Phoenix has a sizable dilemma, how to fill the growing number of closed supermarkets, electronics superstores and mega bookstores that continue to weigh down the area's real-estate market, reports Max Jarman.
According to Jarman, "Empty big boxes of 10,000 square feet or more represent almost half of the total vacant retail space in metro Phoenix," and with areas such as Chandler entirely over-retailed, the problem continues to grow, with no easy solution in sight.
The dilemma facing Phoenix is a result of larger forces transforming the retail landscape, and of factors unique to the area, where "The vast majority, 71 percent of the almost 8.6 million square feet of vacant big-box space, could be considered challenged because of location, age, configuration and other factors."
For the reasons outlined above, it's highly unlikely that retail uses will return to many of the vacated properties. Conversion or redevelopment as offices, schools, or housing are increasingly appealing alternatives to stabilize and revive distressed communities.
Read the full story: Vacant stores pose big-box dilemma
Phoenix announces new on-demand transit service, more frequent RAPID buses
Both new services will launch in October, and are part of Phoenix's Project Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion.
Phoenix cuts transit fares for low-income riders, tables fare-free days
The city council tabled discussions of four free transit days until it could do more research on the economic impact.
Uber and Waymo part ways in Phoenix
The companies ended a three-year pilot program, with Waymo saying it plans to keep its Phoenix robotaxi fleet available through its own app.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history
The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.
Trump is considering data centers on 6 states' public land — some state officials say they had no idea
If the administration approves the proposed projects, data center and data center-related developments will cover 17,600 acres of public land.
Despite court ruling, Trump is keeping nearly all wind projects in the US on hold
At least 110 wind energy projects have not heard from the government since a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's freeze on wind turbine clearances was likely illegal.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello