Goodyear, Arizona, is among the 10 fastest-growing cities in the country, according to U.S. Census data. For a city with more than 101,000 residents, Goodyear still needed to create a “heart” of the city for the community to come together. 

Since 2010, Goodyear’s population has grown 46 percent. With more people making Goodyear their home, the city needed to bring more development, infrastructure, and amenities for residents to enjoy. For nearly four decades, city officials worked toward creating the community hub people desired. That dream finally became a reality when the 47-acre Goodyear Civic Square opened this summer.

The development includes a 2-acre park, new city hall, two-story library, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, and a parking garage. The project brings the first speculative, upscale office building to the West Valley and features the first parking garage built in the city. Goodyear Civic Square is expected to bring entertainment, restaurants, retail, and more jobs to the community.

“The City of Goodyear has been discussing the creation of a great public place that includes a city hall for decades, and it is fantastic to have this long-held dream become reality,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “Goodyear Civic Square will be the heart of Goodyear, as a space for festivals and concerts where our residents can gather to celebrate many different types of events. It will drive growth and diversify our economy as well as provide space for leisure activities, dining, and recreational opportunities.”

A public-private partnership between the City of Goodyear and private developer Globe Corporation made the civic square possible. Ryan Companies, the general contractor, brought Olsson on to the project to provide engineering services.  

We led civil engineering and worked closely with city officials and stakeholders to design infrastructure efficiently and safely. Olsson design associate Tabitha Hutchins-Wass created preliminary civil designs for the park, city hall, library, office space, and parking garage.

“Collaboration and coordination were really important for this project,” Tabitha said. “I think it worked out really well and I’m glad Olsson got to be a part of it. It’s special being a part of something that’s going to positively impact a community.”

Andrea Page, Olsson senior engineer, resides in Goodyear and looks forward to seeing the civic square open for business.

“It’s rewarding to help with a project so close to home that’s been years in the making,” she said. “I’m excited to see it open.”

Andrea oversaw infrastructure civil designs, supported contractor submittals, and performed construction administration. She collaborated with other Olsson teams to provide sewer, water, and transportation services for the project.

It was also our job to remember the details – even down to the site lighting design. We selected pedestrian-friendly, dressier light fixtures for the park and added shields to the lights to prevent distracting glare for traffic or businesses. Our engineers coordinated with local utility companies to activate lighting on-site seamlessly for the client.

We think one of the best parts of developing communities is seeing people enjoy new spaces like Goodyear Civic Square. Andrea thinks so, too.

“Goodyear is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, and the civic square finally provides more of a downtown feel,” she said. “I think it’s a great amenity for the community and I’m looking forward to visiting this summer and seeing people enjoy the gathering space.”

The city recently received keys to the project and had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 1.

Andrea said to expect interactive park features like cornhole games, swings, and large chess boards for visitors to enjoy as well as some original artwork. The area has more plans for restaurants, retail, and businesses to join the fun.