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Garfield Substation Project
aps
About the Project
APS is upgrading and expanding the Garfield Substation at the southwest corner of Roosevelt Street and 2nd Street. This project will increase electrical capacity and reliability to support the continued growth and vitality of Downtown Phoenix.
In collaboration with the City of Phoenix and the downtown community, APS has worked to design a site that enhances reliability, safety and security while contributing to the pedestrian-friendly character of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The updated substation will blend modern infrastructure with thoughtful urban design, reflecting the creativity and energy of the surrounding neighborhood.
Timeline:
2022
- A community focus group was formed, including residents and local business owners selected by the Evans Churchill Neighborhood Association and Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation (CDC).
- Initial design concepts were developed with input from the focus group.
2023
- A public open house was held to share early design ideas.
- A preference survey gathered feedback from local businesses and property owners.
2024
- The design was refined based on community and stakeholder feedback.
- The City of Phoenix approved the project’s pre-application.
2025
- Spring: APS hosted a public open house showcasing the updated design, followed by a Design Review Committee hearing.
- Fall: City of Phoenix staff approved the preliminary site plan.
- Winter: Final City approvals, Historic Preservation review for building demolition, and preparation for construction.
2026–2027
- Removal of existing buildings and substation.
- Construction of the new building, substation and surrounding improvements.
- Installation of public art and shade structures.
Community Updates
APS will notify customers in the project area when construction is expected to begin and will post construction updates on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Downtown has grown rapidly over the last two decades and in order to support the growth of the area, the electrical infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded.
We regularly monitor and evaluate the system and infrastructure to ensure we can provide reliable service now and into the future. This project was identified because the existing substation was aging and the need for additional power has increased.
No, we do not anticipate outages. If there is a need for an outage, affected customers will be notified in advance. The notification will include the date and duration of the planned outage.
There will be some work in the surrounding streets and alley to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure, enhance sidewalks and widen the alley. Adjacent residents and business owners will be notified of construction.
Yes, the existing building will be replaced with a new building that will include gallery, meeting and retail space for community activations.
The existing block wall surrounding the substation will be demolished. The muralists will be invited to reprise their murals as part of a larger public art installation.
- Carla Logan – Owner of Carly’s Bistro and the building north of the site
- Eunique Yazzie – Local artist, business owner and representative for the Evans Churchill neighborhood
- Isaac Caruso – Local artist with the most existing murals on the Garfield Substation walls
- Kell Duncan – Owner of The Churchill (adjacent to the site) and board member of Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation
