Design Competition Tasked With Finding New Development Life for Dry Phoenix Riverbed

The passing of Senator John McCain has reinvigorated the Rio Reimagined project.

1 minute read

September 16, 2018, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


ARIZONA RESERVOIR

Tempe Town Lake, where the Salt River passes through Tempe, Arizona. | Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

"A new campaign is calling on architects and city planners to pitch redevelopment ideas for the Rio Salado and communities surrounding it," reports Victor Ren.

"The Phoenix-metro chapter of the American Institute of Architects has partnered with Arizona State University and the late Sen. John McCain's office to create a competition for redevelopment of the Salt River," adds Ren. The competition has grown out of the "Rio Reimagined" redevelopment idea touted as a passion project of Senator McCain. "McCain had said the entire Salt River could create a lasting legacy throughout the Valley, comparing it to the San Antonio River Walk," according to Ren.

An earlier article by Jessica Boehm details Senator McCain's idea for the redevelopment project. "McCain wanted to bring life back to the riverbed with a project that could rival or even surpass the famous San Antonio Riverwalk and could be one of the most significant environmental and economic additions in Phoenix history," writes Boehm.

Boehm also covered Rio Reimagined in December 2017, after Senator McCain spoke to a group of Arizona State University students about the idea.

Friday, September 14, 2018 in Arizona Republic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog