By Phil Riske | Managing Editor
The Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission a week ago unanimously approved a rezoning request from AZSourcing, the builder of the PhoenixMart global resource center.
As part of the request, the overall massive project would be named NALTEC, which stands for North American Logistics Trade and E-commerce City. Commissioner Fred Tucker told Rose Law Group Reporter the name PhoenixMart will apply only to 1.6 million square feet of sourcing center exhibition space.
The rezoning and new name must be approved by the Casa Grande City Council.
Rose Law Group Reporter asked Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson if he would prefer the project be named Casa Grande Mart?
“Not really a fair question,” he replied. “I understand the name meaning, and while we have had several discussions about the name, I accept that Az Sourcing can name the development in any manner they wish.”
City Councilman Dick Powell said, “I love our community and, of course, would like to have Casa Grande used, but I understand why they named it the PhoenixMart. They project much of their business to be international in nature, and Phoenix is a recognized name and location worldwide.”
Councilman Karl Montoya: “As always we would like a ‘Casa Grande’ identifier with such a big project, but we discussed this early in the process and understand ‘Phoenix’ has a certain meaning to the group.”
Councilman Matt Herman: “My biggest objection many years ago when I first heard about the project was the name Phoenix. It is akin to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. I would prefer Casa Grande Mart or something else like Casa Grande International Commerce Center.”
The rezoning applies to 585 acres located generally north of Florence Boulevard/SR 287, south of Cottonwood Lane, between Evans Road alignment and La Brea Street alignment.
AzSourcing is proposing nearly two-dozen changes to its development plan, among them, reducing the number of residential units from 993 to 855, modifying landscaping and adjusting the natural gas easement to keep the property current with trends and market demands.
Currently, 475 acres are classified as commerce and business and the remaining 110 acres as neighborhoods.
The project, five years in the planning stages, broke ground last November and is expected to be completed next year.
