Goodyear, AZ, January 28, 2026
Harvard Investments has received approval for Rio 1900, a new master-planned community in Goodyear, AZ, which aims to foster economic growth and modern living. Spanning 1,940 acres, the development will include up to 5,762 residential units, along with essential amenities and a commitment to environmental preservation. The project underscores the economic vitality of the West Valley and highlights the role of strategic private investments in enhancing community engagement and prosperity.
Goodyear, AZ
West Valley’s Growth Engine: Harvard Investments’ Rio 1900 Approved
Goodyear, Arizona, continues its ascent as a hub of economic vitality and community innovation with the recent approval of Harvard Investments’ ambitious new master-planned community, Rio 1900. This significant development near Estrella Mountain is set to redefine modern living and further energize the thriving West Valley.
The foresight and determination of private enterprises like Harvard Investments are key drivers of Arizona’s impressive economic landscape. Their commitment to building thoughtfully designed communities, coupled with a supportive local regulatory environment, fosters robust growth and diverse opportunities for residents and businesses alike. These developments are more than just homes; they are complete ecosystems designed to encourage personal achievement and community engagement, contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity. This project underscores the positive impact that strategic private investment has on local economies, creating new avenues for prosperity and quality living in Phoenix AZ business circles.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth in Goodyear
The Goodyear City Council has given its unanimous approval to a minor amendment of the city’s General Plan, paving the way for Rio 1900, a substantial master-planned community. This development is strategically positioned along the Gila River in south Goodyear, extending from Estrella Parkway to approximately 187th Avenue, and will border the existing Estrella residential community where Harvard Investments is also a key player.
Harvard Investments, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a firm dedicated to creating enduring communities across the Southwest, encompassing residential, resort, rental, investment properties, and commercial developments. Their approach emphasizes a long-term vision, focusing on preserving natural assets and enhancing the surrounding environment to ensure future value. The firm acquired the majority of the 1,940-acre site for Rio 1900 in 2023 for $22 million, marking their fourth large-scale project in Goodyear. This initiative reflects a broader understanding of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and the growth corridors within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Crafting a Community for the Future
Rio 1900 is envisioned as an 1,940-acre planned development that will introduce up to 5,762 residential units. These will include a diverse range of housing options, such as estate residential, various single-family homes, townhomes, and a cap of 1,970 multifamily units. Beyond residences, the community plans feature essential amenities like retail, dining, and a potential resort, reflecting a comprehensive approach to modern living. Commercial spaces will be concentrated near Cotton Lane and Estrella Parkway, with a minimum of 25 acres allocated for such uses.
A significant aspect of the Rio 1900 plan is its commitment to open space and environmental preservation. At least 30% of the site is designated to remain open space, including a 30-acre public community park, five neighborhood parks, and local pocket parks. A notable addition is the 3-mile El Rio Linear Park along the Gila River, which, along with a network of trails, will promote outdoor activity and connectivity. The development’s vision emphasizes sustainability and walkability, aiming for all residents to live within a five-minute walk of a trail or park. Furthermore, the plan prioritizes the preservation of natural desert features, including wash corridors and the Estrella foothills.
Infrastructure and Community Services
The development integrates civic facilities, earmarking sites for two elementary schools and a potential fire station, ensuring that necessary community services grow alongside the population. The prospect of a resort hotel is also part of the plan, dependent on market demand. The project benefits from existing infrastructure, leveraging the established Estrella Parkway and Cotton Road. Developers have affirmed responsibility for building all necessary infrastructure to serve the site, generating one-time revenue through permits, construction sales tax, and development impact fees. Construction on Cotton Lane and a bridge connection to Estrella is anticipated to commence this year, facilitating access and integration.
Addressing Community Concerns through Thoughtful Planning
During the public review process, residents voiced concerns regarding various aspects of the development, including housing density, potential traffic impacts, water supply, flood control, hillside protection, and compatibility with existing Estrella neighborhoods. In response, the new planned-area development replaces older zoning standards with a layered land-use approach. This design aims to provide flexibility while maintaining clear development limits and environmental protections. Hillside areas with slopes of 20% or greater will see at least half of their area preserved as open space. This balanced approach highlights the responsiveness of developers to community input, ensuring that growth is managed responsibly for the long term, a key component of sustainable Phoenix small business growth.
