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Future of the Convention Center South Building Site

​Market Feasibility Study Update

In 2019 at the request of the Phoenix City Council, a market feasibility study on the Convention Center was conducted ​by the consultant firm, CSL. The market study was completed in late 2019. Beginning in early 2020, the Phoenix Convention Center and Community Economic Development departments hosted three outreach meetings to present the findings and recommendations of that study, and gather community input and feedback. These meetings were open to public.

Market Feasibility Study Outreach Meetings 


Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Community Group Meeting
6:00-7:30 PM
City Council Chambers, 200 W Jefferson St.
Parking available at 305 Garage, 305 W Washington St. 


Thursday, February 20, 2020

PCC Stakeholder Meeting
10:00-11:30 AM
Phoenix Convention Center West Building
100 N. Third St., Level 200, Room 211
Parking at West Garage (SE corner of Second & Monroe streets)


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

PCC Stakeholder Meeting
3:30-5:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center West Building
100 N. Third St., Level 200, Room 211
Parking at West Garage (SE corner of Second & Monroe streets)

Download the Market Feasibility Study Presentation (PDF)
Download the FAQs on Market Feasibility Study (PDF)

Download the Presentation on Future Expansion Concepts of PCC South Building Site (PDF)

Introduction

Future of Convention Cetner South BuildingIn 2019, the Phoenix City Council requested public input on the future of the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC) South Building site. The Phoenix Convention Center and Community and Economic Development departments held a series of community outreach meetings to discuss and collect feedback about the future of the Convention Center South Building site. City staff presented information on the history, use and future options of the South Building and site. Feedback collected was presented to the Phoenix City Council in the fall of 2019.

The South Building along with North and West Buildings make up the Phoenix Convention Center campus. In 2002, the Phoenix City Council adopted the expansion master plan, which consisted of three phases:

Phases 1 and 2 were completed with the construction of the new West and North Buildings as well as the refurbishing of the South Building. Phase 1 and 2 was a $600 million project jointly funded by the state of Arizona and the city of Phoenix. 

Phase 3 was the proposed future development of a new South Building and expansion of the existing site. 

Community Outreach Meetings​

Download Community Presentation (5.7 MB PDF)

The city of Phoenix hosted the following community meetings and an Open House Tour of the South Building in 2019:

  • Wed., July 24, 2019: 8:30-10:00 a.m. Helen Drake Community Center, 7600 N. 27th Ave. Parking available at Community Center.

  • Wed., July 31, 2019: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Phoenix Convention Center West Building, Room 211 A & B, 100 N. Third St., Level 200. Parking at West Garage (SE corner Second & Monroe streets).

  • Wed., Aug. 7, 2019: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Broadway Heritage Resource Center, 2405 E. Broadway Rd. Parking available at Resource Center.

  • Thurs., Aug. 15, 2019: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center West Building, Room 211 A & B, 100 N. Third St., Level 200. Parking at West Garage (SE corner of Second & Monroe streets).

  • Mon., Aug. 19, 2019: 5:00-6:30 p.m. Phoenix City Hall, Assembly Rooms A & B, 200 W. Washington St., First Floor. Parking available at 305 Garage, 305 W. Washington St.

  • Wed., Aug. 21, 2019: 9:00-11:00 a.m. Public Open House Tour of PCC South Building, Phoenix Convention Center South Building. 33 S. Third St. Meet in South Building Lobby. Parking available at East Garage, 601 E. Washington St.

  • Wed., Aug. 21, 2019: 5:00-6:30 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center West Building, Room 211 A & B, 100 N. Third St., Level 200. Parking at West Garage (SE corner of Second & Monroe streets).

City staff also made presentations about the Phoenix Convention Center South Building during meetings organized by community groups and organizations. 

  • Central City South Community Action Team

  • City of Phoenix Central City Village Planning Committee

  • Downtown Voices Coalition

  • Eastlake Park Neighborhood Association

  • Evans Churchill Community Association

  • Garfield Neighborhood Association

  • Grand Avenue Members Association

  • Phoenix Community Alliance - Central City Planning & Development Committee

  • Roosevelt Action Association

  • Warehouse District Council 

Fact Sheet

The Phoenix Convention Center is an economic driver for the city of Phoenix and region, and directly supports the tourism industry. In the past 5 years, over 4.4 million attendees have walked through the Convention Center doors, contributing to sales, profits, tax revenues, etc. that impact the entire community.

