Tim Agne/KJZZ

Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix on June 20, 2020.

With the announcement of Metrocenter Mall closing under the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams remains optimistic about the site's future.

A redevelopment plan has been in the works for nearly a decade. Now, those efforts to market the location to buyers is ramped up with news of the mall closing June 30.

"I know there are a couple interested potential buyers," she said. "I know city staff is out marketing it like crazy, and I'm very hopeful that we will see something happen before Christmas."

Williams said the center has the infrastructure and supporting businesses along its perimeter to support several plans, including taking down the mall and replacing it with outside retail, mid-rise apartments and a school facility.

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