By John Yantis | The Arizona Republic
Buckeye plans to fill a mostly empty strip mall with an expanded library and other agencies so it can improve services to neighborhoods near the central section of town.
It’s not the first West Valley community to reuse shopping centers. Surprise and El Mirage have transformed strip malls into civic spaces to save on building and land costs.
Buckeye’s project will also save money, officials say. This month, the town closed on the $2.55 million purchase of Sundance Crossings shopping center near Yuma and Dean roads.
It was built in 2007 for $6 million to $7 million, town officials say. The center is worth $3.45 million, according to county property-tax records, they say.
Buckeye bought the property from Tulsa-based Bank of Oklahoma, which had taken over the center after foreclosure.
Buckeye’s economic-development manager, Len Becker, called the deal “an opportunity of a lifetime.” The 66,225-square-foot center has only four tenants, including White Tank Justice Court.
“We couldn’t even begin to even come close to replacing or building what we’re getting for the price were paying,” Becker said.
Plans call for town offices and services to fill about 50,000 square feet in the center. Officials plan to move the library and other offices into the center during the first three months of 2014.
The project will include:
