The new owner of the historic Union Station in Phoenix has plans to transform the site into a mixed-use events venue.
Phoenix’s long-vacant Union Station could become a new events venue, reports Corina Vanek for the Associated Press. The building, which once served as the main entry point to the city, has languished since it was decommissioned as a train station in 1996.
Now, the new owner wants to transform the facility into a mixed-use events venue with restaurants, offices, and a film studio. Rivulet Films, a company owned by new Union Station owner Aaron Klusman, has plans to locate offices and production studios on the site.
Mo Stein, principal and director of HKS Architects, the project designer and architect, says the plan includes an event lawn, upgrades to existing buildings, and potentially a residential building, but plans have yet to be finalized.
Christine Mackay, the city’s community and economic development director, supports the preservation of the historic buildings on the site. According to Mackay, the station could become a focal point for redevelopment in the area, much like Union Station served as an economic engine for Phoenix in the city’s early days.
FULL STORY: Once vibrant Phoenix Union Station could see new life
Office Conversions Have Increased Every Year This Decade
Since the pandemic, office vacancy rates remain high, leading many cities to adjust zoning codes to accommodate adaptive reuse.
Minnesota Seeks State Support for Office Conversions
The 30% “CUB credit” would support the conversion of buildings 15 years or older into any use that “will return that vacant area to an income-producing, habitable condition.”
Former DC Army Garage Gets New Life
The fortress-like underground structure posed unique challenges to engineers redeveloping a former U.S. Army complex.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont