Metrocenter Mall Phoenix: From Iconic Past To A Bright New Future
For many years, the metrocenter mall phoenix stood as a regional enclosed shopping center, a bit of a landmark really, in the northwest part of Arizona's largest city. It was, in some respects, a very important gathering spot for folks living in that area, offering a place to shop and spend time together. This shopping center, you know, served a wide area of the community for quite a long stretch.
This Phoenix icon, a once very busy spot for retail activity, is now going through a significant transformation. What was once a place for buying things and meeting friends is now making way for something entirely new, a rather exciting change for the whole area.
The story of this beloved location, from its grand opening to its recent changes, shows just how much Phoenix itself has grown and changed. It’s a pretty interesting tale, actually, of a place that truly shaped how people in the Valley lived and shopped for generations.
Table of Contents
- A Look Back at Metrocenter Mall's History
- The Closure and the Wait
- The Demolition Begins: A New Chapter for Metrocenter Mall Phoenix
- The Metropolitan: A Vision for the Future
- How the New Development Connects to Phoenix
- Frequently Asked Questions About Metrocenter Mall Phoenix
A Look Back at Metrocenter Mall's History
The metrocenter mall phoenix first opened its doors in 1973, a time when Phoenix was growing very quickly. It was, in fact, once one of the biggest malls across the whole country, really changing the retail scene for the city. This shopping center, you know, truly brought a new way of shopping to the people living here.
When it first opened, metrocenter was the largest mall in the entire state of Arizona, a rather big deal for its time. It quickly became a popular spot, drawing in shoppers from all over the valley. People would, you know, make special trips to visit this impressive new place.
The mall was situated in northwest Phoenix, a bit of a strategic spot, bounded by Interstate 17, 31st Avenue, Dunlap Avenue, and Peoria Avenue. This location made it quite accessible for many people, helping it become a true retail giant in Phoenix, Arizona. It was, in a way, a central point for a lot of activity.
In its heyday, the metrocenter mall phoenix had some very well-known stores, like Sears and Goldwater's, which were big names in retail back then. It also featured a movie theater that, apparently, even hosted scenes for the film "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," which is pretty cool. This just shows, you know, how much of a cultural spot it was too.
For generations, the metrocenter mall phoenix was a beloved retail destination for many local residents. It was a place where families would go, where friends would meet up, and where, actually, many memories were made. People really had a connection to this place, it seems.
The Closure and the Wait
After many decades of change, the metrocenter mall phoenix eventually closed its doors in 2020. This closure marked a significant shift for the area, signaling the end of an era for what had been a very popular shopping center. It was, for many, a sad moment to see it go.
Before its final closure, the mall had a few anchor stores that were still open, including Harkins Theatres, a Walmart Supercenter, and a Dillard's Clearance Center. There were also, you know, three other large spaces that used to house Sears, JCPenney, and Macy's, but these had already become vacant. The mall was, in some respects, already showing signs of its changing times.
Even after its closure, the metrocenter mall phoenix stood for a while, a bit of a quiet giant, for more than four years. There were plans for its future, but it took some time for things to get moving. People in Phoenix were, you know, quite curious about what would happen next with the site.
It was, in fact, a full year after demolition was first expected to begin that the building was still standing. A city of Phoenix spokesperson mentioned that the building was then scheduled to be torn down later in 2024. This waiting period, you know, built up a lot of anticipation for what was to come.
The Demolition Begins: A New Chapter for Metrocenter Mall Phoenix
The iconic metrocenter mall phoenix, which was once a very busy hub of retail activity and a true landmark in Phoenix's commercial history, has now, quite literally, taken its final bow. Demolition began in 2024, finally making room for the new construction that is planned. This is, you know, a pretty big step forward.
A special ceremony, held on a Monday, marked the very start of this historic demolition. It was a moment that set the stage for a massive $850 million redevelopment project, which is called "The Metropolitan." This project, you see, aims to breathe new life into the entire area, a rather exciting prospect.
News reports from Phoenix, like those from AZFamily, highlighted that Monday truly marked the end of an era as the first steps of the demolition at metrocenter mall phoenix took place. The mall, located near Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, had been a part of the community for so long. It was, in a way, a very emotional day for many.
Developers and city officials revealed their vision for "The Metropolitan," along with a retail center that will be called "The Loop," shortly after a press event. Almost immediately after this announcement, construction workers began tearing down an exterior wall of what was once the Dillard's Clearance store. It was, you know, a very quick start to things.
