“Big Three” Projects in Casa Grande waiting cash infusions

Proposed PhoenixMart in Casa Grande, AZ

Lucid Motors, PhoenixMart and Dreamport Villagesall still need an infusion of cash to move forward.

CASA GRANDE — Casa Grande Dispatch is reporting planning commissioners got an update on the “Big Three” proposed development projects in Casa Grande recently.

The update was that there is nothing to update.

Casa Grande Planning and Development Director Paul Tice told the city Planning and Zoning Commission that the city’s biggest three potential projects — Lucid Motors, PhoenixMart and Dreamport Villages — all still need an infusion of cash to move forward.

For PhoenixMart, Tice said the owners are seeking to raise capital to make infrastructure improvements, including extending sewer and water mains to the site, which is on the very eastern edge of the city limits. Additionally, an electric substation will be required for the site. Tice said staff has reviewed plans and will be ready to issue building permits when the company is ready to move forward beyond the shell of a building, which exists at the site.

“Lucid’s in the same boat,” Tice said. “They’re still finalizing partners and raising capital.”

Tice said the electric car manufacturer still has options to purchase 475 acres near Thornton and Peters roads. Lucid hasn’t come before the planning commission and the city hasn’t “approved any property improvements,” Tice noted.

Dreamport Villages Block Map

Dreamport Villages, including a Disney-like theme park on 2,000 acres, has its zoning in place but is also trying to raise money, Tice said.

“They’re still trying to raise capital. I don’t think they’ve closed on any land,” he told commissioners.

Both Dreamport Villages and Lucid Motors announced in early 2017 their plans for building in Casa Grande. Lucid has said it plans to employ up to 2,000 workers at a car manufacturing facility on the west side. Dreamport has plans to completely revamp the southern portion of Casa Grande with a theme park, conference center, extreme motorsports complex and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

PhoenixMart, which started in 2008, is to be a commercial center offering products of many manufacturers wholesale. It’s made the most progress of the three, with the foundation and framing of the building complete. The company’s invested about $40 million into the project, according to spokesman Troy Corder.

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