Goodyear has big plans for a chunk of land that’s sat vacant since the Great Recession.
Residents call it the "old mall site," referencing a project that never happened due to the recession and changing market. It’s about 150 acres, stretching from Interstate 10 to Encanto Boulevard and 150th Drive to Bullard Avenue.
On Monday, the Goodyear City Council approved a deal with Globe Corporation to bring retail and restaurants downtown. Exact types of businesses are still being determined, but a city press release said they will complement two previously announced restaurants: The Stillery and a yet-to-be-named brunch spot.
“With each step we take in this project, our dream of an urban, walkable downtown becomes more of a reality,” Mayor Joe Pizzillo said in a statement.
Goodyear’s goal is to create an open, walkable main-street setting with a bike path and art trail. The project will also include townhomes and multi-family housing.
Last August, Goodyear opened its downtown civic square with a new four-story city hall and attached library, along with a two-acre park, water feature and artwork.
