Groundbreaking Signals Beginning of New Papago Plaza


Article originally posted on HERE on February 4, 2020

The new Papago Plaza, a planned urban mixed-use lifestyle community at the southwest corner of Scottsdale and McDowell Roads, broke ground on Dec. 5.

Papago Plaza will replace the iconic, Pueblo-style Papago Plaza retail center, originally built in 1962 and renovated to its current design in 1988. Slated for completion in fall 2020, the project serves as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the South Scottsdale Corridor, representing Scottsdale’s new urban gateway and a significant boost to the area’s revitalization and economy.

Upon completion, Papago Plaza will feature a community gathering place for entertainment, dining and retail including specialty restaurants and a grocer, Alliance Residential luxury apartment homes and a SpringHill Suites hotel designed in an orchard-like setting, according to a press release.

Real estate veteran, Lee Mashburn, president of Pivot Development of Scottsdale — developer of Papago Plaza — is known for improving older prime areas into thriving urban lifestyle communities.

Mr. Mashburn was responsible for rezoning and entitling the Scottsdale Waterfront mixed-use retail community located along Camelback Road, across from Scottsdale Fashion Square. The construction of this iconic redevelopment included the negotiation of the location for the first Nordstrom department store in Arizona.

The new Papago Plaza will feature an adaptive re-use design of natural elements including brick, stone and wood with a mid-century modern aesthetic. The retail development will include art murals, neighborhood gathering areas for events, a common heavily-landscaped park area with full service Wi-Fi, fountains, benches and child-friendly water feature.

Located just south of Old Town Scottsdale, Papago Plaza will capitalize on its Scottsdale Road frontage across the street from SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center featuring a hub for companies that have a focus on innovation and technology.

Architect of Papago Plaza is Nelsen Partners of Scottsdale, with lead architect, Jeff Brand, a neighbor of Papago Plaza who is significantly interested in the outcome of the project. The architectural firm designed Kierland Commons of Phoenix and the Scottsdale Quarter, and assisted Mr. Mashburn in his Scottsdale Waterfront efforts.

A 39-year retail expert, Judi Butterworth, senior vice president of Orion Investment Real Estate is handling the retail leasing for Papago Plaza.