Any word?

While there were some disappointing and perplexing calls for more parking in the comments, these voices were a small minority during the workshops held a few weeks earlier. When opinions are captured on paper, sometimes the views of a few look equivalent to those of the many. Nevertheless, even people misguided enough to think that what Hance really needs is more parking deserve free speech. Let the community sort out what makes sense and what doesn't.

I saw this presented and the crowd, which included many skeptical and cynical urbanists, was impressed. I think there's some momentum behind this plan and we can only hope that will help obtain funding for what needs to be done. I didn't hear exact numbers, but it looks like this plan would result in a reduction in land wasted on surface parking. The lot used by library employees would be removed and new underground parking would be placed under the park's northeastern corner.

Nothing yet. Maybe after the holiday weekend?

I emailed the reporter to see if there was any news.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/n...ic-buyers.html

[/QUOTE] I saw this presented and the crowd, which included many skeptical and cynical urbanists, was impressed. I think there's some momentum behind this plan and we can only hope that will help obtain funding for what needs to be done. I didn't hear exact numbers, but it looks like this plan would result in a reduction in land wasted on surface parking. The lot used by library employees would be removed and new underground parking would be placed under the park's northeastern corner.[/QUOTE]

I'm neutral with the plan for the park. While it's an extraordinary improvement compared to what exists now, I think the surface parking on Culver should be taken out and a sort of "Grand entrance" with a fountain can be put in. In reality, as much as I want to do without parking, realistically in Phoenix--that's near impossible, but I'm happier that they chose for underground. I do like how they include the Library with the design and add restaurant spaces around the park and slots for food trucks. I also hope they can extend the Japanese Garden's seasonal open period.
If/when the whole plan for the park comes to functioning, I can see myself plopping into a patio chair with a good lunch and people watching.

Delayed again:

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/n....html?page=all

At least it is delayed rather than fell through. I would hope if the city has any hand in this they'd do anything they can to help. Maybe the prospective buyers need future incentives for redevelopment or something like that. I say give them whatever they want. Better than letting it sit, or worse.

Why not put The Pin in Hance Park? That's the type of iconic attraction they are looking for, is it not?

I think that's been suggested before and has generally been considered to be a good place for the Pin (if it ever happens). It would help bridge the midtown/downtown skyline and would give you a good view of the skylines.

I noticed a zoning adjustment sign at the southeast corner of Roosevelt and 7th St. Is that for the proposed mega-Circle-K?

http://downtowndevil.com/2013/11/26/...x-in-december/

I'd like to know what the author's source was. I haven't seen any permits pulled. I hope she didn't just go to the Vedura website and rely on their statement that construction is slated to start in December '13.

http://veduraresidential.com/home/elevation-central

There's a freeway under there, would that work?

Why wouldn't it? There's a fairly large tower directly over a somewhat similar tunnel on Georgia 400 in Atlanta.

Hi Phoenix. New screen name, long time member. Moved from Ohio to Phoenix early this year and have been lurking on you guys for about a year now ;)

I have a lot of interest in the Pin as it was announced practially the first day I moved here and have been watching it closely. Since we have not had any recent developments lately, I decided to contact Brian Stowell about 2 weeks ago. This is part of the response I received...

"The city has expressed interest and plans are still in the works for the project. We have many preliminary issues to work out before we can identify a clear starting date, but we are at work on all of them."

I know that's somewhat of a generic response, but at the least, it looks like the Pin may still be in development and hasn't been cancelled yet.

My opinion of the location picked is due to the proximity of the ballpark, arena, the convention center itself and the high volume of pedestrian traffic this area receives during events which would help boost public interest and attendence. It's a "Hey, while we're here, let's check this out" attraction. Many cities have adopted this philosophy on "riskier" projects with much success. The powers that be know that this location could be a good bet versus a risk if it were buillt anywhere else. Be lucky they didn't pick Westgate :runaway:

Personally, I would love to see a little more design thought put into it (especially after seeing the observation tower Miami is planning). Plus, my choice would be to build this at the downtown civic park instead which would allow much more height and still have high foot traffic volume. But I don't think the current spot is exactly a bad location considering. :tup:

By the way, the Pin appears to have a new name of "Copper Point Tower" according to the website renderings.

