(Source: City of Phoenix) Artist rendering of how the space will look.Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has unveiled one of his first major projects for turning vacant lots within the city into public spaces.
This project is transforming a vacant lot on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Indian School Road into a 15-acre public space, the largest program of its kind in the nation.
It is a direct partnership between Keep Phoenix Beautiful, a nonprofit, and the Barron Collier Company, owners of the property.
The vacant lot, adjacent to Steele Indian School Park, has been empty since 1990. The property itself was part of the former Phoenix Indian School and served Native American high school and grade school students from the late 1890s until it closed in 1990.
This program is creating a public space featuring:
- Urban community farming supporting local non-profits, neighborhoods and Valley refugees.
- Outdoor educational opportunities showcasing sustainable technology.
- Large public art displays featuring poetry, sculpture and mural panels.
- Recycling, diversion and composing displays.
Mayor Stanton said he also wants to make it easier to get city approval for more projects like this in downtown Phoenix and in light rail areas.
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