Commercial Real Estate & Business News – July 27, 2023

Consumer Confidence Climbs to 2-Year High as Worry Over Inflation and Recession Ease

The numbers: A survey of U.S. consumer confidence climbed to a two-year high of 117.0 in July, a sign that Americans are growing more optimistic about the economy. The closely followed index rose 6.9 points from a revised WAS 110.1 in June, the Conference Board said Tuesday. Consumer…»

Opportunity Zones Showing Signs of Delivering on Their Initial Promise

The bipartisan Economic Innovation Group (EIG) looked at two research papers that examined Opportunity Zones (OZs). Although not perfect — no policy is — the “sharp departure from previous attempts” shows a path that future government actions in the area might model…»

ZenCity, a Stackable Modular Housing Project in Mesa, is One Answer for the Housing Shortage

Developers of ZenCity, a new 90-unit stackable modular apartment project in downtown Mesa, hope its housing model will help address shortages that face the state. Arizona is home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the country and Maricopa County is the fastest-growing…»

Pivotal Group Submits Proposal for Reimagined “The Central Park” Mixed-Use Project

Three years after starting the marketing process for a massive mixed-use project in midtown Phoenix and a lengthy reevaluation during the Covid-19 pandemic, Pivotal Group is set to bring “The Central Park” back in front of city officials. Pivotal Group Inc., a high-profile Phoenix real estate…»

Drop in Valley Construction Starts could Lead to Future Industrial Space Shortage, Experts Say

​Finding temporary housing in Phoenix often is challenging and expensive, so one group with needs for short-term shelter is taking an “entrepreneurial” approach. Phoenix Theatre Company bought a 36-unit apartment complex in central Phoenix to house visiting artists and generate funds as…»