As a representative for the AZ Forums I say welcome! We look forward to your contributions to the forums Ronnie.

Welcome, where in Ohio did you move from? I'm from western Ohio and most recently lived in Toledo

Does anyone know what's going on at the NW corner of Central and McDowell? There are people working there today. Could this be something like infrastructure improvements related to the proposed Arthaus apartments that are going up behind the Opera Center? Or is this maybe the start of something completely new?

http://i44.tinypic.com/xknlvo.jpg

^^^This should be prelimanary groundwork for the artHAUS development. But I have yet to see a rendering and I haven't looked to see if anything else is up for that location. Not sure the 30 unit artHAUS project would fill that entire lot?

http://skyscraperpage.com/forum/show...postcount=4717

Thanks for the welcome. I was from the Dayton/ Cincinnati area

Long time lurker here too. Originally from San Antonio and moved here a little over a year ago. Just wanted to put my two cents in, but I'm not a huge fan of the design of the observation tower planned. I love the idea of building one and understand the reasoning behind that design, but like I said, I would like to see other options and maybe have the community vote on their favorite. Any who, I'm excited and can't wait for more news!

I thought the arthaus project was going on the western portion of the AZ Opera lot, which would mean it would be behind the existing building in the background of the photo and fronting on 1st Ave. Of course, I could be wrong.

Renderings have been posted. I'll see if I can find them. The ArtHaus development is supposed to be behind (west) of the AZ Opera (as westbev said) facing 1st Ave. It's not taking the entire lot. The lot is enormous, ArtHaus will only take a small portion.

The work could still be infrastructure improvements for the ArtHaus, however.

Anyone know what is going on at the Arizona Center. The whole west side facade is covered in tarps. Are they opening it up or adding windows or painting????

Don't tease. If Arizona Center ever gets a clue and improves its northwest frontage, I'll die happy.

They're probably just adding a billboard. :yuck:

I hope this is just being moved to another day, but as I was looking through a Central Village Planning Committee meeting for 12/9, I saw that one this item was lined out:

5. Presentation and discussion regarding the Phoenix Tower proposed for the
Heritage and Science Park. Jay Thorne & Kerry O’Reilly, Novawest

Hope the deal is not dead...

Detoured through downtown earlier today and snapped some quick progress pictures. Going to dump them all right here since it's easier. :D


[b]Cityscape apartments just about complete...
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/1.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/2.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/5.jpg

New "cocktail parlor" opening in the corner of Central and Jefferson, great location!
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/3.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/4.jpg

These are new, at least to me...lots and lots of green pots on a bunch of streets downtown. They look sort of cool I guess.
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/6.jpg


West side of AZ Central is all covered and has scaffolding up, not sure what they are doing.
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/7.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/8.jpg

Arizona Cancer Center
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/9.jpg

Roosevelt Point
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/10.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/11.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/12.jpg

DeSoto Building, came out fantastic!
http://www.nitnelav.com/DT120513/13.jpg

Great photos. DeSoto looks fantastic; fingers crossed for a great tenant who converts at least a portion of the surface lot into a patio or other outdoor use.

Any ideas what could be going on at Arizona Center? If they were adding entrances along 3rd, scaffolding wouldn't be going up first, right? I wonder if it's just signage- movie posters along AMC, for example?

Bitter and Twisted has gotten delayed several times, but they seem super excited and passionate, so I'm confident it'll open in early 2014. Can't wait for some activity along Jefferson... A lone Subway doesn't do Luhrs justice, and this will be the perfect hangout for Palomar guests and apartment residents - great visibility.

No comment on the pots, ha.

So is it true that the council voted to allow the Circle K on 7th the other day?

According to Downtown Devil, yes...or at least the liquor license.

http://downtowndevil.com/2013/12/05/...nton-garfield/

The Zoning Administrator approved a Use Permit, does that not mean that the Use Permit, with its stipulations, still needs to go before the Council?

