After construction of a Civic Square, Goodyear is launching the next phase of its plan to modernize the center of the city.

They will be adding to their 47-acre land plot by constructing a downtown. The goal of the new area is to create a gathering spot for the residents of Goodyear. The city would like to create room for entertainment venues, restaurants, residential buildings, and a convention center.

Joe Pizzillo is the mayor of Goodyear. He says the city is trying to make this new downtown sustainable and easy for residents to access.

“We are trying to build something that is walkable, where they[residents] can park and visit a variety of things, visiting residents [and]retail,” Pizzillo said, “I’m hoping [that] will cut down traffic [and] help some of that sustainability.”

The development is set to be built on 47 acres of land owned by the Globe Corporation, the same group Goodyear partnered with for the completion of Goodyear Civic Square. The square is home to Goodyear City hall and a public library.

Mike Olsen of the Globe Corporation says the square was constructed on time and on budget, even with inflation from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Olsen said, “Today it would cost probably 30 or 40% more than we bid it out for.”

This is because the contracts were agreed to before COVID hit. The corporation donated nearly six acres of land for the Civic Square but is retaining possession of the other 40 acres. Before the city can begin the next phase of construction the land needs to be rezoned.

They will host their first meeting on Oct. 18.