http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/n...tists-for.html
The development group looking to bring a new 19-story apartment tower to the old Circles Records building in downtown Phoenix has unveiled new plans aimed at easing opposition from preservationists worried about the future of a property first built in 1946.
Aspirant Development, which bought the empty Circles building in and has faced redevelopment opposition from preservationists — is circulating some new renderings showing existing brick exteriors of the Circles building incorporated into the planned apartment tower.
The developers are also bringing in Phoenix artists Pete Deise and Ashley Macias to add murals and sculptures to the $70 million redevelopment.
Geoffrey Jacobs, one of the owners of the Circles building, said other artists will also be brought in including for murals on parking garages.
The building was first a Studebaker dealership and then was for years home to and owned by Circles Records & Tapes. The record store closed in 2010.
The development group bought the property with hopes of joining the wave of new multifamily projects coming to downtown Phoenix. The Circles building is located at Central Avenue and McKinley Street along the Metro light rail.
But the developers were criticized in April, including by Mayor Greg Stanton when demolition crews started gutting interior portions of the Circles building.
Demolition stopped. Jacobs apologized.
And now the development group is unveiling new plans with a heavy focus on arts to try to ease concerns.
“Where controversy resides opportunity exists. That’s where artists come in. In this case I intend to interpret, infuse and inspire with a new icon for our urban core,” said Deise who will produce a large sculpture.
Part of the new effort includes working with Phoenix Art Museum Director Emeritus James Ballinger as the project moves forward.
The real estate group is also now calling the redevelopment project The Stewart.
The Studebaker dealership was called the Stewart Motor Co. Jacobs and his ownership team, which also includes Phoenix businessman Richard Felker, are working with the Stewart family on the new designs.
They hope to start construction in September.A
“We have learned a very valuable lesson,” Jacobs and Felker said. “By stopping our demolition and listening to the community I truly believe we have come up with a better, landmark plan that preserves icons and even creates many more. We look forward to continuing our work with all to ultimately build a project that’s great for all,” they said.