PHOENIX — Anyone who has worked up a sweat walking to a ball game, concert, or dinner in downtown Phoenix could soon get some relief.

Downtown Phoenix Inc. plans to install six manufactured shade canopies along Jefferson and Washington streets using grant funding from Arizona Public Service.

“Jefferson and Washington Streets are two of the highest traffic streets downtown,” said R.J. Price with Downtown Phoenix Inc.

However, Price said planting additional trees along the two corridors is not a viable option because the existing light rail and underground infrastructure prevent crews from digging.

Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Rendering of a shade canopy coming to downtown.

Instead, Downtown Phoenix Inc. will use the APS funding to build canopies at some of the hottest and busiest pedestrian locations downtown.

“We’re going to use that money generously given by APS to build six canopies of manufactured shade to bring some relief to the hottest corner of downtown,” Price said.

The planned locations include:

• The northeast corner of Fifth and Jefferson streets
• The north sidewalk at Fourth and Jefferson streets
• The southwest corner of First and Jefferson streets
• The northwest corner of Washington Street and Central Avenue

The corridors are frequently used by people traveling to Chase Field, Mortgage Matchup Center, the Phoenix Convention Center and other downtown destinations.

The canopies will use commercial-grade fabric designed to withstand Arizona’s climate while providing UV protection and airflow. Some will also include lighting for use at night.

APS awarded the grant as part of a statewide beautification initiative marking the utility’s 140th anniversary in Arizona.

“We have made a commitment of $1.4 million for projects across the state,” said Silvia Capir with APS.

One canopy will be installed near Central Avenue and Washington Street—the same intersection where APS installed the first streetlamp in downtown Phoenix.

The six canopies are expected to be installed by the end of 2026, but Downtown Phoenix Inc. hopes the project will eventually expand.

“These six will be great, but they won’t solve all our problems,” Price said. “We are hoping by demonstrating what these can do, that we will have other stakeholders step up. We really do hope this is just the start.”