Avondale economic development staff on Oct. 6 presented a conceptual plan with Blueprints Capital for the remaining build‑out of the Boulevard district, describing phased retail, office and lakeside activation that city leaders say is intended to complete a longtime vision for a walkable, mixed‑use destination.

The presentation explained why the parcels involved represent “one chance” to finish the Boulevard, outlined a two‑phase development concept led by Blueprints Capital and showed preliminary schedules that would place a purchase agreement in early 2026 and city plan approvals in mid‑2027. The developer described approximately 138,000 square feet of restaurant and office space in the initial build, a “great lawn” for programming and infrastructure improvements the city would reimburse as public contributions.

City economic development officials and the developer said the project is designed for long‑term hold and active event programming. The presentation estimated a public infrastructure reimbursement need of about $6.6 million, a developer commitment of $2.5 million to underwrite more than 50 public events annually over seven years, and an economic impact estimate of roughly $40 million over seven years with about $9.5 million in new property tax and more than $5 million in new sales tax projected across that period.

City leaders framed the project as finishing a multi‑decade strategy for the Boulevard. The district was first conceptualized as a mixed‑use city center in the 2000s and rebranded as the Boulevard in 2018; the city has since added hotels, multifamily housing, and amenities such as a lake and parking garage that staff say position the area for this next phase.

Council members applauded the proposal’s potential but pressed for safeguards and details on walkability, shade, parking and the quality of retail and restaurants. Council member Conde stressed the original intent that the Boulevard be walkable and integrated with bike and pedestrian trails; Council member White urged use of traffic circles and thoughtful street design to protect families and two‑wheeled users. Council member Garcia emphasized tenant selection and restaurant quality; Council member Weiss and others praised activation around the lake and public programming commitments.

City staff also clarified property ownership and placeholders on some conceptual graphics: a green area shown south of the Great Lawn is not city‑owned and is expected to be privately developed (previously zoned for commercial/hotel uses), and the slide graphics were intended as placeholders until specific site plans are finalized.

Although council provided feedback and direction, it took no formal vote on a development agreement at the meeting. Economic development said it will take the council’s input, continue negotiations with Blueprints Capital and return with formal agreements and contract terms for council approval.

City staff provided a preliminary timeline: execution of a purchase agreement in early 2026; site plan design review through 2026; city approvals and land closing in mid‑2027; and construction to begin in late 2027 for phase 1, with phase 2 reviews and approvals anticipated in 2028–2029. Staff emphasized the timeline is tenant‑dependent and subject to change.

If the city pursues a public‑private reimbursement model, staff said the city would reimburse specified public infrastructure costs upon certificate(s) of occupancy consistent with a later negotiated agreement.

The presentation closed with staff asking for council feedback and affirmation to continue negotiating. Staff said it will return to council with a recommended agreement once terms are finalized.

Local context and next steps: staff will continue negotiations with Blueprints Capital and other shortlisted developers, refine financial terms and returns, and present formal purchase, development and reimbursement agreements for council consideration at future meetings.