I just took a couple of east valley folks on a tour of downtown to scout out places for holiday work parties, and they were really impressed with all of the activity and changes taking place downtown since they were last down here at least 5 years ago. They said it actually felt "alive". Living down here myself I obviously have mixed feelings. Yes, there are a ton of great new things popping up, but I'm not seeing any cohesion and planning that ties everything together. Everything is a bit random, but I'm sure in time as things fill in that randomness will make for a great downtown.

The green planter boxes are interesting in that they add some color, but I hate how awkwardly they are placed. Almost as if they were unloaded straight from the truck and not put in ideal positions. I do like the added greenery, hopefully these plants can grow in to something more than what they currently look like.

Also loving all the repainted street signs at the intersections and the various colors painted in the dead zones. I hope they maintain these and not let them fade, chip, or get too dirty.

Driving down by ASU and Roosevelt as First Friday preparations were underway felt really great! I really hope this area continues to fill in. The open lot dirt murals look pretty cool at eye level as you can't tell what they are, but instantly notice all of the added color.

I've got to weigh in on The Pin development....IMO the thing is dead UGLY. It will make downtown look awful and everyone would hate the image of it in a few decades. Honestly, I feel if high rise development was spurring in downtown Phoenix right now, everyone would be against this observation tower (including the city council). Phoenix needs quality, not quantity. Last thing they need is a joke of development just to spur some sort of surge. I do not think it will be built - ever. Lacks solid funding sources.

Few small things:

I noticed this AM all the Palo Verdes on Washington, on the north side of the road (in front of the Renaissance towers) were cut down. At first I worried they were just removing trees w/ no plans for replacements. One of the workers assured me that they'd be planting some kind of oaks though- so that'll (eventually) be a shade improvement.

Though I wish the Palo's didn't have to be cut down and could've been moved to a park or empty lot. Ah well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Mother Bunch Brewery will be opening probably Q1 2014 on 7th St, where the Cross Fit currently is. "Fresh Wata" event rentals had their grand opening last week and Mother Bunch was there giving out samples.

Even though I'm a teetotaler, I'm excited to see a brewery coming downtown. I wish 4 Peaks would open a location in Downtown PHX.

Been saying this for years. 4 Peaks or even SanTan Brewery would keep A LOT of business people Downtown after dark, the younger crowd would obviously flock there as well. The more breweries Downtown, the better! :cheers:

Any update on this? Looking over the results of the village planning meeting, it doesn't look like this was even discussed.

Mayor Stanton was interviewed by The Atlantic Cities about what people tend to get wrong about Phoenix. It's a short interview but nice to see that misperceptions about Phoenix are being addressed.

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/pol...our-city/7816/

Hance Park Upgrades Presented to Phoenix Council
 

http://azbex.com/hance-park-upgrades...oenix-council/

BTW - the new dog park is really nice and has been packed every time I've gone.

Random and off topic.. I know I know.. :koko:

But I wonder what downtown would look like "IF" it ever had a mixed-residential building, say, 30 or so stories, on the corner of 2nd Ave & Adams St.. that looked similar to Roosevelt Point & the new Palomar mixed, with a green, black, and gray facade to "Green up" the downtown area, off street level of course.. and get rid of 'one' too many of the many parking lots in DT. Also a new city tall commercial mix use building right across from the Chase Tower on-top of whatever building is currently using the SW corner of 1st & Monroe, that used black glass and topped of with an angle (diamond shaped) adorned with a crown that lit up at night.. It would certainly add a little density and identity to the skyline...

Ah the powers of imagination. :worship:

But I'm sure any Phoenician has fantasized about what he/she could do with the growth and image of DT Phoenix.. Being Americas MAIN desert urban sprawl 'n all we should be proud to give it identity and growth. NOT A Google looking pin drop. :(

Something Like this..

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6149ba90.jpg

Considering that 6 (including the crane) of those buildings have been built during the worst recession in 80 years..... I think we are doing pretty good!:tup:

The six buildings that were built were all approved and funded during the boom economy, perhaps with the exception of the new courts tower that was funded with money saved by the county over the preceding several years. We heard nothing during the recession for new projects and even with the economy picking up nobody is so much as even proposing a new downtown tower, let alone announcing a funding agreement, rezoning, etc.

