It's one of the most exciting times in Goodyear, AZ. Residents couldn't be more excited to hear about new business announcements at GSQ -- the unique restaurants, entertainment and night life. But what about new office space and why does it matter to any downtown?

"Office space matters. Having people working in that space during the day is highly-attractive to potential businesses," said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. "They want to know that if they come, people will come. This is one crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a successful downtown." 

Goodyear Civic Square is now home to GEN1, the city's first upscale office space, also known as Class A office space. And so far, leasing the space to new businesses has been a big success. Family-owned Globe Corporation owns and is developing the land that is the city's future downtown, and says that GEN1 is already about 60% leased.

“It’s an exciting time right now as there has been high interest and commitment for both leasing the Class A office space as well as retail at GSQ,” said Globe Corp. Co-CEO George Getz. “We will soon be announcing several new office leases as well as some new unique restaurant concepts coming to Goodyear's future downtown”.

Some recently announced businesses at GSQ just north of McDowell and 150th Drive have drawn excitement from the community. Those include High Tide, The Stillery, gastropub concept Copper & Sage, The Yard Milkshake Bar, and Shake Shack. These are the types of businesses Goodyear has been asking for and they will be just steps away from GEN1 and Goodyear City Hall, providing downtown workers with a place where they can not only work, but also play. 

The approximately 104,000 square foot office building is three stories high and is located in the heart of Goodyear Civic Square. Confirmed tenants at GEN1 include coworking companies -- which is a popular new concept -- as well as KB Homes, nonprofit Arizona Cares, Bell Bank and Edward Jones. There are plans to build a second Class A office building in Goodyear Civic Square once the first building is leased out.

“Goodyear’s future downtown is a hot commodity right now,” said Mayor Pizzillo. “Companies know that and are signing on early, wanting to be part of what will become a West Valley destination.”