(Photo courtesy of Phoenix Convention Center & Venues)

Plans are moving forward to fill the vacant space in downtown Phoenix with a mixed-use project that includes a new restaurant and more.

Five years after the Matador restaurant closed its doors in downtown Phoenix, plans are moving forward to fill the vacant space. The mixed-use project in city-owned property includes a new restaurant and more.

During Wednesday’s downtown subcommittee meeting, Deputy Director Rob Ashton described the concept behind "PHX Commons" as a "21st century community gathering place fostering connections over food, drink, shopping, technology, conversation and events.” 

The proposal calls for in and outdoor dining, a bookstore, pop-up retail shops and a technology living room for meetings and events. 

Architect Hunter Floyd said the location at Adams and First streets could really benefit. 

“Right out the steps of the Hyatt and the Renaissance and the Convention Center, it’s a bit of a desert in that immediate area there, and I think this project could really be a landmark,” he said.

The subcommittee unanimously supported the deal. It calls for PHX Commons to spend approximately $2.5 million in improvements to the city-owned building with the city providing a $529,600 credit. If the full council approves, PHX Commons would pay $716,840 in base rent over ten years.