Yeah that's the new W hotel and condos here in Austin

http://www.block21residences.com/

http://www.austintowers.net/at/condo...o/w_hotel.html

Why not? Why not open one up downtown as well? People in this city are addicted to chains.. it's familiar and people know it. And what's wrong with their food? I think it's delicious. I think Downtown needs more chains.. Obviously I like independent restaurants as well, but I'm sure a few familiar chains would draw people...

The unfortunate thing about what you just said is (except for them having delicious food) you are completely right.

People flock to corporations because there is a notion they are better quality. We all know that can be either right or wrong at any place at any time.

Hey is Hops brew pub still open out there? went there a few times it was pretty good can't remember which one I went to think it was on Scottsdale Rd. and there used to be a Carmelo's Italian Restaurant like we have here in Austin it's closed I know.

As far as I can tell, the TGI Fridays downtown and the Hard Rock aren't nearly as busy as Matt's, Biancos, or even Portlands. We don't need any more chains downtown and we don't need a shitty Yardhouse. I'd rather a real brewery go in to the warehouse district and make their own beer.

Yeah but we do need to put oir personal wants aside if we want to bring in the "masses."

True, however, who goes to Hard Rock anymore? And, Front Row isn't the standard TGI Fridays...they close at 7pm most nights and most people looking for food aren't going to walk to a ball field unless its on game night.

BTW, I'll take Cibo any day over Bianco. IMO, better all around experience from the food, to the atmosphere, to the seating.

Some very condescending bitches on this board, and I am not a fan of The Yardhouse. . .

It also goes without saying that there is a "perceived" quality with independent restaurants that is also right or wrong at probably the same, if not a higher, rate as corporate chains.

I would even replace the "quality" perception at chains with the words "predictable" or "familiar"

Either way, it's not like downtown is limited for space for future restaurants, retail etc

Channel 12 could move to The Arizona Republic's building

Gannett Co., Inc. parent company of The Arizona Republic and Channel 12, may move the television station into the Republic's downtown Phoenix mid-rise.

Under the plan, the ground floor of the Republic's offices at 200 E. Van Buren would be reconfigured so that visitors walking in downtown Phoenix would be able to see KPNX's studios.

The plans are just preliminary, said John Zidich publisher of The Arizona Republic. Gannett is working on a feasibility study to determine if the move makes financial and logistical sense, he said.

"We think there are great synergies for both of our platforms," Zidich said. "We also think that it could be a really exciting, new draw to downtown as we position the studios so that the outside world can see inside."

Another reason the media company is probably considering the move: both the TV and newspaper staffs are smaller. At its peak, KPNX had 190 employees, now there are 160, according to the general manager. Layoffs and downsizing have also shrunk the newspaper's staff.

Zidich didn't specify how much The Arizona Republic's staffing has changed at its Van Buren building, saying the possible move isn't motivated by efficiency.

"The reason to do this is strategic," Zidich said. "Having available space makes it easier but is not a reason."

The news involves two key pieces of downtown Phoenix real estate. KPNX occupies two buildings at 1101 N. Central Ave., a key intersection along the Central Avenue corridor.

"It's attractive in the sense that it is on the northern border or downtown, directly on the light rail," said John Misner, president and general manager of Channel 12. "It's next to the (Hance) park, it's not too far away from ASU's downtown campus. You have good access to the I-10."

The Arizona Republic sits at Second and Van Buren streets, steps away from the Phoenix Convention Center and the Arizona Center complex of shops and offices.

Gannett has been working closely with Phoenix city officials to iron out logistics of a possible move. Gannett plans to issue a request for proposals from contractors this month.

KPNX has been at the Central Avenue site since 1956. The television station's two buildings -- a 45,000-square foot office building and a former fire station that stores news vehicles -- are not officially for sale. But rumors of a potential sale have peaked the interest of about a half dozen parties, Misner said.

That includes Arizona State University, which opened a downtown Phoenix campus in 2006.

"We took a tour at the invitation of the Channel 12 management, but we do not have any plans to pursue the building," said Julie Newberg, an ASU spokeswoman.
Other television stations and newspapers have experimented with mingled operations, said Rick Edmonds, a media consolidation expert at Poynter Institute, adding that Florida's Tampa Tribune and Channel 8 (WFLA) have shared the same building for several years.

If Channel 12 moved into the Republic's building, it would be the largest such operation "that I know of," Edmonds said. --- Jahna Berry

^That would be great if it happened for 2 reasons. If Im reading it correctly it sounds like they'd plan to have their studios have a window to the street a la the Today Show which could be very cool. The Republic building is obviously in an area where lots of tourists and convention goers walk by and it could create a lively and interesting street scene as people watch broadcasts being taped.

Secondly and more importantly Id hope it would mean the awful anti urban fortress that is the current Ch 12 building would be flattened. Its a really prime piece of real estate and I wish it had a better use. When the economy recovers and if Phoenix ever decides to redo Hance park like it needs to, that would be a great place for more midrise condos like Portland Place across the street.

are there any good jobs in phoenix yet? theres like three great looking chicks there that i would move back for but, damn, last time i was there i could basically flip burgers as a sole career option!

No.

that's what i thought. damn that one trick pony economy arizona built itself on!

GOP convention
 

If Phoenix gets the GOP convention it would be nice to have both channel 8 and 12 with Downtown sidewalk studios.

I hope they move their studios. I love seeing news studios in action when I am in Chicago or NY.

Um...Id be happy to keep the seat warm for you while you look for a job with any of the 3 :P

EDIT: VV You mentioned their gender, so it goes unsaid.

did i mention they are all psycho??? :D

So I was downtown today with my department from work to attend the "Get Motivated" business seminar at US Airways Center. It was a great seminar with many speakers such as Laura Bush, Rudy Guliani, Colin Powell, Steve Forbes, Kurt Warner, Tamara Lowe, Zig Zeiglar, and a few others. I shot some quick shots of downtown with my cellphone.. mostly of Cityscape and the Court Tower..

Luhrs

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...e/downtown.jpg

Court Tower

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown1.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown6.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown2.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown3.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown4.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown5.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../downtown7.jpg

Hey, nice new angles. I particularly like #6. Thanks, man.

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