“Central Station is a rare, full city-block redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the United States.” (Image and quote: Central Station Redevelopment RFP)
In Phoenix, AZ a rare opportunity has presented itself. The city’s Central Station, currently the downtown transfer point for over 500 daily bus and light rail trips, will soon be available for redevelopment. Sitting on 2.6 acres, the city hopes that the property will be redeveloped into a mixed-use, walkable project.
The Central Station Redevelopment request for proposals is interesting in that the city would lease a full block to developers with certain requirements including a guaranteed annual return of at least $614,000 to the city while keeping existing transit hub operations. Importantly, any development proposal must also comply with the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) guidance on Joint Development because the site was purchased years ago using federal funding.
After the proposal deadline, the proposals will be open to evaluation from a panel of community representatives. The Phoenix City Council will have the final say and expects to announce the recommended proposal in the fall. Given the property’s prime location the possibilities seem endless.
For more information on joint development, check out FTA’s topical page or the TODresources.org archives which feature several great pieces, including Best Practices in Transit Agency Joint Development and Forming Partnerships to Promote TOD and Joint Development.
Recent TOD news:
Here are a few things that have been happening this week with TOD projects across the country.
- Report: Public transport as an instrument for urban regeneration (UITP)
- Northgate Mall developers plan partial teardown to build new housing near station (King5)
- Can one corridor solve the Bay Area housing crisis? (Urban Footprint)
- Takoma Park, MD sees progressive future for parking lot (Washington Post)
- The end of my view of Mount Rainier as I know it (The Stranger)