Phoenix continues to rank among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. As the Valley expands, mixed-use developments have become central to the region’s growth. From high-rise towers in Downtown Phoenix to walkable districts in Tempe, these projects are transforming how residents live, work, dine and shop.
Phoenix’s rising mixed-use landscape
Mixed-use development has surged across the Valley as both public and private sectors aim to create walkable, amenity-rich environments. Some local examples include:
- The Switchyard coming to Queen Creek — a dynamic, mixed-use development consisting of restaurant, retail, office and residential spaces in the heart of Queen Creek.
- The Parque coming to Scottsdale — plans to transform the former CrackerJax amusement park are underway. The $1 billion mixed-use development will include 690,968 square feet of restaurant, retail, fitness, office, hotel and multifamily buildings situated on nearly 28 acres.
- Park Central in Midtown Phoenix — 450,000 square feet of office and retail space, restaurants, bike paths, multi-family housing, hotels and the Creighton University health sciences campus with easy access to light rail and parking.
- Block 23 in Downtown Phoenix — 1.3 million square feet of creative office space, urban apartments, retail and restaurant space. Block 23 is home to the multi-level Fry’s Signature Marketplace, Downtown’s first and only full-scale grocery store.
Unique title considerations
Because mixed-use developments blend multiple property types under one legal structure, experienced title and escrow support is essential. Some common considerations to include:
1. Multiple ownership & financing arrangements
Many mixed-use developments involve multiple elements like retail space, hotels, multifamily dwellings office towers and parking accommodations. Each area may be separately owned, financed or leased. This requires title teams to carefully untangle layered legal descriptions, deeds of trust and air rights divisions.
2. Access, easements & maintenance agreements
Phoenix mixed-use developments often rely on shared elements among tenants. These can include structured parking, rooftop amenities, utility infrastructure, private drives and fire lanes, plazas and pedestrian walkways. These require clearly recorded CC&Rs, shared-use agreements, maintenance obligations and access easements. Proper documentation ensures smooth long-term operations and minimizes disputes among businesses.
3. Condominium & vertical subdivision structures
Many Phoenix mixed-use properties operate under condominium maps, vertical subdivisions, air rights lots or master and sub-associations. Newer projects often include multiple ownership layers that must be accurately reflected in the title commitment.
What it means for Phoenix
1. Multiple parties and entities
Larger developments can include dozens of simultaneous transactions. The escrow process for mixed-use developments in Phoenix may involve:
- Developers
- Commercial buyers
- Retail tenants
- Condo purchasers
- Multiple lenders
- HOA or master associations
2. Phased construction & closings
Managing releases, draws, and documentation across each milestone is a critical escrow function for title professionals. Because of their complexity, mixed-use developments typically close in phases, such as:
- Land acquisition
- Infrastructure completion
- Construction financing
- Retail leasing
- Condo unit sales
3. Document and recording requirements
Mixed-use developments require a comprehensive set of recorded agreements and maps that establish ownership rights, outline responsibilities and protect all parties involved. Properly preparing, coordinating and recording these documents is essential to keeping all phases of development moving forward. Mixed-use developments often require:
- Development agreements with the city
- CC&Rs governing shared spaces
- Leases and SNDA agreements for retail
- Plat or airspace maps
- Phased closings and subordination documents
When navigating the combination of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and office elements, the legal and financial layers require an experienced title and escrow partner.
The dedicated team at Landmark Title Assurance Agency brings decades of experience and transactional knowledge to navigate even the most complex transactions. Curious about how we can help move your next transaction forward? Get in touch here.