Downtown Phoenix Activity Report

Investment, Skyline Soar in Phoenix Urban Core

With multiple large-scale public and private projects being built in downtown Phoenix, will it finally be enough for the city to reach its long-sought 'critical mass'?

You’ve heard it before: Phoenix is growing at a phenomenal pace.

But in a refreshing twist, much of that growth is occurring in the city’s downtown urban core instead of sprawling further into the surrounding desert.

Downtown Phoenix is rising again. Projects visible include: Sheraton Hotel, ASU’s College of Nursing Phase II, One Central Park East, Taylor Place and the Cronkite School of Journalism.

Photo by Patti Reznik Photography

The list of projects is as impressive as it is varied: the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel and 44 Monroe are speeding towards completion. The Phoenix Convention Center’s second phase already provides much needed shade to downtown streets with its massive hulk. CityScape and One Central Park East add needed office space and amenities.

Numerous Arizona State University buildings are nearing completion, including the Cronkite School of Journalism and Taylor Place. A new crop is just starting, including DPR Construction Inc.’s second phase of the ASU College of Nursing. These new campus buildings will be interspersed with new parks and streetscapes to entice more pedestrian traffic.

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And of course there is the METRO, with multiple stations throughout the downtown core intending to provide ample easy access to visitors, residents and workers. With METRO’s scheduled opening this December and many other buildings coming online around this same time, Phoenix officials will finally know for sure whether Phoenix has finally reached critical mass in the rebirth of its downtown core. With an economic downturn poised to slow construction activity, Phoenicians hope it does.

According to McGraw-Hill Construction, construction starts in April were down 44% over last year in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area, and down year-to-date by 46% with a total of $1.4 billion. As a result, it is unlikely we’ll see this much activity concentrated upon downtown Phoenix in the near future.

Phoenix Developer of the Year: RED Development >>

Cronkite School of Journalism >>

One Central Park East >>

Taylor Place >>

Hotel Monroe >>

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