I'd go. I used to go to 4pks every Friday afternoon.

Alliance residential developing central phoenix apartment community
 

http://www.brewaz.com/content/index_...r%2013,%202013

This isn't new news but it's nice to see that things are moving along. More residential along the central corridor will be great.

Must agree! Just wish Phoenix had more density and urbanity planned into it, instead of thinking haphazardly and placing structures seemingly out the blue. I guess it makes sense that Phoenix is living up to it's name and potential slowly but surely. We will get there :)

To look at almost any picture of Phoenix prior to 1950 is to realize what a wonderful small city it was. It had everything - density, good transit, handsome buildings, and - most importantly - a seamlessly integrated fabric of retail and residential near the core. In other words, all the stuff that planners love in the abstract but cannot force into actuality. That's the clue: you can't plan it any more than you can plan to be soulful on a blind date.

The high rises, the sports venues, the obligatory Rouse Company project, the Mercado, Heritage Square, the Convention Center, the Pin proposal, etc., all belong to the silver bullet school of urban design. That is, dazzle the rubes with something impressive and you'll revive the core. But it didn't work in Phoenix because it couldn't replace what people are really hungry for, which is the complexity of human social life in a fine-grained setting. There's nothing really urban about throngs of people marching a few blocks through a small downtown to a Suns' game. But we somehow got the notion that the "synergy" would manifest independent of the necessary ecology. Build it and they will come! 30 years into this expensive experiment, we're still hoping against all evidence that this strategy will work. Well, good luck with that. We created a fine-looking corpse downtown but it's not likely to get up and dance anytime soon.

Grand Avenue between 15th Ave and 7th Ave was narrowed to 3 lanes with a bike lane and street parking on each side. It looks really nice, hopefully a streetscape can develop in all of the nice old buildings on Lower Grand.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2nu59iq.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/11vimhj.jpg

I have no idea what's going on at the Arizona Center. The entire west side of the building is covered in tarps and scaffolding. Probably just painting but we can always hope that they decide to create some kind of a street presence.

http://i40.tinypic.com/282dcp3.jpg

Looked like contractors were putting finishing touches on the Native Connections building this afternoon (Sunday).

http://i44.tinypic.com/141kcw.jpg

Phoenix's Roosevelt Row to get better lighting, walkways

By Stacia Affelt
azcentral.com
Mon Dec 16, 2013

Phoenix will add more than 30 street lights along the Roosevelt Row arts district next year, a move business owners and community leaders say they have requested for years.

The restaurants, boutiques and art galleries from Central Avenue to Fourth Street will benefit from increased pedestrian safety and customer traffic, community leaders said.

The city estimates it will install seven new roadway lights and 28 new pedestrian lights beginning in April.

The city’s Street Transportation Department began planning the Roosevelt Row Pedestrian Project about eight years ago with the help of community members and business owners.

But the city could not devote the $750,000 needed to fund the project, which also includes street improvements, until now.

“This corridor has had a lot of activity over the years,” principal planner Mark Melnychenko said. “We know it needs to be upgraded, too, for our lighting standards.”

‘Funding is scarce’

Installing lighting on a single street in downtown Phoenix costs thousands of dollars and must meet city standards and use LED bulbs, according to the transportation department.

Phoenix maintains about 90,000 street lights, according to civil engineer Briiana Velez.

Velez said the city has an annual budget of about $2 million for maintenance costs and about $8.5 million for energy costs.

Melnychenko said the department has to be frugal and make decisions the community doesn’t always support, including postponing some projects.

That’s one reason there haven’t been improvements to Roosevelt Row, a district known for its cultural events and proximity to historical neighborhoods, Melnychenko said.

“Funding is very scarce right now,” Melnychenko said. “That’s why a lot of these improvements in the streets take so long.”

Generally, the city has developers decide if street lighting is needed and the developors pay for the lighting when they develop vacant lots, department spokesman Matthew Heil said.

But lighting standards were different when the Roosevelt Row area began its revitalization over a decade ago. The city might not have required as many lights or any lights at all, Velez said.

