AVONDALE, Ariz. — With more than two million visitors each year, the BLVD in Avondale is becoming one place that's growing in popularity. Officials are taking note and doing what they can to turn it into an area that's unlike any other place in the West Valley.
"Avondale is in the center of so much growth right now," said the Avondale Economic Development Director, Jennifer Stein.
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The concept of what the BLVD would become has been a work in progress for many years. Recently, the city has really begun focusing on turning their vision into a reality.
"The concept used to be called City Center and it started almost 20 years ago now," said the Avondale Assistant Economic Development Director, Cheryl Covert. "But as the community was growing and the economy was evolving, if you will in Avondale, we had to look at the concept and just change it a little bit."
The BLVD is less than a mile long and is located primarily between West Van Buren Street and Interstate 10. It sees more than two million visitors each year which is why it's such a big focus for the city. The hope is to turn this stretch of land into a walkable, unique destination for visitors.
"The goal of the BLVD, in general, is really to be a unique place that's not seen anywhere else in the West Valley," Covert said. "The city has done a ton of investments."
Work began about four years ago, but has since really ramped up. No matter the day, drivers can see construction workers, cones and equipment lining Avondale Boulevard. Plans include more than 2,000 multi-family housing units that are expected to be complete by next year. Restaurants, shops, eateries, entertainment and recreation are also in the planning/construction phases. The change is noticeable, especially for those who work in the area.
"Honestly, just seeing the growth is insane," Tori Maurer said. "Going from last July when people were trickling in here and now the cafe is constantly busy."
Maurer works at the New Penny Cafe. The restaurant opened more than 18 months ago and has quickly made a name for itself in the BLVD.
"It's owned by three women, two of them started a coffee shop out in Goodyear," General Manager Kayla Crone said. "They got together and this is their baby. It's been great, we're thriving. Especially with everything coming up around us we're getting busier."
With all the construction happening around them, they're hopeful it'll bring more customers but also more local, small businesses to the area as well.
"It's going to be growing quickly and rapidly," Crone said. "I've lived in Buckeye. I was out there before anything was out there and to see it growing it's all growing at the same rate. Arizona is a great place to be."
"I'm an Arizona native," Maurer said. "I've been here 27 years specifically in the West Valley so it's awesome to see the growth and so quickly. It's not just Avondale, it's Goodyear, Surprise, Buckeye, everywhere is growing exponentially in the West Valley and it's exciting to see all these businesses. Especially the small businesses is really cool to see."
City officials believe its unique location near Interstate 10 as well as an increase in the median household income are what's driving developers to want to come to the area. The city says it's not pumping the brakes anytime soon.
"It's almost like it's this gem people can now discover," Stein says. "It's really putting Avondale on the map, this is a great development and project that's showing people there are great experiences and great restaurants and we're in the center of it all."
More information about this project can be found here.
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