Glendale mixed-use project Envision Encore clears City Council hurdle
A major rezoning decision by Glendale City Council paves the way for high-density housing and commercial space near popular attractions.
Story Highlights Glendale City Council approved rezoning for "Envision Encore" project
Project includes high-density housing, commercial uses and potential hotels
A Worker Power representative expressed concerns about hotels, affordable housing
A new mixed-use project in Glendale passed its first hurdle with City Council Tuesday.
Council approved the rezoning of a 39-acre site just across the I-10 from State Farm Stadium for a project dubbed 'Envision Encore,' which is set to include high-density multifamily housing, commercial uses and potentially hotels.
The project does not yet have a developer associated with it. The property owner is Porter Fields LLC, which traces to an address in Yuma, according to Maricopa County records. The applicant for the rezoning was the city of Glendale.
During the April 22 Council meeting, a representative from social welfare organization Worker Power expressed concerns with the hotel aspect and lack of affordable housing in the city.
'We question the proposed inclusion of hotels. Why not keep the commercial development related to services that residents will directly benefit from, like the mentioned cafes and daycare centers, and maximize the amount of housing for the community," said Margaret Schultz with Worker Power.
Worker Power has been politically active in the Phoenix area for the past few years, leading opposition to projects such as the VAI Resort and the arena development efforts from the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes hockey team.
Sought-after site near other Glendale attractions
On March 27, Glendale's planning and zoning commission recommended that Council rezone the site at the southwest corner of 99th Avenue and Ballpark Boulevard from agriculture to planned area development, along with a minor plan amendment from land zoned for a business park to entertainment mixed-use.
The city envisions the mixed-use project as one 'that will complement and enhance the sports and entertainment district,' Senior Planner Alex Lerma told the planning commission.
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 site is also 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 month. 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 but 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.
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