Phoenix, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The city of Phoenix is looking for developers to redevelop the underutilized Regency Garage into a mixed-use development that includes a hotel. This initiative aims to enhance the Convention Center area with approximately 400 hotel rooms to meet increasing demand from convention attendees and tourists. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for August, and proposals are due by October, targeting experienced developers for the project.
Phoenix Seeks Developers for Downtown Hotel Project to Enhance Convention Center Area
The city of Phoenix is actively seeking developers for a significant redevelopment of the Regency Garage located in downtown Phoenix. The proposed initiative aims to transform the underutilized parking structure into a mixed-use development that includes a hotel, significantly boosting the local hospitality offerings.
The site, which is just under an acre, is strategically positioned between 2nd and Adams Streets, in close proximity to the Phoenix Convention Center. While the city has not mandated a specific number of hotel rooms, officials envision at least 400 rooms in the new hotel—an effort to enhance the area’s attractiveness for convention and visitor activities.
For developers interested in this opportunity, a pre-proposal meeting and site tour are scheduled for August 20, with a deadline for proposal submissions set for October 28. Only developers who have completed at least one development of seven stories or more within the past five years will be considered for this project, ensuring that capable and experienced teams are managing the construction.
Project Background and Goals
The Regency Garage was originally constructed in 1972, providing 506 parking spaces as well as some ground-floor commercial space. Currently, a nonprofit organization, the Advocates for Latino Arts and Culture Consortium, leases approximately 8,000 square feet within the facility on a month-to-month basis. The city is committed to involving these current users in discussions regarding the potential redevelopment.
This move follows a previous effort by city officials in March 2019 to develop the site, which was ultimately canceled due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current proposal aims to create a full-service hotel at this key location to meet the growing demand for lodging among convention attendees and tourists.
Competitive Context and City Strategy
Currently, Phoenix offers 4,489 hotel rooms within a half-mile radius of the Phoenix Convention Center, with an additional 465 rooms planned. In contrast, San Diego boasts 7,442 existing hotel rooms and 867 under construction, while Atlanta has 11,727 existing hotel rooms with 952 in the pipeline. A recent study has recommended that Phoenix increases its hotel inventory near the convention center by an estimated 800 to 1,200 rooms over the next five years to compete effectively for convention bookings.
The city intends to present the selected proposal to the Phoenix City Council in March, where a panel will evaluate submissions, rank them, and recommend the best option for consideration in fall 2026. This structured approach aims to ensure that the development aligns with the city’s long-term goals of enhancing its convention and tourism capacities.
Summary of Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Between 2nd and Adams Streets, near the Phoenix Convention Center |
| Proposed Development | Mixed-use with at least 400 hotel rooms |
| Pre-Proposal Meeting | August 20 |
| Proposal Submission Deadline | October 28 |
| Current Use of Garage | Leased to Advocates for Latino Arts and Culture Consortium |
| Prior Development Attempt | Canceled in March 2019 due to COVID-19 |
| City’s Hotel Inventory Goals | Increase by 800 to 1,200 rooms over 5 years |
| City Council Presentation | March, with recommendations in Fall 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the redevelopment of the Regency Garage?
The redevelopment aims to transform the garage into a mixed-use development with a focus on establishing a hotel, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the downtown convention area.
How many hotel rooms does the city envision for the new hotel?
The city envisions approximately at least 400 hotel rooms within the redevelopment project.
When is the proposal submission deadline?
The deadline for developers to submit proposals is October 28.
What are the qualifications required for developers interested in this project?
Developers must have completed at least one development of seven stories or more within the last five years to be eligible for consideration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Hotel Development Sought for Site of Downtown Phoenix Parking Garage
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- Rebusiness Online: Phoenix Development Begins Construction on 264-Room Dual Branded Hotel in Uptown Dallas
- Google Search: Hotel Development Phoenix
- KTAR: Holualoa Companies Phoenix Hotel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel Industry
- Hotel Dive: Livaway Suites Developer West77 Opens Phoenix Office
- Google News: Phoenix Convention Center Hotels
- Connect CRE: Peoria Hotel Developer Closes on Construction Loan
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
