The City of Phoenix moved forward with plans to extend Taylor Mall for more pedestrian access on the Downtown Phoenix campus this past summer. 

The expanded mall corridor will convert Taylor Street between First and Second streets and between Second and Third streets into a pedestrian-only right-of-way with restricted vehicle access.

The University plans to expand the mall “to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the Downtown Phoenix campus,” a University spokesperson said in an email.

Taylor Street is a main thoroughfare through the Downtown Phoenix campus. The current pedestrian mall spans from Central Avenue to First Street and services the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the University Center.

The extension will reduce vehicle traffic, enhance walkability and improve the overall campus experience, the University spokesperson said. Plans for the expanded mall corridor also include new hardscaping and landscaping, as well as shaded areas and improved accessibility.

The expanded mall corridor will serve existing student housing, shops, restaurants, the Sun Devil Campus Store and public spaces.

“Drivers traveling west on Taylor Street and turning right on First would just wander their car into the scramble all the time and it was very dangerous,” said law student Nicole Sanderson, a board member of the Downtown Core Community neighborhood association.

Sanderson said the association sends representatives to public meetings to share feedback on changes the city plans to make. 

READ MORE: The Arizona Center rebuilds its presence as a mall in Downtown Phoenix

Sanderson said a lack of “no right on red” signs for the Taylor Street intersection was an issue because drivers would nearly hit pedestrians in the scramble.  Sanderson supports the change and said “the more the merrier” when it comes to “pedestrianization” in the neighborhood.

“One of the agreements that you make when you live downtown is you’re sharing a little space with a lot of people,” Sanderson said. “We’re agreeing to be efficient with our land use and that should be reflected in the infrastructure.”

The abandonment application was conditionally approved with stipulations by the Phoenix Planning and Development Department on June 12, 2025.

The abandonment process is separate from the building permit process. Phoenix is working on the abandonment process but has not started the project to expand the pedestrian mall, said Saneeya Mir , the spokesperson for the Planning and Development Department.  

A number of requirements are to be met before the Phoenix City Council votes on final approval, including plans to remove city infrastructure and install new pedestrian crossings at the mall entrances.

The City of Phoenix and ASU have 2 to 3 years to complete the required stipulations. Once they are complete, the application will be sent to the Phoenix City Council for final approval.

Taylor Street between First and Second streets has been temporarily closed to vehicle traffic. When the City gives final approval, bollards, which are sturdy poles to block cars from entering pedestrian areas, will be installed to permanently prohibit vehicles, an ASU spokesperson said in an email.  

Phoenix will retain the north and southbound right of way on First, Second and Third streets, including the intersections, and will retain portions of Taylor Street for utility and emergency access. Phoenix will also keep part of Taylor Street for vehicle access to the Health South parking garage.

“These improvements reflect ASU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the creation of inclusive public spaces,” the University spokesperson said in a written statement.

Edited by Carsten Oyer, Senna James and Pippa Fung.

Reach the reporter at cgreenw9@asu.edu.

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Connor GreenwallPodcaster

Connor is a junior studying journalism and mass communication. This is his second semester with The State Press.

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