The Chamber of Commerce is talking about moving its offices and the Visitors Center to commercial/retail space at Park Place.

Chamber President and CEO Scott Soldat-Valenzuela said the chamber board of directors has considered the viability of the new location for more than two years.

“The future of the Chamber depends on remaining relevant and adapting to a changing business environment. This includes rethinking how we deliver services and which are the most needed by companies and entrepreneurs. Our location plays into this dialogue,” Soldat-Valenzuela wrote in an email.

He was asked to comment on the Chamber’s interest in leasing space in the downtown Avenue of the Fountains project under construction when the business organization owns its current building at the corner of Palisades Boulevard and N. Verde River Drive. The two-story, 5,400-square foot building consists of staff offices, a pair of conference rooms, small kitchen and the tourist welcome center.

Under the previous Chamber president Frank Ferrara, the Chamber constructed the building in 1998 and paid off a 15-year, $580,000 mortgage in seven years in September 2005.

The majority of the Chamber’s revenue comes from the two major arts and crafts festivals in November and February, and is supplemented by membership dues.

If the Chamber and town agree on a relocated tourist information center, Soldat-Valenzuela said the office would feature local hospitality services, information about local and state attractions and other tourism-related attractions, such as parks, hiking, the museum and art walk.

“We believe the Avenue of the Fountains will become a welcoming and convenient location for pedestrians and drive-up visitors,” he said.

A proposed lease agreement has been submitted to the Town Council for its consideration at the Aug. 15 meeting.

The proposal calls for leasing three retail units totaling 3,498 square feet on the N. Verde River Drive side of the project. Negotiations for the lease price are underway.

If the Chamber decides to relocate, Soldat-Valenzuela said the present building could be leased or sold.

“In either case, we believe the Chamber’s location is critical for the success of the Visitor Center and the Park Place project should provide the right accessibility for us to showcase Fountain Hills in partnership with the Town,” the Chamber CEO explained.