2 Chandler buildings to be renovated, renamed after city’s founder

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-based developer announced plans Monday to renovate two downtown Chandler office buildings and rename them after the city’s founder.

Developer George Oliver purchased the First Credit Union Plaza and the Chandler City Center near Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard and will invest $14 million in their revamp, according to a press release.

The plaza will be named The Alexander, a nod to Alexander Johnathan (A.J.) Chandler, while the city center will be renamed The Johnathan.

The Alexander, a 112,000-square-foot office space, will undergo a $5 million renovation in the first quarter of 2020.

Did you hear the news? Phoenix-based developer George Oliver announced a $53M #DowntownChandler redevelopment project.

Read about this major transformation to the Downtown's large office portfolio and its rebrand that pays tribute to our City's founder: https://t.co/Wu6lW2XHQz. pic.twitter.com/qFCAXwb2pO

— City of Chandler, AZ (@cityofchandler) October 22, 2019

Amenities will include a training center for 60 people, a coffee and juice bar, a billiards room, an outdoor activity and game area and a wellness center with a gym and yoga room.

First Credit Union will remain in the building for 10 years, occupying 79% of the space.

The Johnathan will see an initial $3 million worth of new paint and landscaping, lobby and bathroom improvements and mechanical upgrades.

The 107,510-square-foot office space is already fully occupied.

“Downtown Chandler continues to expand and diversify,” Mayor Kevin Hartke said in the release.

“And the news of this investment to modernize the largest office portfolio in our downtown couldn’t come at a better time.”

Geroge Oliver has also worked on the The Quad and Lofts at The District in Scottsdale and CASA in Phoenix.

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