Across Arizona, traditional shopping centers are undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once defined by anchor department stores and long corridors of retail chains, many malls and plazas are now being reimagined as vibrant, mixed-use destinations built around experiences rather than just transactions.
The driving force behind this shift is the changing nature of consumer behavior. Shoppers increasingly prefer places that offer entertainment, dining, and community activities alongside retail. In response, developers are repurposing aging properties into spaces where people can live, work, shop, and play — all in one location.
Projects like the redevelopment of Paradise Valley Mall into PV, Park Central’s revival as a medical and innovation hub, and the transformation of the former Los Arcos mall into SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center illustrate this. These projects integrate restaurants, entertainment venues, fitness centers, coworking spaces, residential units, and even healthcare facilities. The result is a diversified environment that generates consistent foot traffic throughout the day and appeals to multiple demographics.
Experiential concepts — such as rooftop dining, artisan markets, immersive art installations, and fitness or wellness studios — are key to drawing visitors who want more than just a shopping trip. For landlords and investors, these features not only enhance the customer experience but also create opportunities for longer visits, higher spending, and tenant diversity.
Importantly, mixed-use redevelopment often revitalizes surrounding neighborhoods. By replacing vacant retail space with active, well-designed environments, these projects can spur additional commercial investment, improve public spaces, and boost property values.
Arizona’s retail landscape is no longer about square footage alone — it’s about creating dynamic destinations that reflect how people want to spend their time. In this new era, the most successful redevelopments will be those that seamlessly combine shopping with culture, community, and convenience.
PLAZA COMPANIES IS THE PREMIER CHOICE IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
