The District Retail Project to Open in Avondale by 2028

The 34-acre development will bring a new grocery store and additional retail options to the BLVD district for local residents.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of a modern urban retail development with outdoor patios and green spaces in Avondale.
Developers Pederson Group and Barclay Group are launching 'The District,' a 34-acre retail and dining development set to open in Avondale by 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Developers are planning a 34-acre retail and industrial project called The District in Avondale. The walkable urban development, located at Avondale Boulevard and Van Buren Street, is scheduled to open for business in early 2028.

Why it matters

This project aims to address the area's history of being under-retailed by providing new dining, entertainment, and grocery options. It aligns with the city's strategy to increase density and services within the 356-acre BLVD district.

The District spans 34 acres, featuring 24 acres dedicated to commercial development, including a 99,000-square-foot grocery store. These plans are part of the broader 356-acre BLVD district expansion in Avondale.

The players

Pederson Group

A developer specializing in retail and mixed-use commercial projects that often emphasize lifestyle and community-focused design.

Barclay Group

A real estate development firm known for managing large-scale commercial centers and grocery-anchored retail projects.

The details

The project design focuses on a walkable urban concept, centering public green spaces with surrounding restaurants and outdoor patios. Developers Pederson Group and Barclay Group intend to transform the intersection of Avondale Boulevard and Van Buren Street into a high-density hub for local dining and household shopping.

Timeline

  1. Developers expect to close on the land in early 2027.

  2. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

  3. The District is expected to open to the public in early 2028.

The Home Front

This development marks a significant expansion of the city's plan to integrate high-density commercial services into existing residential zones. It reflects a broader trend of repurposing land for walkable urban retail hubs to improve local service accessibility.

Residents near the Avondale Boulevard and Van Buren Street intersection should expect increased construction activity beginning in 2027. Future shoppers can plan for new grocery and dining options to become available in their neighborhood by early 2028.

The takeaway

The District is set to change local lifestyle logistics by adding significant retail space to the BLVD area. Keep an eye on local planning commission announcements throughout 2027 for updates on confirmed grocery and retail tenants moving into the development.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest projects shaping the local market in our Commercial section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by AZ Central.

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