The city of Phoenix is taking major steps toward growing and revitalizing the area in and around downtown with a proposed entertainment district and expanded central business district.
Last year, the city restarted conversations for an expansion and renovation of the Phoenix Convention Center south building with a new hotel and an established entertainment district. The south building at the convention center is located on a block between Washington and Jefferson streets and 3rd and 5th streets just north of the Footprint Center and Chase Field.
The city said its blueprint for a long-term expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center includes a 150,000-square-foot exhibit hall expansion, about 800 to 1,200 additional hotel rooms and creating plans for the creation of a 24/7 entertainment district, which it said could help create a walkable, vibrant and safe area with a density of restaurants, bars, attractions, street performers, public art, lighting, landscaping, scooter docks and electric vehicle shuttles.
"This really allows us the opportunity to plant our flag as far as what the long-term vision and needs are for the Phoenix Convention Center in order for us to remain competitive in our market," said Jerry Harper, the deputy director of the convention center, at a June economic development subcommittee meeting. "While not only does it allow for the reactivation of the 4th Street alignment, we also see it as presenting an opportunity for a brand new front door for the convention center."
On Wednesday, Phoenix City Council approved issuing a solicitation for a consultant to help form its proposed entertainment district following the subcommittee's approval in June. The subcommittee also approved the proposed Phoenix Convention Center master plan in June.
According to city documents, the consultant will assist with identifying potential boundaries of the district, a market and feasibility analysis, evaluation of land use and zoning ordinances, stakeholder engagement and planning for location, zoning and code changes and an implementation strategy.
The city is expected to spend this summer developing the request for proposal with the goal of issuing it this fall, according to a spokesperson.
The first two phases of the convention center were completed in the 2000s, while the third phase, the redevelopment of the south building, is the next step in addition to planning the entertainment district.