Another big mixed-use development is in the works near Glendale, Arizona’s bustling sports and entertainment district.
Dubbed Envision Encore, the proposed development would include apartments, retail and potentially hotels at the southwest corner of 99th Avenue and Ballpark Boulevard, just across the 101 freeway from State Farm Stadium.
The development, which was recommended for approval by the city’s planning and zoning commission on March 27, would mark the latest high-profile project in and around Glendale’s sprawling Westgate Entertainment District. Attractions in the district include the Tanger Outlets, Desert Diamond Arena and popular hangout spots such as a new two-story Thirsty Lion location and the Tiger Woods-backed golf entertainment concept PopStroke.
The city sees Envision Encore as a project “that will complement and enhance the sports and entertainment district,” Senior Planner Alex Lerma told the planning commission March 27. Commissioners recommended approval to rezone the 39-acre site from agriculture to planned area development, along with a minor plan amendment from land zoned for a business park to entertainment mixed-use, which will now go to City Council for approval.
Envision Encore would be a high-density residential development with a mixed-use component and is intended to be pedestrian-friendly. Developers will have to include commercial retail like mini-marts, childcare centers, dry cleaners, cafes or hotels on the property, Lerma said. There is “no associated development plan or end users to accompany these applications,” according to a city narrative, though the rezoning is expected to help the city “aid in locating prospective end users for economic growth and prosperity.”
The Glendale, Arizona sports district site is surrounded by several other planned developments.
A business park is currently under development to the north. A Top Golf location is directly to the east, along with the new Andretti Indoor Carting and Games facility set to open this year. Dick’s Sporting Goods is also expected to develop its new concept, Dick’s House of Sports, to the northeast of the planned project site.
Other mega entertainment projects nearby include the VAI Resort, which has faced several delays, though it is expected to include Arizona’s largest hotel upon completion. Next door, the Mattel Adventure Park is set to include roller coasters and a Barbie Dream House upon completion, which is scheduled for the end of 2025.
And next to State Farm Stadium, another 62-acre entertainment mixed-use development from Peoria-based Plaza Cos. is underway.
By Hailey Mensik – Phx Business Journal
