By Megan Taros | Arizona Republic
The banks of the Salt River were once a dumping ground for trash and abandoned vehicles. Now, they’re blooming with restored riparian habitats and plans for community and recreation spaces.
One of these spaces – 83 acres between 7th and Central avenues owned by CEMEX, a Mexican cement manufacturer – was envisioned asthe home of Plaza de las Culturas, an education and recreation center where residents could meet to enjoy the rich culture of south Phoenix.
In July, Cushman and Wakefield announced that Merit Partners, a Phoenix-based developer, had purchased those 83 acres in what is the largest development deal in the city since the COVID-19 pandemic.