The demolition of metrocenter mall phoenix is expected to take about a year to complete. This lengthy process marks the true end of an era for the Phoenix mall, which was, as a matter of fact, a very beloved retail destination for many generations of local residents. It's a big undertaking, to be sure.
City leaders and developers gathered on the east side of the property, near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue, on that Monday to announce the new name for the area. As we reflect on the past, there is, you know, a lot of excitement for the developments that are coming. It's a new chapter, really.
The Metropolitan: A Vision for the Future
The new project, "The Metropolitan," is designed to be a modern and dynamic space where people can live, shop, eat, and just enjoy themselves. It's a complete reimagining of the site, moving away from just a shopping mall to something much more integrated into daily life. This is, you know, a pretty ambitious plan.
The comprehensive project includes several key phases, starting with abatement and demolition, which we are seeing now. After that, there will be civil work, followed by the development of new retail and food and beverage spaces. It's a very detailed plan, actually, to bring this new urban village to life.
Developers and city officials have revealed their vision for "The Metropolitan," which will replace the longtime west Phoenix shopping center. They also announced plans for "The Loop," a new retail center that will be part of the larger development. It sounds like, you know, there will be plenty of places for people to visit and enjoy.
This transformation of the metrocenter mall phoenix site into a new urban village is a significant step for the city. It represents a move towards more mixed-use developments that offer a variety of services and experiences in one place. It’s, in some respects, a very modern approach to city planning.
The $850 million redevelopment project, "The Metropolitan," is a huge investment in the future of northwest Phoenix. It shows a commitment to creating vibrant new spaces for the community. This kind of project, you know, can really change the feel of an entire area.
How the New Development Connects to Phoenix
One of the most exciting parts of the new development is its connection to the rest of the city. Phoenix, just this year, opened a light rail extension and a bus rapid transit center that ends right at the former metrocenter mall phoenix site. This is, you know, a very smart move for accessibility.
This new transit hub will connect "The Metropolitan" directly to other parts of Phoenix, making it easier for people to get there without needing a car. This integration with public transportation is, in fact, a key feature of modern urban planning. It really helps, you see, to make a new development feel like a part of the wider city.
The project specifically includes a light rail station right at the site, which is a major convenience for future residents and visitors. This kind of infrastructure support is, as a matter of fact, very important for the success of a large-scale urban village. It truly opens up the area to everyone.
The thoughtful connection through public transit means that "The Metropolitan" won't just be an isolated development. Instead, it will be a well-connected part of Phoenix, drawing people from all over the city to live, shop, and spend time there. It's, you know, a very forward-thinking approach to urban living.
The light rail and bus rapid transit center at the former metrocenter mall phoenix site will make the new urban village a very accessible place for many people. This accessibility is, arguably, going to be a big draw for the new development. It's a pretty important detail, actually, for its long-term success. Learn more about urban development on our site, and link to this page here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metrocenter Mall Phoenix
Here are some common questions people have about the metrocenter mall phoenix and its future:
What is replacing Metrocenter Mall Phoenix?
The metrocenter mall phoenix site is being transformed into a new urban village called "The Metropolitan." This large-scale development will feature places to live, shop, eat, and enjoy, along with a new retail center known as "The Loop." It's, you know, a complete change for the area.
When did Metrocenter Mall Phoenix close?
The metrocenter mall phoenix closed its doors in 2020, after many decades of serving the community. This closure marked the end of its time as a traditional shopping center. It was, in some respects, a very notable event for Phoenix residents.
When did demolition begin on Metrocenter Mall Phoenix?
Demolition on the metrocenter mall phoenix began in 2024, with a special ceremony marking the start of the work. This process is expected to take about a year to complete. It's, you know, a very visible sign of the new beginnings for the site.
The transformation of the metrocenter mall phoenix site into "The Metropolitan" represents a significant moment for the city of Phoenix. It's a transition from a beloved past to a very promising future, a future where community and convenience meet. We invite you to stay tuned for updates on this exciting new project, as it really does promise to bring something special to the area. You can find more details about such urban renewal projects by checking out news from local sources like AZFamily.
| KJZZ
Phoenix Metrocenter fans get a final goodbye before the mall is
Phoenix Metrocenter fans get a final goodbye before the mall is
