The transformation of the historic Rancho La Loma hilltop into a new cultural anchor for the West Valley begins Monday, Aug. 3, as local leaders host back-to-back grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two signature developments.
Starting at 8 a.m., city and county officials will unveil both the new 10,000-square-foot Litchfield Park Library and the neighboring Hilltop School for the Arts. Located at 5390 N. Litchfield Park Road, the dual openings mark the completion of the first major phase of the long-anticipated La Loma Hilltop project.
The joint launch kicks off a new chapter for the area, combining expanded public library services with specialized arts education on a single campus.
A new chapter for the library
The morning ceremony highlights the official opening of the new Maricopa County Library District branch, replacing the original 5,400-square-foot building at Old Litchfield Road and Wigwam Boulevard, which served the town for 54 years before closing its doors in late July.
Nearly 40 percent larger than its predecessor, the $5 million library features modernized technology, expanded public study rooms, and dedicated youth areas. The design incorporates local history into its aesthetic, including a youth-painted mural depicting town founder Paul W. Litchfield, local citrus groves, and the hilltop’s famous peacocks, alongside a memorial plaque honoring the late County Supervisor Max Wilson.
"It was a difficult decision," Mayor Thomas Schoaf said regarding the city council's vote to relocate the library from its historic downtown spot. "But the council saw the long-term vision for what this hilltop could become—a true cultural hub for the West Valley."
While staff complete the physical move of books and materials into the new facility, patrons are being temporarily directed to the nearby Georgia T. Lord Library in Goodyear until doors officially open at 10 a.m. following the ribbon-cutting.
Arts school welcomes inaugural class
Simultaneously, the Hilltop School for the Arts will open its doors to an inaugural student body of approximately 400 high schoolers across grades 9–12.
The specialized public school blends intensive pre-professional training in the creative arts with standard academic coursework. Campus preparations for the academic spaces wrapped up on schedule in mid-July, allowing faculty to prepare classrooms, outfit labs, and assemble instruments ahead of opening day.
“We’ve really been focusing on the inside of that building and getting kids in that building specifically,” Principal Julie Jones said. “We want to get kids in the right place, in the right programs, so they can do what they love.”
While academic instruction begins Monday, construction on the campus's theater remains ongoing, with occupancy projected for Oct. 2.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
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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