Work

A futuristic park with a wavy white structure, people walking, motorcycles parked on the left, and a couple embracing on the right. The sunset sky adds a warm ambiance.

Hance Park Master Plan

A New Vision for Hance Park and Downtown Phoenix

The Hance Park Master Plan envisions the redevelopment of the 32-acre park built atop 19 bridges that cover the I-10 freeway in downtown Phoenix. As the largest park in the downtown core, Hance Park is poised to become a signature destination, sparking revitalization in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. The park will serve as a key venue for cultural and entertainment events, as well as daily community activities.

The master plan was developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement including visioning workshops and planning meetings with numerous cultural, community, and governmental organizations. A primary goal was to create common ground between the large and diverse group of stakeholders involved. The final design presentation was hosted in Hance Park, drew over 2,000 supporters, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for the project.

A public park with people walking, skateboarding, and socializing. The park features greenery, curved pathways, and modern architectural elements.
People walking and sitting in a modern public plaza with sculptural architecture, trees, and a mosaic wall under a clear blue sky.
People walk and relax in a modern urban park with geometric sculptures, seating areas, greenery, and walking paths under a partly cloudy sky.
Two people stand on a city street pointing towards a modern, angular architectural structure under a clear blue sky, with a hot air balloon and a tram visible in the background.
A modern architectural structure with undulating lines serves as a public space. People are walking, skateboarding, and cycling around it. Trees and clear skies enhance the open environment.
People relaxing, walking, and sitting in a spacious park with paths, modern sculptures, and trees on a sunny day.
Architectural structure with large, white, leaf-like canopies. People walk and gather underneath, with trees and greenery around. Sunny day with a partly cloudy sky.
A bustling urban plaza with people walking, sitting, and socializing near modern buildings. A train passes above on an elevated track, and a café with outdoor seating is visible.
A detailed site plan of a park featuring labeled areas: “The Plateau,” “The Valley,” and “The Parkway,” with pathways, green spaces, and surrounding roads and buildings depicted.
People gather in a modern outdoor plaza at night, illuminated by large, tree-like light structures with geometric canopies. A full moon is visible in the sky.
A crowd gathered outdoors at night for a music festival. The stage is illuminated with pink and purple lights, and various people are standing, sitting, and recording the event.

Project Information

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Collaborators

!melk, Urban Design and Landscape Architect

Floor Associates, Landscape Architect

Awards and Recognition

AIA Arizona, Urban Design Citation Award

ASLA Arizona, Honor Award

Press and Publications

“Hance Park Master Plan, Phoenix, AZ,” Landscape Architecture Magazine, February 2015.

“Hance Park Master Plan, Phoenix, AZ,” Wall Street Journal, August 5, 2014.

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