By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX
The City of Phoenix owns a parcel at the SWC of 24th Street and Broadway Road, and is looking for some fresh ideas for future development.
A Request for Information was recently issued on the city’s website, seeking help to determine, “how best to creatively approach a possible future solicitation for development of the Site so results are market viable and beneficial to the surrounding neighborhood, the City, and the developer.” The RFI goes on to state that, “responses to this RFI will be used to ascertain if market conditions support the issuance of a solicitation to sell the Site and if so, what types of development elements the market will support.”
The approximately 12.1-acre site comprises two parcels. The northern portion is zoned Intermediate Commercial while the southern portion is zoned for Single-Family Residential. The site is located approximately one mile from Interstate 10 and near the Agri-Food Innovation Center, Rio Reimagined project, the South Central Light Rail Extension and Downtown Light Rail Hub, South Mountain Community College, South Mountain Park and a large residential growth area.
Through this Request for Information, the city is looking to answer the following questions:
- What creative concepts could be incorporated?
- Which developers are interested in the site?
- What, if any, assistance would these developers need?
- How could the surrounding area benefit from development at this site?
The desired project the city is considering for the property is a mixed-use development with retail and workforce/affordable housing, or a commercial development that complements the surrounding area. “Of special interest would be projects that also address the current “food desert” in this area,” the RFI notes.
Regarding assistance for development, the city states they are willing to entertain a public-private partnership, provide Community Development Block Grant funds, or other resources depending on the input given by interested developers to this RFI.
An informational webinar will be held at 9:00 a.m. on March 18th and any questions must be submitted to the city no later than 2:00 p.m. on March 25th; answers to those questions are anticipated to be issued by April 1st. All interested parties must submit their RFI responses no later than 2:00 p.m. on April 15th.
According to the RFI, “The Site presents a unique infill opportunity to build on the economic development momentum the City is experiencing.”