Death Of MetroCenter (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler: tenants, versus, marketplace)

[CodyW]

I think it has more to do with the changing demographics of the area - Even if the mall COULD be rehabbed in the way that fashion square was (fashion square was originally two competing malls), the demographics of the area would not support a mall of that type. The income levels are no longer there, nor were they ever what they are in the Fashion Square market.

That said, the land Metrocenter sits on is in a very good location. Centrally located, excellent freeway access. Something great could exist there. With the light rail extension to Dunlap and the mall becoming even more of a transit center, we could see some interesting things play out for the area.

Malls are hard to repurpose, and more often than not, end up just being torn down. Might not be a bad idea for light-rail related redevelopment plans.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by CodyW

I think it has more to do with the changing demographics of the area - Even if the mall COULD be rehabbed in the way that fashion square was (fashion square was originally two competing malls), the demographics of the area would not support a mall of that type. The income levels are no longer there, nor were they ever what they are in the Fashion Square market.

That said, the land Metrocenter sits on is in a very good location. Centrally located, excellent freeway access. Something great could exist there. With the light rail extension to Dunlap and the mall becoming even more of a transit center, we could see some interesting things play out for the area.

Malls are hard to repurpose, and more often than not, end up just being torn down. Might not be a bad idea for light-rail related redevelopment plans.

Well, to be entirely accurate, Fashion Square was originally just Fashion Square, for many years, in fact. The adjoining "center" which was mostly just Sakowitz and Bullock's, came along a lot later, and was ultimately swallowed up by the expanding Fashion Square. Nordstrom was originally free standing across Camelback, and then that, too, became connected to the rest of the mall.

I'd like to see something done with the Metrocenter property, but the economy's going to have to come a long way back to justify the complete rebuild that's likely needed.

[desertskies]

I understand this could a be a simplistic explanation, but the dirt MetroCenter is sitting on has got to be a gold mine. Maybe prime for a future commercial use or industrial?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by desertskies

I understand this could a be a simplistic explanation, but the dirt MetroCenter is sitting on has got to be a gold mine. Maybe prime for a future commercial use or industrial?

Yes, but as I said, the economy will have to get a lot better before any demolition and rebuild on that property. Still a lot of vacant office/commercial/industrial properties for lease or sale around the whole metropolitan Phoenix area.

[randian]

Originally Posted by CodyW

I would really like to see them sell some of the empty parking lots to Castles n Coasters so they can expand (if they have the funds, that is).

Expand for what? I'd love it if they built some major coasters to add to that rinky-dink one they have, but I don't think they have the customer base for them. They're basically closed during coaster-riding season because of the crazy heat.

[Desertspiritsteve]

Even the commercial office parks in this area look abandoned. Metro Center started dying right after its birth. Something just didn't feel right about it for me. Christown is the same. There will always be life for Fashion Square, Camelview Plaza, Biltmore Fashion Park, Uptown Plaza. Maybe it's the nice residential neighborhoods some of these are located in. I'm finding that the prices are the same and the service is much better in more affluent neighborhoods. I recently discovered a Fry's "Signature" Markerplace on the corner of Tatum and Cactus. They have valet parking. You can have your car washed while you're in shopping. The store is wide open and clean with many specialty shops for wines, deli, giftware, flowers, bakery and more. Did I mention the eye candy in every direction you look? OMG!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Desertspiritsteve

Even the commercial office parks in this area look abandoned. Metro Center started dying right after its birth. Something just didn't feel right about it for me. Christown is the same. There will always be life for Fashion Square, Camelview Plaza, Biltmore Fashion Park, Uptown Plaza. Maybe it's the nice residential neighborhoods some of these are located in. I'm finding that the prices are the same and the service is much better in more affluent neighborhoods. I recently discovered a Fry's "Signature" Markerplace on the corner of Tatum and Cactus. They have valet parking. You can have your car washed while you're in shopping. The store is wide open and clean with many specialty shops for wines, deli, giftware, flowers, bakery and more. Did I mention the eye candy in every direction you look? OMG!

Are you sure it's Tatum and Cactus? Isn't it Tatum and Shea?

[swbrotha100]

There's a Fry's at 4707 E Shea Blvd (SW corner of Tatum and Shea).

[locolobo13]

Originally Posted by Desertspiritsteve

Even the commercial office parks in this area look abandoned. Metro Center started dying right after its birth. Something just didn't feel right about it for me. Christown is the same. There will always be life for Fashion Square, Camelview Plaza, Biltmore Fashion Park, Uptown Plaza. Maybe it's the nice residential neighborhoods some of these are located in. I'm finding that the prices are the same and the service is much better in more affluent neighborhoods. I recently discovered a Fry's "Signature" Markerplace on the corner of Tatum and Cactus. They have valet parking. You can have your car washed while you're in shopping. The store is wide open and clean with many specialty shops for wines, deli, giftware, flowers, bakery and more. Did I mention the eye candy in every direction you look? OMG!

To each their own. I dislike valet parking.

Christown would be better off not getting too upscale 'cuz of the neighborhood they're in. Cater to the customers you got.

OTOH: Metrocenter still has a good location no matter what kind of neighborhood they're in. But I have no idea how they could rebuild or "refocus" their image to do better.

[grmi66]

Now that Christown has Target, Wal-Mart and Costco it has come back from it's death spiral. But because Christown has those three anchors MetroCenter is unable to do the same thing. It's too close to Christown to be able to convince any of those anchors to build at MetroCenter.

Plus I have been hearing about the demise of Sears for years now, only a matter of time before Sears pulls out of MetroCenter. That would leave only Macy's as an anchor and I would not be surprised that they only stay because they have a multi-year commitment. My gut tells me that Sears and Macy's pull out of Metro within a few years leaving the mall without an anchor store.

Someone will have to get creative to get MetroCenter revitalized.