PHOENIX (July 27, 2021) – Park Central is getting ready to make exciting restaurant and retail changes with a new site along Central Ave in the northeast portion of the property.
This new building will open mid-2022 and will be the host for a new concept from the creators of Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup called Poolboy, as well as the relocation of Starbucks. A second new concept from the Gadzooks team called Green Woodpecker will also be built in the original Starbucks location at Park Central.
The buildings will incorporate a stunning mid-century modern design that compliments the overall design aesthetic of the revitalized Park Central development.
The family behind the wildly popular Gadzooks restaurants, brothers Aaron and Jared Pool, are bringing an elevated dining experience to Park Central with their latest concept, a new Mexican restaurant called Poolboy.
The project will be located at the Earll Dr. and Central Ave. entrance and will feature stunning glass façade and timeless architecture showcased at the renovated Park Central. The project includes design and experiential detail, patio spaces reaching out to Central Avenue, ample shade from the Arizona sun and walkability from mass transit, light rail and nearby neighborhoods. With the existing Willo neighborhood to the south and significant new multifamily development around the project, the new building and its shaded design should prove a popular draw for nearby residents.
The same team, along with partner Mike Swofford, is also breathing new life into the high-profile corner space along the front of the project with their Green Woodpecker concept, a tap room paying homage to one of the iconic tenants from Park Central with its name. The space was previously occupied by Starbucks, and will boast heightened patio experiences with and indoor/ outdoor bar for patrons to enjoy the numerous beers available. The local is directly next to Kobalt Bar and the new Aspire Park Central apartments.
Starbucks will be remaining on site at Park Central in a newly constructed building adjacent to where Poolboy is going on Central Ave. This will be a new drive-thru location focused on the integration of the physical and digital customer experience. Starbucks is focused on expanding customer-led store formats and this location will highlight with the drive-thru and other digital options.
“We felt that Park Central was an ideal location for this concept and we’re confident that all of these restaurants will be successful there,” he said. “Park Central is emerging as a true hub in the central Phoenix corridor and we believe this is the perfect time to become a part of it.”
Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies, one of the co-developers of Park Central, said that the new restaurants will continue to add momentum to the overall maturation of the redevelopment.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with these incredibly talented operators and to bring back the Starbucks to Park Central as well,” Harper said. “Park Central has injected a great deal of energy into the central Phoenix area, and these new restaurants will make it even more of a destination.”
Plaza Companies and Tucson’s Holualoa Companies have teamed up to redevelop Park Central into a vibrant destination, which once was the city’s first official large-scale shopping mall. The companies have transitioned the expansive space from a retail center to an almost 500,000-square-foot bustling community hub ideal for playing, working, congregating and celebrating the arts.
Stan Shafer, Chief Operating Officer for Holualoa Companies, said the new buildings and tenants will integrate well with the existing Park Central property and provide additional options for the community and tenants.
“These restaurants are an ideal addition to Park Central and will help it continue to be a premier location for people to live, work and play,” he said. “The vision for Park Central is to make it a truly mixed-use project with significant amenities on site, and this is another step in that direction.”
The new Park Central includes 450,000 square feet of Class A low-rise creative office space available for lease with the ability to accommodate tenants ranging from 3,500 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet in size. It features exclusive tenant patios, on-site restaurants and amenities, a stunning mid-century modern design, 15-25 foot ceilings, extensive bike paths and light rail access and ample parking. For more information on the project, visit www.parkcentralphoenix.com.
For office leasing, tenants and brokers can reach out to Andrew Cheney with Lee & Associates (602.954.3769) or Bill Cook with Plaza Companies (623.344.4526). For Retail leasing contacts are Brent Mallonee with Cushman and Wakefield (602.224.4437) or Margaret Lloyd with Plaza Companies (623.344.4558).