New Developments Reshape Downtown Phoenix

A series of new developments in Downtown Phoenix promise to redefine the market and create a strong urban core. Like projects in major metropolitans, many of these new communities are focused on lifestyle and amenities that create a true live-work-play atmosphere. Among the projects to spring up is Millennium Park Central, a 278-unit apartment development from The Dinerstein Cos. The project is a revitalization of the Park Central mall project.

“Our vision of Millennium Park Central is that of a cornerstone residential high-rise component signifying the rebirth of the original Park Central Mall development from the 1950s,” Nicholas Weidner, senior project manager at Cuningham Group Architecture, the design firm behind the project, tells GlobeSt.com. “Millennium Park Central represents a new movement to the blossoming future of urban infill opportunities in the midtown Phoenix Central corridor area and beyond.”

In addition to revitalizing a neglected piece of property, the apartment community will also reestablish historic architectural design elements into the property to create a new property that can represent both Phoenix’s past and future. “There is a strong history of Mid-Century Modern architecture at Park Central and throughout Phoenix,” says Weidner. “Our project nods to these historic roots while looking ahead to the changing dynamic of new technology, materials, energy-efficiency, and resident amenities incorporated as part of new urbanism concepts.”

The Greater Phoenix area is rapidly changing. Population and job growth is fueling the market growth spurt, but in terms of new development and revitalization, Downtown Phoenix is the heart of the change. “This development will bring market-rate housing options to those seeking an urban lifestyle experience in the “valley of the sun,” says Weidner. “This project, developed by Dinerstein Cos., along with the other developments currently underway at the Park Central redevelopment site will point the trajectory of this neighborhood towards the future.”

The Downtown Phoenix needs projects that will create roots—and the demand supports the development activity. “Historically the Phoenix metropolitan area has followed a suburban sprawl residential development pattern,” says Weidner. “And while this continues in many jurisdictions across the valley where land is available and more affordable, the demand for more urban living options is increasingly rising. A new focus on urban infill gains continuous momentum for those seeking an urban lifestyle experience in Phoenix.”

The Millennium Park Central has already received a positive response from the city, which is excited at the prospect for more development of this caliber. “The City of Phoenix staff has been incredibly supportive of our project and the other associated Park Central redevelopment projects throughout the entire entitlement process. It has been a pleasure to work with the City of Phoenix regarding this impactful development throughout the process to date.”