In 2019, the city of Goodyear embarked on a visionary journey, laying the foundation for what would become a major transformative project for the city and its residents. Through a strategic development agreement, Globe Corporation and the city of Goodyear set the wheels in motion for a public-private partnership to create a new Goodyear Civic Square as part of the greater area, known as GSQ, with enhancements designed to serve as the vibrant heart of Goodyear.
“It’s a bold initiative aimed at creating a dynamic, mixed-use urban core in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States,” said Joe Pizzillo, Mayor of Goodyear.
Spanning over 150 acres, the journey began with a new 125,000-square-foot city hall, state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot Class A office space — GEN1, the two-story Georgia T. Lord Library, Goodyear’s first-ever parking garage, and a two-acre city park which has already become a lively hub for community events and gatherings.
With anchor tenants like Harkins Theatre and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen already established, Goodyear Civic Square marked its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August 2022. Following closely, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse launched to unprecedented success, recording the highest-grossing opening weekend in the company’s decade-long history. These successful introductions positioned GSQ to become a premier destination in the rapidly expanding West Valley of Greater Phoenix, Arizona.
GEN1, the only Class A Office Building in the West Valley, has become a magnet for best-in-class businesses, including KB Home, Bell Bank, Farm Bureau Insurance, Edward Jones, and the 20K square foot coworking company Spaces. Companies like these create professional job opportunities in the West Valley and reduce the commute for many residents, in addition to boosting the city’s bustling daytime population. As a result, retailers, eateries, and entertainment venues in Goodyear are thriving, enhancing Goodyear’s overall economic health.
As Goodyear Civic Square and GEN1 came to life, GSQ began to attract the attention of local and regional site selectors, real estate brokers, and business owners. Notable establishments such as The Stillery, Hightide Seafood Bar & Grill, Shake Shack, Bacchus Wine Bar, F45 Training, and The Yard Milkshake Bar, among others, committed to the project. This influx of diverse businesses signaled GSQ’s emerging status as a top-tier destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
GSQ showcases a mixed-use design that harmoniously blends commercial and residential spaces. The area has an array of single and multi-family residential developments, catering to a diverse range of lifestyles and preferences. Residents living within GSQ are within walking distance of various amenities, services, and leisure options, enhancing the quality of life for those who call GSQ home.
Goodyear’s Economic Development team collaborates closely with the developer and brokers to strategically recruit high-profile retail and office users desired by the community. The successful recruitment efforts have already spurred the commencement of construction on new restaurant and retail spaces, along with a second parking structure.
“GSQ delivers essential civic amenities and sets the stage for its continued evolution into a lively, mixed-use district,” said Wendy Bridges, Economic Development Director for Goodyear. The project’s success in attracting multiple businesses, along with plans for additional parking, residential, and retail developments, underscores its transformative impact on the local community.”
The significance of the GSQ project extends beyond physical development, embodying a successful public-private partnership that serves as a model for urban development. It represents a strategic placemaking effort that fosters a distinctive civic identity, responds to the demand for office space, and positions Goodyear as a magnet for high-end restaurants and significant private capital investment. The addition of residential housing further demonstrates the project’s commitment to accommodating the city’s rapid growth.
Bridges continues, “In essence, GSQ is not just a development project; it’s a bold vision from Goodyear’s leadership for the future of Goodyear. It exemplifies the city’s proactive approach to urban planning, economic development, and an excellent quality of life for our residents.”
As GSQ continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, partnership, and community come together to create something truly transformative.
Exceptional Business Achievements at GSQ:
- Harkins is among the top-performing locations in the country.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Goodyear was the 2022 Diamond Club winner for New Restaurant Openings, an award given to Darden’s top-performing restaurants. Ranking in the top 5% for performance, it is the highest-volume restaurant in the Arizona market and boasts the lowest team member turnover.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Goodyear shattered a 10-year company record with the best opening weekend at its Goodyear location. It continues to be one of the busiest and most popular restaurants in Goodyear.