“So, if they were developed a long time ago, they obviously don’t meet our current standards,” Velez said.

One big difference for downtown now: The city requires the installation of pedestrian lighting, which illuminates the entire sidewalk, while street lighting covers the road.

Beyond downtown, the city generally doesn’t require pedestrian lighting because residents prefer darkness around their homes while they sleep, Velez said.

In the past year, Velez said the city required a move to LED lights. Heil said LED lights are about $300 more per light compared with standard lights, but the city saves more on energy in the long run.

Business owners want lights

Greg Esser, vice president of Roosevelt Row Community Development Corp. board, said it is important pedestrians feel safewalking in the Roosevelt Row district.

The corporation board is made up of activists, business owners and entrepreneurs.

In a recent community planning meeting, Esser said a survey conducted over the past year indicated that better lighting, sidewalks and right-of-way improvements were the main concerns.

“Our mission is to foster a dense, diverse, walkable and sustainable community,” Esser said. “Every pedestrian enhancement or every lighting and safety improvement that we can make helps lead towards realizing our mission.”

Joshua Hahn, co-owner of GROWop Handmade and Found clothing store, on Sixth Street, said the street lighting would make the street more welcoming and inviting for people to shop.

Hahn said the lack of lighting has kept people from walking toward his street or even noticing the building.

“That’s why we’ve gone ahead and hung our own lighting, just to brighten up our corner,” Hahn said. “It would be nice to have the whole street lit up the same way.”

He said he would consider keeping his store open later once there is more pedestrian traffic. Now, shoppers head back to the suburbs once the sun goes down, Hahn said.

Erin Carroll, owner of Songbird Coffee and Tea House, on Roosevelt Street, said her major concern with the current lighting is for employees who walk to their cars or homes after the business closes at 10 p.m.

She said taking out the trash is also troubling because the alleyway is so dark.

Songbird has a bus stop in front of the building, which Carroll said would bring more customers in if not for poor lighting and seating.

“It’s not a friendly place,” Carroll said.

Roosevelt pedestrian project

The city project will include improvements to sidewalks, parking and landscaping, according to the transportation department.

The city plans to narrow the road to create wider sidewalks and make room for pedestrian amenities, such as shade trees, benches and bike racks.

“We’ve been working very diligently in working with the community and getting their input on these improvements,” Melnychenko said.

Melnychenko said department employees went out to observe the area.

People have strong opinions about whether the city should have more lighting or less lighting. They also have opinions about the different kinds of lighting the city should install, Heil said.

“Downtown lighting is a sensitive subject,” Heil said. “We’re often trying to balance community opinion.”

Esser said Roosevelt Row is working with the city to ensure the improvements allow for more “district identity.” Right now, he said the community lacks cohesion because there are different lights on either side of each street.

I just hope they don't over-stylize the lighting and streetscape by creating an environment we've all seen before that sanitizes the area with faux-urbanity. Nothing like an old planning dude who puts his baby-boomer (I'm one, btw) tastes and overlays it over an organic area like Roosevelt Row.

Ugh, can't believe this streetscspe disaster is finally upon us. They've destroyed streets like 1st, why not move onto the final thread of a community main street?

20' sidewalks causing empty and uninviting stretches of concrete, trees planted 5' in preventing shade to bicyclists, or trees not planted at all given the horrible overhead utility lines, and last, but not least- the removal off all on street parking.

Nothing about the plan will create an identity or truly improve the real problems of this street. Intersections will includes pavers and the 3rd St triangle will be landscaped....other than that, what a waste.

While I agree 20' sidewalks might be excessive, I work at Central and Osborn and try to walk as much as possible, the very narrow sidewalks in this part of town make passing people difficult at times.

We tried to stop it, but were shouted down by local business owners. They didn't want on street parking, they wanted "a pedestrian friendly area."

The fact that the City lets non experts decide this sort of thing is a major issue. Both the City Streets Dept (mostly traffic engineers) and the community (owners of shops and restaurants) have no clue or training on how to design a good urban street. When those are the 2 main bodies in a room discussing this thing, its no wonder we get garbage project after garbage project.