[ASU Diablo]

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loc...metrocenter-mall-in-phoenix/75108341007/

The group leading the redevelopment of Metrocenter Mall secured its first demolition permits, clearing the way for the mall, once the largest in the Southwest, to be razed.

Phoenix issued the permits on Sept. 5, according to city documents, which will allow the asbestos abatement and demolition process to begin, possibly later this month.

In early August, Steve Betts, senior director for Concord Wilshire, one of the groups partnering to redevelop the mall, said the group was nearing closing on its financing, which would allow it to apply for the permits. The group, called Phoenix IG, is composed of Concord Wilshire, TLG Investment Partners and CDS International Holdings Inc.

At the time, Betts said the demolition would need to be done carefully because the mall was built at a time when asbestos was common in building materials. Asbestos will be removed first as demolition will occur as the removal goes along. Demolition and grading will take about 10 months, Betts said in August.