PHOENIX – Representatives from across the Valley gathered in south Phoenix Saturday for the grand opening of the new Chicanos Por La Causa Commerce Plaza.
The 40,000-square-foot complex is located at the corner of East Buckeye Road and 10th Street.
The celebration also included entertainment by a mariachi group, giveaways and breakfast courtesy of Kahala.
Attractively constructed and surrounded by green space and sidewalks, this new development is sure to bring economic activity and neighborhood vitality to the Buckeye corridor.
"Today we celebrate a development that has turned an empty lot into a haven of economic growth," said CPLC Chief Development Officer David Adame. "We look forward to watching the businesses that occupy these spaces as they create jobs, enrich this neighborhood and attract more commercial activity."
CPLC was able to complete this project thanks to financing from State Farm, a longtime community partner.
"State Farm's community development approach is based on participation, empowerment, and collective action," said State Farm Senior Vice President Dave Gonzales. "Today we celebrate the completion of a community development project that will have direct benefits to the community's well-being and business environment."
Raza Development Fund, Wells Fargo, the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration also provided financing for the project.
On the property of the CPLC Commerce Plaza stands the Wilson Walker (and Alcaria) Jones House, which was listed on the City of Phoenix Historic Property Register in 1994.
It is one of the oldest known documented houses still existing in the city. CPLC has preserved the Walker Jones house on the property of the CPLC Commerce Plaza, and members of the Walker Jones family attended the grand opening ceremony to celebrate.
A local historian was also on hand to recount the history of the South Phoenix
barrios.
