Three major projects, in addition to a new Arizona State University campus and the $900 million, privately financed CityScape mixed-use development, have transformed Phoenix into a lively center of culture and urban activity, as well as its profile as a major meetings destination more than capable of hosting large citywides.
Following are the details on the “big three” developments:
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix
The first new hotel to be built in downtown Phoenix since 1976, and the largest in the state, the Sheraton offers 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Other features include the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, a Microsoft-engineered “Link@Sheraton” communications lounge, an outdoor pool and sundeck, a fitness center developed by a company that trains Olympians and an underground parking structure that can accommodate 500 vehicles. The hotel is considered a prototype for the new brand design of Sheraton.
METRO Light Rail
Perhaps the biggest news in the sprawling valley, this $1.4 billion light-rail system links Phoenix to the neighboring communities of Tempe and Mesa, and includes stops at attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, Chase Field and US Airways Center. The system’s air-conditioned trains operate 20 hours per day, seven days per week. Fares are $1.25 per ride, or $2.50 for an all-day pass. There are 28 stations within the system, with trains arriving at each about every 10 minutes.
Phoenix Convention Center
In tune with the opening of the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix, the $600 million expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center consists of a three-building campus with nearly 900,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space. The design of the facility is inspired by the Grand Canyon, which shows through in its three ballrooms, each of which features state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. The complex also boasts $3.2 million worth of public art and ecologically friendly features such as solar panels and a water-harvesting garden. Meeting planner-friendly features include exhibit halls with pre-scored floors, temperature-controlled loading bays, outdoor meeting spaces and a food court with five themed eateries.
