(Photo courtesy of Phoenix Convention Center & Venues)

PHX Commons will bring in and outdoor dining, a bookstore, pop-up retail shops and a technology living room for meetings and events.

A new chapter is underway to revitalize a key corner in downtown Phoenix.

It’s technically the base of the Regency Garage but most people know it as the former Matador Restaurant. It’s one of the first things people see when they walk out of the Convention Center at Adams and First Streets and it’s sat empty for five years.

But, on Wednesday, council members unanimously voted to change that by approving a project that will bring in and outdoor dining, a bookstore, pop-up retail shops and a technology living room for meetings and events.

Sheila Kloefkorn runs a marketing agency just down the street. She told council members, “My employees, I know, will be very excited to have this opportunity. It’s a great bringing together of technology and local food. It’s going to create a great community and add to the flavor of our downtown city.”  

The project, called PHX Commons is the vision of local consultant Rhonda Bannard who serves as managing partner and Mark Howard, owner of FEZ and Bliss ReBAR and Ross Simon and Bob Tam, co-owners of Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour. PHX Commons is expected to open next year.

The deal 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. Over the 10 year lease, PHX Commons will pay $716,840 in base rent. 

Courtesy of Phoenix Convention Center & Venues.