The Metrocenter area is entering an exciting new chapter. For nearly five decades, Metrocenter Mall was one of Phoenix’s most recognizable shopping and entertainment destinations. After the mall closed in 2020, the massive property became underused and no longer served the surrounding community as it once had. Today, the former mall site is being transformed into The Metropolitan, one of the largest redevelopment projects underway in North Phoenix.
The City of Phoenix has described The Metropolitan as an approximately $850 million redevelopment designed to transform the former mall property into a vibrant, mixed-use urban village. Demolition of the old Metrocenter Mall began in 2024 and was substantially completed in 2025, clearing the way for new construction and long-term investment.
Learn more about the project through the City of Phoenix.
Rather than replacing the mall with another traditional shopping center, plans for The Metropolitan call for a community where people can live, shop, dine, gather, and connect. Proposed features have included:
- More than 1,000 new residences, including apartments and townhomes
- Boutique retail shops
- Rooftop restaurants and dining destinations
- Live-music and entertainment venues
- An event center
- A central park plaza
- A splash pad
- A weekly farmers market
- Landscaped walking and bicycle paths
- Direct connections to light rail and regional transportation
A central part of the redevelopment is expected to be The Loop, an experience-focused retail and entertainment district with approximately 116,000 square feet of planned commercial space. The goal is to create an active destination that attracts residents, visitors, businesses, restaurants, and additional investment to the Metrocenter corridor.
Individual builders, designs, amenities, and construction schedules may change as this large, multiphase project moves forward. However, several important parts of the transformation have already occurred. The deteriorating mall structure has been removed, light rail is operating, and both public and private investment are focused on the future of this part of Phoenix.
Light Rail Is Already Operating
The Valley Metro Northwest Extension Phase II opened in January 2024, extending light-rail service to the Metro Parkway station. The project includes Phoenix’s first elevated light-rail station and provides a direct connection across Interstate 17.
Residents can use light rail to reach Downtown Phoenix, employment centers, educational institutions, sporting events, arts districts, and other destinations throughout the Valley Metro system. Visit Valley Metro for official information about the extension.
Combined with convenient access to Interstate 17, Peoria Avenue, Dunlap Avenue, and other major roads, the Metrocenter area offers strong transportation connections to destinations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
A Broader North Phoenix Revitalization
The Metropolitan is the centerpiece of the area’s revitalization, but it is not the only investment taking place. Nearby office, residential, hospitality, and commercial properties are also being renovated or considered for new uses.
The City of Phoenix Metro District initiative is working toward a long-term vision for a more connected, walkable, attractive, and transit-friendly community.
These efforts are intended to replace vacant and deteriorating properties with maintained housing, active businesses, improved landscaping, better lighting, transportation improvements, and public gathering spaces. More residents, customers, employees, and visitors can support existing businesses while encouraging additional investment throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
What Could This Mean for Area Homeowners?
Large redevelopment projects can create new opportunities for established neighborhoods. The addition of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, transportation, landscaping, and public spaces can make an area more desirable and introduce buyers to neighborhoods they may have previously overlooked.
Potential benefits for surrounding homeowners may include:
- Improved access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
- Removal of vacant and deteriorating structures
- Increased investment in surrounding properties
- Better light-rail and transportation access
- New public spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian improvements
- Additional support for local businesses
- Renewed buyer interest in established North Phoenix neighborhoods
These changes could place upward pressure on surrounding property values over time, particularly for remodeled single-family homes offering larger lots, private yards, pools, and greater separation than newer high-density developments. Property appreciation is never guaranteed, however, and will depend on market conditions and the successful completion of the redevelopment.
3127 West Yucca Street
One property that illustrates the opportunity near this transformation is 3127 West Yucca Street.
This beautifully reimagined three-bedroom, two-bath home offers approximately 1,806 square feet on an oversized 10,970-square-foot cul-de-sac lot. It combines classic Phoenix character with extensive modern improvements, including custom chevron-pattern porcelain tile, new bedroom carpeting, fresh interior and exterior paint, upgraded lighting, dual-pane windows and doors, quartz countertops, a custom backsplash, black stainless-steel slate appliances, and a gas range.
The spacious backyard is designed for the Arizona lifestyle, featuring a diving pool with a large Baja shelf, expansive entertaining space, and two RV gates.
While the new residences planned for The Metropolitan are expected to emphasize denser, urban-style living, 3127 West Yucca Street offers something increasingly difficult to duplicate: a remodeled single-level home with a large private lot, swimming pool, RV access, and cul-de-sac location—all near an emerging dining, retail, entertainment, and transportation destination.
The Future of Metrocenter
For years, many buyers overlooked the Metrocenter area because the former mall and surrounding commercial properties had declined. That is exactly why the current transformation is so important. The old mall has been demolished, light rail is running, and a major mixed-use community is planned in its place.
The strongest real estate opportunities are often found where established neighborhoods meet substantial new investment. The Metrocenter area now offers that combination: attainable single-family homes, mature neighborhoods, convenient freeway access, proximity to central Phoenix, operational light rail, and one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the Valley.
To explore homes near The Metropolitan, visit The Grandon Group’s Arizona neighborhood guides or contact The Grandon Group at 480-276-2954.
The Grandon Group—We don’t just sell houses. We sell the Arizona lifestyle.
Development plans, builders, amenities, costs, and timelines remain subject to change. Buyers should independently verify current project information. Future property appreciation is not guaranteed.
