By BEX Staff for AZBEX
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has issued a request for interest for the redevelopment of 270 acres at the NEC of the loop 101 and 202 freeways.
The location has been used for rock and sand mining since the early 1980s by a tribal operation called Salt River Minerals Group. Workable resources have been depleted, and the RFI page says SRMG will be moving from its current location at McKellips and Dobson roads to a new site along State Route 87.
The RFI is titled the SRMG Dobson Site Redevelopment.
According to the page, “The Site is one of the largest contiguous undeveloped properties in the Phoenix region in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Once home to the Salt River Materials Group, the Site’s future is envisioned as a catalytic regional mixed-use destination that will establish a new submarket. The Community is working with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation to explore extending Dobson Road north from Mesa across the Salt River, servicing the Site and accommodating high traffic volumes in anticipation of redevelopment.”
The site is divided into two components: a 147.5 western section targeted for commercial development (hospitality, retail) and a 121.7 eastern portion for commercial development and a potential new casino/gaming facility. A new casino on the site would likely eventually replace the existing Casino Arizona, according to informational materials and a local news outlet.
The request notes the gaming facility would represent multiple opportunities for food and beverage, entertainment and retail providers. It also says wellness spas, salons and other experience-based operations could thrive there.
SRPMIC plans to issue a request for proposals next year based on the responses.
The currently proposed timeline under the RFI breaks out as:
- Pre-proposal conference: Nov. 19;
- Optional site walkthrough: Nov. 20;
- Written questions due: Nov. 26;
- Answers provided: Dec. 12;
- RFI responses due: Jan. 30, and
- RFP release: March 2026.
