The Goodyear City Council voted unanimously to clear the way for a four-story hotel development, transforming a piece of land that has sat vacant for more than two decades into a lodging hub for the city's growing downtown district.
The 7-0 vote approved a rezoning request for roughly 35 acres at the northeast corner of McDowell Road and Bullard Avenue. The decision removes a previous three-story restriction on the land.
Under the new guidelines, buildings can reach 56 feet and four stories. The developer, Wealth Hospitality, requested the height increase to build two side-by-side Hilton brands, a Homewood Suites and a Hilton Garden Inn.
City officials say the added lodging is needed to keep pace with rapid commercial expansion, including the neighboring GSQ downtown project and a highly anticipated Buc-ee's travel center.
"We don't have enough hotels in this city to accommodate those people if that many people come in and out of this town," Councilwoman Vicki Gillis said.
Mayor Joe Pizzillo echoed the sentiment, saying the potential hotels are situated to capture regional tourism from spring training at Goodyear Ballpark and commercial traffic.
The lot sits off Bullard Avenue and McDowell Road, next to Lifetime Fitness. It was first zoned in 2005 and has been empty since.
"I've been driving by that corner 26 years wishing something would be built," Councilmember Wally Campbell said. "So, I'm thrilled to know that we're finally going to be able to develop and get rid of the dirt."
City engineers are requiring the developer to submit an updated Traffic Impact Statement for review and approval before any construction permits can be issued. Wealth Hospitality will also be responsible for building all necessary infrastructure to serve the site.
A definitive timeline for breaking ground has not yet been announced.
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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