Update On The Metrocenter Redevelopment At The Metropolitan!
The Metropolitan Reshapes Metrocenter In 2025
Back in late 2024, Metrocenter Mall was just a memory. Demolition had begun, fences were up, and the bulldozers were rolling. Now, as we step into October 2025, The Metropolitan is no longer just an idea. It’s an $850 million transformation that’s locked in and moving forward. The former mall site is turning into one of the largest transit-oriented communities in Greater Phoenix, with homes, retail, dining & transit in one pedestrian friendly hub. Williams Luxury Homes is here to walk you through everything we know so far, because while we’re not the developers, we’ve got our eye on this project and how it’s reshaping North Phoenix real estate. Enjoy.
Quick Points
- $850M project replacing Metrocenter Mall
- Five residential communities + new retail district
- First homes break ground April 2026
- The Loop brings rooftop dining, events & shopping
- Integrated with Valley Metro light rail
Also Read: The Metropolitan Brings Exciting New Life To Metrocenter Mall
From Mall To Community
Metrocenter wasn’t just a mall. It was a landmark. For decades, people came here to shop, eat, bowl, and meet up. Then retail changed. The mall closed in 2020, leaving behind a giant empty property in North Phoenix. But instead of fading, it’s being reborn. Developers saw the potential for transit access, open land, and community demand.
That vision became The Metropolitan, a 64-acre pedestrian friendly “urban village.” This time, instead of one big building, the land will hold a series of neighborhoods, plazas, shops, and public areas. Everything connects directly to the light rail extension and existing transit center.
- 64 acres of redevelopment land
- Transit-focused design with rail & bus lines
- Mix of for-sale homes, rentals & retail
- Plazas and community event spaces
This project isn’t about recreating the past. It’s about rewriting it. Where the mall once stood, a neighborhood is taking shape.
Housing Plans Now Locked
One of the most important updates since last year: the residential breakdown is set. Five separate communities are planned, each with its own style and price point. Demand has already been strong, with multiple communities presold before construction even begins.
- Terra Court → 144 townhomes, entry-level pricing from low $400Ks, fully sold out, located near light rail
- Luna Villas → 314 townhomes, mid-level pricing starting low $500Ks, already 50% presold
- Levante Apartments → 350 rental units wrapped around a parking hub, tied directly into retail center, fully pre-leased
- Brava → 290 premium townhomes, pricing from low $600Ks, breaking ground in April 2027
- Fifth community → details not yet fully public, expected to follow similar for-sale format
Three of these communities begin construction in April 2026. The last two follow in April 2027, along with the retail build-out. By staging development this way, the area builds momentum without overwhelming the market.
Presales already show that interest in North Phoenix housing is alive and well. Terra Court and Levante? Gone before a single wall went up. That says something.
Retail & Entertainment Heart
The old Metrocenter was about endless rows of stores. The new plan takes a different approach: smaller, more curated, and tied into daily life. At the center is The Loop, a retail & dining core of 116,000 square feet. Instead of a cavernous mall, think open-air plazas, rooftop restaurants, and spaces for live music.
- 116,000 square feet of boutique retail
- Rooftop dining overlooking the site
- Splash pad for families
- Central event center for gatherings
- Weekly farmers market in the plaza
Running through it all is The Track at the Loop, a landscaped pedestrian & bike path that loops around the development. It ties directly into transit, so residents and visitors can step off the train and walk or ride across the entire community.
The Loop isn’t about national anchors. It’s about creating a destination where retail, food, and entertainment overlap. It’s smaller, yes, but it’s meant to keep people coming back, not just for a purchase, but for a lifestyle.
Design & Feel
Developers are leaning heavily into architectural character. Instead of generic stucco, the homes and retail buildings will pull inspiration from Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean modern design. The idea is to balance heritage with freshness.
- Spanish Colonial rooflines and details
- Contemporary Mediterranean accents
- Warm colors and textures throughout
- Shaded walkways and outdoor seating
- Public plazas designed for events & social gatherings
It’s not just about looks, though. The design also pushes connection. Retail patios flow into open plazas. Bike paths run alongside townhome rows. Gathering areas are tucked into every district. That pedestrian friendly setup is intentional. It builds a sense of neighborhood instead of isolation.
Construction Timeline
We now know the schedule. After a year of site prep and infrastructure work, vertical construction starts in April 2026. The early phase focuses on three residential communities. By April 2027, retail construction begins, along with the final two housing projects.
- April 2026 → Terra Court, Luna Villas, Levante Apartments start
- April 2027 → Brava townhomes, final community, The Loop retail district
That means the first homes could deliver by late 2027, with the retail district coming online shortly after. From that point, the area shifts from dirt lots into a living, breathing community.
Legacy & Impact
Metrocenter was one of the largest malls in the western U.S. when it opened in 1973. Generations remember it for its ice rink, movie theaters, and arcades. Its decline was long, but the redevelopment keeps the land relevant. By tying in housing, retail, and transit, the site is set to impact North Phoenix for decades.
The Metropolitan isn’t just new buildings, it’s economic stimulus. Thousands of jobs will come during construction. Permanent employment will follow in retail, dining, and property management. Surrounding properties are already seeing fresh investment, a ripple effect triggered by momentum at the site.
- Job creation during & after construction
- Revitalization of North Phoenix retail corridors
- Long-term housing options near transit
- Broader market lift for nearby real estate
The project honors the past while carving a new role for the land. The mall’s memory remains, but the future looks very different.
Looking Forward
The Metropolitan is more than a headline. It’s a timeline you can track. Homes are already spoken for. Retail is in design. Transit is in place. By 2026, construction cranes will rise, and by 2027, this site will start welcoming residents & visitors.
For Greater Phoenix real estate, it marks one of the most significant redevelopments in years. For North Phoenix, it’s a chance to reset its identity around community, not a closed mall.
At Williams Luxury Homes, we’ll keep updating you on every milestone. If you’re curious about presales, housing options, or simply want perspective on how this project fits into the broader market, we’re here to help. We’re not the developers. We’re your outside eyes, giving you the full picture. And yes, we’re big fans of this project.
Also Read: Large Developments Will Reshape Scottsdale In The New Year
FAQ About The Metropolitan
What is The Metropolitan?
It’s an $850 million redevelopment of the former Metrocenter Mall into a pedestrian friendly urban community with housing, retail, dining, entertainment, and transit access.
Where is it located?
On the 64-acre site of the old Metrocenter Mall in North Phoenix, directly connected to the Valley Metro light rail extension and transit center.
When does construction start?
April 2026 for the first three housing communities, and April 2027 for the final two neighborhoods and The Loop retail district.
What types of housing will be available?
Townhomes in different price ranges and multi-family rental apartments.
How many homes are planned?
Over 1,000 townhomes plus 350 rental apartments across five communities.
What price ranges are expected?
Townhomes start in the low $400Ks, mid $500Ks, and low $600Ks depending on the community.
Are any homes already sold?
Yes. Terra Court is fully sold out, Luna Villas is 50% presold, and Levante Apartments are fully pre-leased.
What is The Loop?
A 116,000-square-foot retail & dining district with rooftop restaurants, an event plaza, splash pad, and weekly farmers market.
What is The Track?
A landscaped pedestrian and bike path that circles the development and connects directly to light rail and bus lines.
When will homes be ready?
The first homes could deliver by late 2027, with the retail district opening soon after.
Why is this project significant?
It replaces a closed mall with a modern community, brings new housing options, creates jobs, and sparks reinvestment in North Phoenix.
