Iconic Macayo's on Central Avenue Could Be Torn Down to Make Room For Apartments

A classic spot in central Phoenix could be torn down if a rezoning application is approved. Documents on the city of Phoenix's website show a new apartment complex planned on the site of Macayo's in Phoenix on Central Avenue just south of Indian School Road. The complex, called Alta Central...

By Lily Altavena

May 12, 2016

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A classic spot in central Phoenix could be torn down if a rezoning application is approved.

Documents on the city of Phoenix's website show a new apartment complex planned on the site of Macayo's in Phoenix on Central Avenue just south of Indian School Road.

The complex, called Alta Central in the documents, comes from Wood Partners, a development firm headquartered in Atlanta that also has an office in Phoenix. Nicholas Wood, an attorney representing Wood Partners, says if the rezoning application is approved and the complex is confirmed, Macayo's will be torn down.

A spokesperson from Macayo's said the following in an e-mail to New Times on Thursday morning:

“Rest assured, we intend to move to the south side of Indianola off Central but cannot comment on the specific timing and details of the project yet.”

Macayo's opened its Central Avenue location in 1952. It was the first-ever Macayo's restaurant, though the founders opened Woody's El Nido on McDowell Road in 1946. Macayo's founder Woody Johnson is rumored to have invented the chimichanga, but the deep-fried burrito's origins are disputed.

Plans on the city of Phoenix's website show a modern-looking apartment complex, including a central courtyard, pool, and a parking lot.

A planning commission hearing is set for June 6 at 6 p.m. at the City of Phoenix council chambers on 200 West Jefferson Street.

Editor's Note: This post has been updated to include a statement from Macayo's restaurant.

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