Phoenix finishes Metrocenter demolition. See what’s replacing it

Phoenix’s most famous mall is now a pile of rubble. After almost a year of work, demolition of Metrocenter is complete, though the site won’t stay vacant for long. The 64.2-acre property near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue will become The Metropolitan, the centerpiece of the Phoenix Metrocenter redevelopment.

The $850 million mixed-use project promises a “walkable urban village” with housing, dining, entertainment, office space and retail. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026. Once complete, the project will reinvent the once-blighted site into a new “crown jewel” of Phoenix, according to developers.

The Metropolitan will bring homes, shops and restaurants together in one dense, urban-style area. It’s designed as a place to live, work and play within walking distance. The project will also include rooftop hangouts, pedestrian pathways, public gathering spots and access to transit. Walkability is the goal.

And for longtime locals, a nod to Metrocenter’s past will be baked into the development’s DNA.

Metrocenter’s exit and The Metropolitan’s entrance

Once upon a time, Metrocenter was Phoenix’s most popular shopping destination. The 1.4-million-square-foot mall opened in 1973 and served generations of locals. As Phoenix New Times stated in 2020, Metrocenter was “everyone’s favorite west side mall” for most of its 47-year run. It didn’t last, though.

Around the turn of the millennium, Metrocenter was in serious decline. By 2019, it had become a shadow of its former self and closed the following year during the pandemic.

Florida-based developers Concord Wilshire Capital purchased the property in 2023, planning to transform it into The Metropolitan. Demolition began in late 2024.

Most of the mall is now dust and rubble, with only the structure of onetime anchor stores JCPenney and Sears remaining. JCPenney currently houses a self-storage business, while the former Sears will torn down at a later date.

A ‘crown jewel’ for Phoenix

The Metropolitan isn’t shy about its ambitions: housing, retail, dining and entertainment all jammed into one sprawling project.

Its centerpiece will be The Loop, a 140,000-square-foot retail and entertainment hub. The development will be oval-shaped, an indirect nod to Metrocenter’s design. Amenities will include boutique shops, rooftop restaurants, music venues and a weekly farmers market.

Surrounding The Loop are three distinct residential neighborhoods: Terra Court, Brava Gardens and Luna Villas. Together, they will include approximately 1,200 townhomes, blending modern design with community-focused amenities. There’s also Levante Apartments, a 350-unit complex with modern amenities. Housing includes a mix of rental and for-sale options.

The Metropolitan will connect with the adjacent Thelda Williams Transit Center through The Track at the Loop, a landscaped pedestrian and bike pathway encircling the development. According to Concord Wilshire, the design promotes walkability and access to public transportation.

While The Metropolitan won’t offer a hockey rink or arcades like Metrocenter in its heyday, the development will include recreation. An amenity deck above a parking garage will include features like pickleball courts and a swimming pool.

Here’s a look at more artist’s rendering of The Metropolitan.