H&LA’s recent research for a project in Phoenix revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have a major impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in the Phoenix area.

• The Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix recently underwent a $25 million renovation, which has improved the complex’s appearance and its ability to attract and retain retail tenants. Future projects at the 30-year-old retail/restaurant/office complex will include the construction of an AC Hotel by Marriott and a 31-story apartment building dubbed Palm Tower.

• A major mixed-use development called Block 23 is currently taking shape near the CityScape complex in downtown Phoenix. Slated for completion by the end of 2019, this massive project will include a Fry’s grocery store, 200,000 square feet of office space, and a 16-story residential tower with 305 luxury apartments.

• In fall 2018, construction began on a new $26 million Cambria Hotel in the Roosevelt Row Arts District of downtown Phoenix. Slated to open in late 2019, this 127-room property will include a ground-level café, restaurant, and a rooftop pool with a bar and cabanas.

• The Churchill, a unique new retail attraction, opened at Garfield and First Streets on the north side of downtown Phoenix in summer 2018. Open year round, this 14,000-square-foot project consists of 19 re-purposed shipping containers housing an eclectic mix of retail shops and restaurants.

• A new 22,000-square foot restaurant, bar, and entertainment spot called Punch Bowl Social is scheduled to open in downtown Phoenix in fall 2019. In addition to a scratch kitchen and craft beverages, this establishment will offer karaoke, table tennis, darts, bowling, board games, and classic video games.

• Construction is underway on a three-tower apartment complex called The Link PHX, at Pierce and Third Streets in downtown Phoenix. Phase one of this project, now underway, will create a 30-story residential tower with 252 units. At full build-out, The Link PHX will bring a total of 600 new apartments to downtown Phoenix.

• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament recently broke ground on its first Arizona location, within the Talking Stick Entertainment District in Scottsdale. This 79,000-square-foot, castle-style attraction will feature live performers on horses acting out jousting competitions and other medieval-style games. Scheduled to open in summer 2019, the attraction will also include a four-course, utensil-free meal.

• The Great Wolf Lodge Arizona, the state’s first indoor waterpark resort, is now under construction in Scottsdale. Scheduled to open in October 2019, this property will feature 350 guestrooms, 85,000 square feet of indoor waterpark space, an outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and a 27,000-square-foot family entertainment center with an arcade, miniature golf, ropes course, bowling lanes, and an arcade.