Download Phoenix Convention Center Fact Sheet (44 KB PDF)


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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)​​​​

The following list has been compiled to answer initial questions about the future of the Phoenix Convention Center’s South Building, and site. For additional questions and/or comments, contact PCCSouth@phoenix.gov.


Question 1: Why are we discussing the future of the South Building and site?

Answer: Recently there has been a lot of interest and discussion about the future of the South Building, and site. At the request of the Phoenix City Council, the Phoenix Convention Center and Community and Economic Development Departments are hosting community outreach meetings to discuss and collect feedback regarding the future of the South Building. Feedback collected will be shared with the Phoenix City Council.

Question 2: How did the City of Phoenix pay for the original expansion?

Answer: In 2001, Phoenix voters approved the expansion of the Convention Center. The $600 million project, which consisted of two phases, tripled the size of the Center, making it one of the top 20 convention venues in the United States to date. The City of Phoenix contributed $300 million to the project from the Convention Center’s Enterprise fund. In addition, the State of Arizona contributed $300 million to the expansion project.

Question 3: Phase three was to include a new South Building, why hasn’t that happened?

Answer: There was no timeline for phase three as it has always been subject to funding availability and market feasibility, both of which were impacted by the Great Recession.

Question 4: What will happen to local event business if the site is redeveloped without a replacement for the South Building?

Answer: If the South Building was no longer an available option, a significant number of the local repeat events could be displaced and would need to find alternative venues with comparable services and benefits across the Greater Phoenix Metro area.

Question 5: If there was no replacement for the South Building, how would the local economy be impacted?

Answer: If the site is redeveloped without a replacement for the South Building, there will be a $2 million loss in top line revenues to the Convention Center. Additionally, revenues from spending by local attendees, convention visitors and exhibitors could be lost outside of the city. It will also reduce the total rentable capacity of the Phoenix Convention Center which would diminish the Center’s position in the highly competitive meetings industry and its ability to attract and host mega events.

Question 6: When will the market study be complete?

Answer: The market study will evaluate the Convention Center’s national competitive position, potential for new business, determine size and timing of an expansion, and examine demand for a Convention Hotel. The initial findings are expected to be available mid-September.

Question 7: What is the timeframe for next steps?

Answer: Feedback collected from the community outreach meetings will be provided to the Phoenix City Council, along with the market study results, in the Fall.


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Reports


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Provide Feedback or Comments

We welcome your comments, please email PCCSouth@phoenix.gov. When you submit an email it falls under the city's policy which states that the email message is: (1) subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Law, (2) is not private or confidential and (3) is retained for 90 days. You may access internet-enabled computers for free at any Phoenix Public Library location.


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 ‭(Hidden)‬ Workroom

Question 8: How ?

Answer: Requests for Police public records (i.e. police reports, accident reports, etc.) may be made either in person at Code Enforcement Unit, 1717 East Grant Street, Suite 100, or online by visiting Phoenix.gov/AtYourService (select the Police Public Records Request button). For information about other public records (including Municipal Court, Fire Department, or other City Departments) see and review the Find Public Records page at Phoenix.gov/PIO/Public-Records.

Question 9: What ?

Answer: Please visit Phoenix.gov/OISinfo for the full study results, supporting documentation, the plan to implement recommendations, and updates on our progress.

Question 10: What ?

Answer: Please visit Phoenix.gov/OISinfo for the full study results, supporting documentation, the plan to implement recommendations, and updates on our progress.

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​The Phoenix Convention Center Department manages several venues including the Phoenix Convention Center, Executive Conference Center, Symphony Hall, Orpheum Theatre and five parking garages.  The venues host events that attract local, national and international visitors, which contribute a positive impact to the city of Phoenix and state of Arizona economies.  Check out solicitations​ for information about doing business w​​ith the Phoenix Convention Center or city of Phoenix.  

Visit the Phoenix Convention Center website at https://www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/

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