Not every parking garage has a story, but this one does. The second parking garage at GSQ located north of McDowell Road on 150th Drive.
Downtown Goodyear is taking shape. The walkable urban center will be a destination for dining, entertainment and shopping. Several businesses have announced they’re coming to GSQ with many already under construction, including the city’s second parking garage in Goodyear Civic Square near 150th Drive and McDowell Road.
The south parking garage, which started construction earlier than expected, will have 525 spaces and will open in May. The developer and landowner, Globe Corp., transformed what could have been garbage into what’s being called — the greenest parking garage in the nation.
“We saved a three million dollar set of garage panels that were prefabbed from going to the landfill,” said Globe Corp. Chief Financial Officer Michael Olsen. “The project they were going to be used for didn’t happen, and we realized they’d be a perfect fit at GSQ. Having shaded, quality parking is essential for a successful downtown.”
Olsen got word of the prefabricated garage panels from Stephanie Fogelson with First American Title who had contacts at Venn Construction and Wentworth who were involved in the project that no longer needed them. With concrete lead-times, the prior developer pre-ordered and pre-paid for the concrete garage components and scheduled to have them shipped to a landfill.
“The moment I got word of the potential to rescue the garage panels, I obtained the necessary files from Venn Construction and called Rich Montague from Ryan Co and Rick Butler from BDG,” said Olsen. “Everyone went to work analyzing how the panels would best fit the GSQ site slated for a second garage.”
The city of Goodyear was also able to make it possible for the parking garage construction to start sooner than planned.
“Chris Baker, the city’s Development Services Director, and the entire planning and zoning team worked quickly to map out a timeline that allowed the garage panels to be saved,” said Olsen. “It was an amazing effort from a lot of people that made this project come together.”
“Corslab was also able to hold the panels a few months longer than they wanted to, accommodating our construction schedule, and we appreciate that,” said Globe Corp. Co-CEO George Getz. “Using the prefabricated panels not only saved all that concrete from the landfill, it also saved 18 to 24 months off the original construction schedule.”
“I am pleased that Globe is getting ahead of the expected development and putting in the needed infrastructure for our new downtown,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “We know that good parking is a key factor to any successful destination space, so I’m glad that element of our growing restaurant, entertainment and retail district is going to be in place to meet that critical need. I think it is brilliant that Globe has an eye toward sustainability in using the parking garage that was already fabricated and would have otherwise been sent to a landfill.”
Nice, shaded parking will complement the design, look and feel of downtown Goodyear and provide adequate space for visitors. The first parking garage in the city opened in August 2022 at GSQ, along with the new city hall, library, park and upscale office space.
Recently announced businesses at GSQ include Bacchus Wine Bar, High Tide, The Stillery, gastropub concept Copper & Sage, The Yard Milkshake Bar, and Shake Shack. Learn more about downtown Goodyear at goodyearaz.gov/downtown.
About City of Goodyear
Goodyear, Arizona, a dynamic suburb west of Phoenix, boasts a population of more than 106,000 residents and offers diverse amenities, including premier office space, entertainment and exclusive dining in its growing downtown, GSQ. Hosting Cactus League Spring Training for the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds, Goodyear is among the nation’s fastest-growing cities, attracting numerous Fortune 500 companies, including industry giants like Amazon, Ball, Boeing, Chewy, Microsoft and United Airlines.
About Globe Corporation
Globe’s charter dates back to 1901 and it is run by fourth-generation family members as well as outside professionals. With a rich history that spans many different industries—coal distribution, manufacturing, ranching and commercial banking—Globe Corporation today serves as the Getz Family Office, a diversified investment company whose primary responsibilities are the stewardship and oversight of the Getz family assets. About 50% of the family office investments are in direct real estate and real estate joint ventures with an emphasis on institutional-quality Industrial, Multi-Family and Office sectors. Globe has offices in both Scottsdale, Arizona and Deerfield, Illinois.
