The Royale, the much-anticipated crown jewel of the Melrose District, opens to the public on Thursday, January 25th. The grand opening launch on Sunday was attended by strong supporters that included Mayor Kate Gallego, U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton, and Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor. The redevelopment project was three years in the making and involved many City of Phoenix partners to complete.
The Royale is a community-centric, service-oriented complex of local, independent businesses that provide a full range of services to the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the greater Phoenix metro area. Since the 1940’s these collection of buildings at the southwest corner of Glenrosa Avenue and 6th Drive have housed various auto repair and body shops. As part of an extensive adaptive reuse project, the owners, Mark Howard and Rocco Menaguale, envisioned a collective of businesses that enhance the Melrose District offerings and create a central gathering place for daily social activities, community get-togethers, live performances & special events both formal and informal.
“We worked to create a thoughtful redevelopment that reflects the Melrose neighborhood and it’s mid-century-modern roots,” said Menaguale. “A welcoming community space that reimagines the ubiquitous Phoenix strip mall and retools it into an experience focused on design, art, shopping, dining, and wellness that will expand into the community.”
With extraordinary community support and a development team specializing in adaptive reuse, The Royale is set to serve the greater Melrose and Phoenix community. Businesses at The Royale include YUMBAR Restaurant & Bar, Window Coffee Bar, StemSwag Floral & Gifting, and Cult Hair Studio & Spa. Soon to be opening their doors are Rocco Designs, an architecture, interior design and fine art studio; Scotty Kirby Photo + Design; LIX Uptown Ice Cream and Your Health & Wellness.
“We are beyond ecstatic and proud that this labor of love is finally open and can start serving the amazing people in our community, Metro Phoenix and be a prime destination for all out-of-town visitors,” said Howard. “The Melrose Mile is a special place and we believe The Royale creates a collection of unique & symbiotic businesses that will undoubtedly continue to elevate all this neighborhood has to offer.”
The Royale is located at 635 W. Glenrosa Avenue in Phoenix. The Melrose District is a strip of 7th Avenue between Indian School and Camelback Roads that is home to some of the best antique shops, art, dining, patio-cocktailing and dancing around.
After an exhausting redevelopment process for visionaries Howard and Menaguale, the dream of creating The Royale is finally opening to the public for all to experience. “The vision is a reality,” as Menaguale stated. “The Royale is a safe space, a place for joy, a place to come as you are and a place to rejuvenate.”
