Chandler seeks to invigorate its downtown

Chandler, like many other communities, is seeking to give a boost to its downtown. According to a January 5, 2015 news article, there are several projects in the works that could transform the city.

Works include an apartment complex already under construction (Alta Steelyard Lofts), another that has been approved, new restaurants, and a drive-in movie.

Two measures in particular, which were approved by the city council in its last 2014 meeting, will spur the effort to enliven the downtown. The first is The Row, a mixed-used development that the city will work on in conjunction with Phoenix's Vintage Partners. The cornerstone of this project is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, an establishment at which patrons can eat dinner while they watch movies on one of eight screens. It also offers a restaurant and bar, and there will be other offices and retail spaces in the project.

The second project is DC Heights, another mixed-use development that could bring as many as 250 apartments, as well as a 10-story residence tower, to the downtown's west end. This project, which is slated to be developed by Thomas Gardner, would comprise mainly five-story structures, with space for restaurants and retail shops.

City officials could work with brochure printers to create a booklet about these projects, and make it available to commercial realtors who will find tenants for the spaces.