Goodyear: A Thriving Ecosystem for Economic Prosperity
Goodyear stands out as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and the second fastest-growing in Arizona, having experienced a remarkable 59.6% population increase from 2010 to 2022. This rapid growth in the West Valley is projected to continue, with the region expected to see over 50 percent growth within the next 25 years. The city’s 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan underscores a strategic commitment to economic growth through diverse industries, business investment, quality job creation, education, and tourism, complemented by ongoing investment in transportation and infrastructure.
Arizona’s economy is robust, with a GDP growth rate of 4.9% in 2023, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies Nationwide. Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, was recognized as the leading county Nationwide for economic growth in the past year, driven by increased jobs and business investment. The State-level job creation surged by 2.4% last year, surpassing the national average, and the State-level unemployment rate remains lower than the national average. Goodyear actively supports this growth, offering incentives for premier businesses, boasting over 4,000 acres of land ready for development, and providing business assistance programs that include loans, tax credits, and economic research. The presence of major employers like Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America further solidifies Goodyear’s economic foundation. The West Valley is also becoming a hub for high-tech manufacturing and advanced technologies, supported by initiatives like Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) that incentivize corporate relocation.
The Broader Economic Impact of Master-Planned Communities
Master-planned communities like Rio 1900 play a crucial role in bolstering the Midlands economic growth. They attract new residents and businesses by offering a high quality of life, diverse housing options, and resort-style amenities, which in turn stimulates demand for housing and contributes significantly to job creation. For instance, each home sale in Arizona has an economic impact exceeding $127,000 and is estimated to add the equivalent of two jobs to the local community. The State-level favorable business climate, characterized by relatively low property tax rates, makes Arizona an attractive environment for real estate investment, ultimately supporting economic expansion and wealth creation.
The approval of Rio 1900 in Goodyear represents a confident step forward in the region’s development trajectory. It showcases the synergy between innovative private sector investment and responsive local governance, crafting communities that are not only desirable places to live but also powerful engines for economic prosperity. As construction gears up for 2027, with the first homes expected in 2029, the long-term fiscal impacts will depend on the pace and scale of development, promising a dynamic future for Goodyear and the broader Phoenix area. We encourage our readers to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing economic evolution of our vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rio 1900 Community
What is the name of Harvard Investments’ new master-planned community in Goodyear?
The new master-planned community by Harvard Investments in Goodyear is named Rio 1900.
Where is the Rio 1900 community located?
Rio 1900 is located near Estrella Mountain in Goodyear, AZ, specifically along the Gila River in south Goodyear, extending from Estrella Parkway to roughly 187th Avenue.
When is construction expected to begin for Rio 1900?
Site construction for Rio 1900 is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the first homes expected around 2029.
What types of housing will Rio 1900 offer?
Rio 1900 will offer up to 5,762 residential units, including estate residential, various single-family residential offerings, townhomes, and multifamily units, with a cap of 1,970 multifamily units.
What amenities will be featured in Rio 1900?
Rio 1900 plans include retail, dining, a potential resort, a 30-acre public community park, five neighborhood parks, local pocket parks, a 3-mile El Rio Linear Park along the Gila River, and sites for two elementary schools and a potential fire station.
What is the economic impact of a single home sale in Arizona?
Each home sale in Arizona has an economic impact exceeding $127,000 and adds the equivalent of two jobs to the local community.
How fast is Goodyear, AZ, growing?
Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and the second fastest-growing in Arizona. It experienced a 59.6% population increase from 2010 to 2022.
Key Features of Rio 1900 Master-Planned Community
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Project Name | Rio 1900 | Local |
| Location | Near Estrella Mountain, along Gila River, south Goodyear, AZ | Local |
| Developer | Harvard Investments | Local |
| Total Acreage | 1,940 acres | Local |
| Residential Units | Up to 5,762 (including estate, single-family, townhomes, multifamily capped at 1,970) | Local |
| Commercial Space | Minimum 25 acres near Cotton Lane and Estrella Parkway | Local |
| Open Space | At least 30% of the site, including parks and linear park | Local |
| Key Amenities | Retail, dining, potential resort, parks, trails, schools, potential fire station | Local |
| Sustainability Focus | Walkability, preservation of natural desert features | Local |
| Construction Start | Anticipated 2027 | Local |
| First Homes Expected | Around 2029 | Local |
| Economic Impact (Goodyear) | Significant contributor to job creation and economic growth | Local |
| Goodyear Growth Rate | One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.; second fastest in Arizona (59.6% population growth from 2010-2022) | Nationwide, State-level |
| Arizona Economic Growth | 4.9% GDP growth in 2023; Maricopa County #1 Nationwide for economic growth in past year | State-level, Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX 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.
