A countdown has started on Park West’s Web site.
It shows less than 50 days until the upscale entertainment/retail center is slated to open at Loop 101 and Northern Avenue.
The center will feature a 14-screen Harkins Theatre, nine sit-down restaurants and about 50 spaces for retailers.
The $250 million project will also include more than 200 multi-family residential units, a hotel, a parking garage and office buildings.
Near the new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, the project marks hopes of city officials to bring in tax dollars from the Super Bowl and Fiesta Bowl, along with other events hosted at the stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive.
"It’s right at an important gateway to our city," said Glen Van Nimwegan, Peoria’s Community Development Director.
At its Aug. 21 meeting, Peoria City Council approved an amendment to the development plan and zoning to include a 10-story hotel, with the top few floors as residential condos.
The building will consist of 200 guest rooms, with 50 residential units for sale, the council briefing stated.
City officials noted condo owners could receive some of the hotel amenities and in some cases, lease their property back to the hotel if they plan to leave for long periods of time.
Ironwood District Councilman Dave Pearson was concerned about fire department access to what will be the tallest Peoria building, but Mr. Van Nimwegan eased his concerns.
"One of their concerns was getting access to three sides of the building (for fire departments),” Mr. Van Nimwegan. “There are requirements for breathing apparatuses once you hit the fifth floor.”
City Manager Terry Ellis agreed, noting the sprinkler and fire safety systems planned for the building are efficient.
“I think this is a very safe building, the building protection is so good on this,” Mr. Ellis said.
Russ Beck, a developer with Peoria Investments LLC and Chevy 33, was on hand to sell City Council on the idea, but told councilors since Mr. Van Nimwegan was so enthusiastic, his input was not needed.
Park West was originally developed solely by Glimcher Ventures Southwest and set to open last year, but technical delays slowed the process and the developer sold parts of the project to other developers.
But despite delays, the project is slated for an Oct. 18 opening.
