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| Thelda Williams |
PHOENIX, AZ – The next
chapter has begun in the grand history of Metrocenter Mall.
Officials with Walmart,
the City of Phoenix and Carlyle Development Group – along with area business
leaders – were on hand to conduct a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Walmart
Supercenter. The project represents the single largest capital investment in
Metrocenter Mall in decades.
“Metrocenter Mall is a
Phoenix icon that has served shoppers in this community for decades,” said
Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda
Williams.
“Together, this Walmart and City Council’s recent approval of a
new development plan for Metrocenter symbolize re-investment and rebirth for
this critical community asset.”
Construction begins
immediately on the approximately 148,000-square-foot store on the south side of
Metrocenter Mall, near I-17 and Dunlap.
The Supercenter will take shape on the
site of the former Broadway building, which was recently demolished and had
been vacant since 2006. The Walmart is slated to open in Spring 2017.
“Those of us at Walmart
are excited this project will both help us serve our customers better while
playing an important role in the continued revitalization in the Phoenix
landmark that is Metrocenter Mall,” said Paula
Ginnett, a Walmart Vice President and Regional General Manager.
“This site
is going to be buzzing with shoppers next year, and that’s a great thing – for
the City of Phoenix, area businesses and Metrocenter Mall.”
 |
| Paula Ginnett |
Metrocenter Mall opened in
1973 as the biggest shopping center in Arizona and one of the largest
nationwide. Recent years saw Metrocenter challenged by the establishment of
competing regional malls, changing shopping patterns and the Great Recession.
Now, Metrocenter Mall owner Carlyle Development Group, the City of Phoenix and
community leaders are intent on bringing new life to the area.
In June, the Phoenix City
Council unanimously approved a Planned United Development (PUD) application for
130 acres in and around Metrocenter Mall. The new zoning allows for multiple
new uses, including office, senior housing, multifamily housing and healthcare.
It also provides for increased height and density at the infill site.
"Even in our early
planning, the name 'Walmart' would come up regularly as a great fit for a
mixed-use Metrocenter development,” said Warren
Fink, COO of Carlyle Development Group.
“With our new zoning,
we're now able to actively pursue that vision through the addition of elements
like office, senior housing and medical uses. Walmart is a valued part of that
mix, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood at large. We're very pleased to
celebrate their groundbreaking."
The new Walmart
Supercenter will provide shopping convenience and offer quality, value-priced
general merchandise that includes apparel, electronics, toys and sporting
goods. The store also will feature a full-service pharmacy and complete line of
groceries, including organic selections, fresh dairy and meat departments and
local favorites.
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| Warren Fink |
Walmart will construct the
Supercenter with industry-leading technology to maximize energy efficiency,
conserve water and minimize waste. Environmentally responsible features will
include LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC units and the use of
drought-tolerant landscaping irrigated with a low-flow and drip watering
system.
Once open, the Supercenter
will employ an estimated 250 associates. A mix of full- and part-time positions
will be available throughout the store, including: department managers,
customer service, personnel, maintenance, sales associates, stocking positions,
cashiers and more.
For a complete copy of the company’s news release,
please contact:
Stacey Hershauer
focusAZ
Marketing & Public
Relations
(480) 600-0195
merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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