CityNorth, is reshaping north Phoenix

A sprawling $2 billion mixed-use project, CityNorth, is reshaping north Phoenix with plans for a new hotel, corporate campus, residential communities, and retail spaces.

Spanning nearly 100 acres, this site has faced a long journey to development since its conception before the Great Recession. Delays were caused by economic downturns and legal disputes, leaving the property underutilized for years.

Initially envisioned as a high-end retail hub with brands like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, the original concept faltered. The site later changed ownership multiple times until Crown Realty & Development, based in California, acquired it in 2019. Since then, the firm has made strides in preparing the land, adding critical infrastructure, and securing zoning approvals from the City of Phoenix.

“Our focus was on readying this site for complete development,” explained Rick Carpinelli, Crown Realty’s senior vice president of acquisition and development.

When fully realized, CityNorth will feature millions of square feet of space, including shops, dining establishments, offices, and a vibrant residential main street. The ambitious plans include provisions for:

3,416 housing units
1.8 million square feet of office space
100,000 square feet of retail
1,000 hotel rooms With building heights reaching up to 140 feet, the project is set to become a defining commercial center.
Situated near Desert Ridge Marketplace and adjacent to High Street along 56th Street, CityNorth is a key component of the broader 5,700-acre Desert Ridge master-planned community. Development is projected to unfold over the next decade, creating a dense urban core for north Phoenix.