Phoenix to name Metrocenter transit hub after Thelda Williams
A new transit center being built at Metrocenter will be named after a longtime Phoenix council member.
For 20 years, Thelda Williams represented District 1, which includes the former Metrocenter Mall. She pushed for the light rail extension from 19th Avenue and Dunlap to Metrocenter at Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue.
On Wednesday, the City Council approved naming the transit center in Williams’ honor. It will be located under the elevated light rail station and should open next year. During her time on the council, Williams advocated for public infrastructure projects involving Sky Harbor Airport, light rail, buses and streets.
In a press release, Mayor Kate Gallego said, “The Metrocenter transit center will connect more parts of our city and unlock new opportunities for our residents. We couldn’t have gotten here without Councilwoman Williams’ advocacy, and I’m looking forward to the future unveiling of the finished project with her name on it.”
Councilwoman Ann O’Brien who replaced Williams’ after she retired said, “The naming of this transit center is very fitting as Councilmember Williams has always represented the City well and led by example by listening, asking questions and keeping her word.”
Williams is the only person in Phoenix history to have served as mayor three times, each time being appointed on an interim basis.
