I was back in Phoenix over Thanksgiving, and on Friday, I walked around a bit in downtown and took some photos. I'm just now getting around to posting them. I am glad to see all the construction going on!
It's amazing this crappy old motel still existed downtown. I guess it's good that it's integrated into ASU now, but this is one building I wouldn't have minded seeing torn down for something new.
One of the statues outside the Herberger. The last time I was in this location, the convention center in the background was nothing but a huge hold.
I don't hate the Hyatt as much as some do. It's alright at street level, at least on the side facing the convention center. I don't think it's much worse than the Sheraton will be.
Chase looms
Well, there were
a few people around
I like the new convention center additions
The light rail construction is quite a mess
It's sad how not-that-different the Sheraton will be from the other big downtown hotels.
This is an old building being restored, right?
I like this view
Another good street view. On the right is the infamous Starbucks that disrupted a forum meet in 2004 by being unexpectedly closed at something like 5 PM
I've always liked 101 North Central. As boxes go, it's great, and the pointed corners give it a little something distinctive. I think of it as Phoenix mini version of Chicago's AON Center
Where the Orpheum Lofts sign is was my mom's office at Transamerica in the 70s
It's too bad this place was closed. I went by it again the next day, in the evening, and it was hoppin'
Rehab
Crappy shot of the 44 Monroe construction
This is one of the cliched views of Chase, but it sucks. From this angle, it looks like the windowless concrete portion comprises half of the building.
Looking into the Security Building (now part of ASU downtown, right?)
The best "streetwall" in Phoenix. Previous attempts to get this shot were thwarted by then-BankOne security guards who prevent photography "on the property", even when the subject of the photo is the buildings across the street.
Well, that's all. I wasn't in town long enough to try to meet up with anyone, but I will be be back again for two weeks surrounding Christmas, so we should try to put together a meet!
I like the strong vertical lines and the pointed corners. It makes it seem taller than 31 stories. The convention center is a great addition and the bigger phase is under construction. The sandstone and glass skins are very appealing at street level and the angular sun screen projections at the roof line add a nice visual dimension to the otherwise boxy design. 
Linear Mode
