ECOPHX: A Snapshot of Downtown’s Ground Floor Retail

Habitat Metro’s ECOPHX is creating a foothold as a community gathering spot within the Roosevelt Historic District.

As Downtown Phoenix continues to evolve with more urban staples, like residential housing and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, Habitat Metro’s signature touch will help draw customers to its residential developments through thoughtfully curated ground-floor retail.

When Habitat completed the 70-unit residential project in early June, it boasted a plethora of innovative green features, such as rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, and even a car-share program for residents, true to its name.

However, they hope the design by CCBG Architects will attract foot traffic and customers through its five 300-square-foot micro retail suites facing 3rd Avenue and one traditional 2,000-square-foot retail unit on Roosevelt Street.

“Our goal was to create a community environment that would integrate to become part of the neighborhood. We felt active retail that created regular trips to the property was key to achieving that goal,” said Tim Sprague, Habitat Metro’s Owner and Principal. “We followed the time-tested, urban retail concept of walk shops where you can purchase a pastry or a bouquet.”

For now, Proof Bread and Cataleya’s Nail Salon and Boutique operate within their units. Discussions to occupy the other three suites with well-known local businesses are ongoing.

Their bet that people will come if they lease the retail space is beginning to pay off, even in the escalating summer heat.

“It is amazing how quickly the neighborhood has adopted Proof Bread,” said Sprague. “Even in the heat of 100-degree days, folks regularly line up for bread and pastries.”

For the retailers who have already moved in, Sprague and fellow Habitat Metro principal John Hill provided a “sustainability meets culture and commerce” approach for the tenants.

“Cataleya’s Boutique found its home not just because of location, but because of its alignment in purpose and energy,” said Carol Missett, Cataleya’s Nail Salon and Boutique owner. “Their [Habitat Metro’s] support throughout this process has been powerful and constant, and as a first-generation Latina business owner navigating entrepreneurship, that kind of backing means everything.”

Habitat’s commitment to actively integrating connections for residents and visitors to the neighborhood reflects the firm’s status as a local Roosevelt Neighborhood stakeholder. In the last two decades, Sprague has served as a catalyst for forming Hance Park Conservancy and played an active role in Roosevelt Action Association, Downtown Voices Coalition, and Phoenix Community Alliance, as the Hance Park Fundraising Committee co-chair.

In that time, Habitat also developed Portland Place, Portland on the Park, and the redevelopment of the FOUND:RE Hotel.

Despite being a sure-fire strategy to generate more pedestrian activity in the neighborhood, ground-floor retail integrations in developments are still somewhat of a rarity throughout Downtown.

Inside Phoenix Community Alliance’s (PCA) Central City Planning & Development, an Advocacy Committee focusing on quality infill developments and supporting a walkable built environment, the topic recently produced a robust panel discussion on Downtown retail, featuring PCA Members.

In April, PCA and the Committee leadership hosted a Member discussion at Phoenix Forge featuring some of Downtown's most seasoned real estate professionals. Panelists, who included representatives from ORION Real Estate Investment and Arizona Center, revealed insights about current retail, takeaways, and how to bring brands and bodies to the business core.

"The retail vacancy is only five percent Downtown, so it becomes more of an infrastructure conversation, and where these retailers would go,” said Carol Schillne, ORION Real Estate Investment’s Senior Vice President, during the discussion. “Giving the retailers all they need to be successful is a conversation we need to have."

To learn more about PCA’s Central City Planning & Development (CCPD) Committee and what Advocacy Committees are the best fit for a current or prospective Member, contact Patrick McDaniel, PCA’s Advocacy Director, at pmcdaniel@dtphx.org.