CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler City Council held a recent work session to discuss the vision for development in the city’s historic Southside Village Neighborhood and future improvements to Washington Street in the downtown area.
In 2022, Southside Village was the city’s first neighborhood designated as a Historic Conservation District. It is among Chandler’s oldest and most diverse areas as the first traditional Black and Latino neighborhood. It is home to Winn School and many prominent families and icons, including former Mayor Coy Payne and heavyweight boxer Zora Folley.
Southside Village and Washington Street have been the focus of numerous studies and community engagement activities in recent years to address opportunities for economic development activity and neighborhood traffic circulation, while preserving the neighborhood’s rich history and multi-generational housing. The Council encouraged continued neighborhood engagement in the discussion of future housing products.
The City Council reviewed those past studies and community input that have been gathered from residents in the neighborhood. Options to improve Washington St. and establish a connection to Pecos Rd. were reviewed and the City Council supported the option for adjusting the alignment of Washington St. with a connection to Pecos Rd.
The Council learned about the former Winn School campus and encouraged continued discussions with the Salvation Army regarding their operations at that site and long-range plans at the property.
The City Council is expected to consider the adoption of an updated Downtown Region Area Plan later this summer, which will guide future development decisions. The number of vacant privately owned and city owned sites in Southside Village present opportunities for future economic development and housing.
The Downtown Region Area Plan recommendations are consistent with the outcomes and community input reflected in other studies of the Southside Village and Washington St. in recent years.