The City of Phoenix is expected to proceed soon with a plan that will establish a dense, high-volume mixed-use redevelopment project at 7th Avenue and Washington Street.
The City owns all four corners of the intersection. The current Phoenix Police Department headquarters at 620 W. Washington is currently moving its operations bit-by-bit into the former Wells Fargo building down the street at 100 W. Washington. Once completed, the redevelopment plan will include razing the current HQ.
There are two vacant parcels, and the Phoenix crime lab is in the planning area. The lab will remain in its current location.
In January, City representatives and the Phoenix Community Alliance hosted a discussion with community stakeholders and development leaders to discuss possible uses for the overall location.
A rezoning will be necessary, and the City is in the process of creating a Request for Proposal to solicit ideas from interested developers.
The overall goals are to redevelop the intersection and begin driving investment and public interest in the area between Central Avenue and the State Capitol at 1700 W. Washington St. A future light rail extension to the capitol area is in the design phase. Several government entities own land in the area and are considering possible uses for their parcels. The City’s redevelopment plan is seen as a key component of opening the eastern end of the zone and driving investment westward where many of the sites under consideration are currently vacant and considered unappealing.
Phoenix is planning to allow building heights of up to 250 feet and residential densities of up to 218 units/acre at the 7th Avenue and Washington sites. Along with residential uses, City representatives hope to see significant retail development and public spaces. One potential component includes a pedestrian plaza that would be a natural use at 8th Avenue, since a future light rail station will block off 8th Avenue between Washington and Adams streets.
The rezoning and RFP issuance must still be approved by City Council.
Construction could begin sometime in 2027 and finish in 2030. (Source)