renovations to Papago Plaza in Scottsdale took another step forward last week as the City Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment allowing residential developments in the area.

The plan, which was approved Dec. 12, allows retail and multifamily housing structures to replace what currently occupies the 11-acre shopping center, according to a City Council report.

Located at the corner of McDowell and Scottsdale roads, Papago Plaza was zoned as a retail area since 1960.

The intersection has seen a reduction in vehicle counts by nearly 35,000 trips per day between 1996 and 2016, according to the Scottsdale Independent.

Reduced vehicle traffic has led many stores that occupy the space to close and have led owners and developers to ask for residential space to stimulate a new customer base for retail.

“One of the overarching themes of the plan for this area is to encourage redevelopment and revitalization,” the report says.

The proposal includes a new building at the site with a proposed height of 65 feet and two buildings which would serve as above-ground garages.

It also includes space for a grocery store and four restaurants.

Aldi plans to use the space to place their first grocery store in Arizona. The grocer has more than 1,700 stores across the United States.

Half of the mixed-use property was designated for residential while the other half for retail.

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