Currently, the entire 6,355 acres of the property is owned by the Arizona State Land Department. Roughly 2,082 acres of land within the project boundary is designated within the Sonoran Preserve Master Plan (SPMP) as preserve open space. Under normal conditions, the City of Phoenix would need to purchase any land from the State Land Department to incorporate it into their portfolio of parks and preserves for public use. This application, however proposes a FULL DONATION of approximately 2,095 acres of preserve directly to the City of Phoenix. This donation will allow for a roughly 20% increase in the current Sonoran Preserve acreage to the city at no cost. In addition to the land donation, the amendment to the Phoenix Master Trails Plan will align the trails with planned residential and commercial areas of NorthPark, washes drainage features, and account for the updates to the street classification maps. The combined general plan and rezoning applications will support a "park-to-park" concept integral to the project and will connect land uses to the north and south of the Project and support the rapid growth within North Phoenix.
Located on the gentle slopes of Pyramid Peak at the edge of northwest Phoenix, NorthPark is envisioned as a future-forward regional hub, strategically positioned to foster technological growth and innovation. This community will serve as a focal point for industry, supported by high-speed infrastructure that enhances the capacity for cutting-edge developments and transformative ideas.
As growth accelerates and economic activity increases, NorthPark will become a dynamic center where creators, professionals, and families can build their lives. This community is designed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, creating an environment that promotes both innovation and a high quality of life.
The natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert will be preserved and celebrated within the development, with pathways leading to scenic vistas and green spaces. NorthPark’s design prioritizes sustainability and a balanced relationship with the environment, integrating residential, commercial, and educational spaces in a manner that respects and enhances the natural terrain.
The development will feature native corridors, greenways, and multimodal pathways, forming a network that connects residents to local amenities and activities. These elements, combined with intelligent digital solutions, will optimize transportation and information flow within the community.
NorthPark’s open space-oriented design will emphasize the preservation of natural edges and the creation of parks and recreational areas, offering residents a range of outdoor opportunities. Grounded in the principles of sustainability and well-being, NorthPark aspires to shape the future of community living, contributing to the realization of a new vision for the American Dream.
What is the Sonoran Preserve Master Plan?
At the heart of the NorthPark community, 2,095 acres of natural lands have been identified for
inclusion in the Sonoran Preserve. These Sonoran Preserve lands represent only a small portion of the overall assemblage of existing and future Sonoran Preserve lands envisioned for the North Phoenix area. NorthPark celebrates its role as a critical component of this great vision by establishing a process that supports the progressive donation of lands into the Sonoran Preserve. In addition, this PUD includes natural open space guidelines and themes that extend beyond the edges of the Sonoran Preserve into the NorthPark community.
The Sonoran Preserve Master Plan (SPMP) was adopted by the City of Phoenix in 1998. Since that adoption, the Sonoran Preserve area in North Phoenix has grown to include more than 9,600 acres of protected public land. The SPMP describes many public benefits including passive outdoor recreation, environmental education, the preservation of flora and fauna, effects on residential and commercial property values, economic vitality, and tourism.
Currently, the General Plan Land Use designations and zoning on the Property allow for residential development within the boundaries of the SPMP. The NorthPark PUD and accompanying GPA will remove all allowed residential uses from the Preserve land and donate a historic amount of acreage to the City for public use.