Downtown Blog
Tudor Revival Historic Homes in Phoenix AZ
July 29, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
We are beginning a series of of posts on several of the period revival home styles. Today’s post looks at what is arguably the most popular historic style, Tudor revival. When showing people homes in the various historic districts in Phoenix, AZ, clients are drawn to the often whimsical Tudor Revivals. In Phoenix, we are fortunate to have several historic districts and subdivisions with good examples of Tudor Revivals. At the end of this post we’ve included a slide-show tour featuring over thirty properties from several historic districts in the downtown and midtown Phoenix region.
TUDOR REVIVALS: A bit of history and information.
Tudor revival became especially popular with 1920s suburban homes, loosely based on their medieval for-bearers. Most believe the surge in Tudor Revivals, as well as other revival styles, was was a byproduct of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair where interpretations of European style homes was demonstrated. We believe the overall energy of the Roaring Twenties was equally responsible as architects and homeowners were living out the passion and glee of the times.
Tudor Revival homes are identified by their elevations with ornamental half-timbering, a medieval English building tradition, often with stucco or masonry veneered walls, steeply pitched multi-gabled roof lines, massive chimneys, distinctive entryways and muti-paned casement windows.
As noted above, we mention decorative half timbering, sometimes referred to as false timbering. In European Tudors, as well as other English style homes, it was common to have exposed timbers on the home’s facings. However, in the United States the extremes in weather caused leakage problems. Thus, the timbers we commonly see are ornamental in nature and are not integral with the home’s structure.
Below is a slide show tour of several Tudor Revival Style homes in the downtown and midtown Phoenix area. Most of the photos were taken in Encanto-Palmcroft, Cherry Lynn and Willow with a few coming from other Phoenix historic districts. In general, you’ll be more apt to find Tudor revivals in areas where home building occurred prior to 1934. This is largely due to the influence FHA had on the home building industry in the mid-1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. Hope you enjoy the photos.
If you have an interest in historic homes and would like to know more about them, the preservation efforts going on and periodic tours of these homes, join our Meetup.com group at http://www.meetup.com/Downtown-Phoenix-Historic-Properties/ .
THE TOUR:
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
Rob Melikian and Vanishing Phoenix on AZCentral
July 21, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
The mission of historic preservation in downtown and Greater Phoenix got a boost today. Robert Melikian and his new book Vanishing Phoenix were featured on AZCentral.com today.
Urban Connection readers know how much we love this book and the fine work the Hotel San Carlos owner has done to bring historic preservation to the attention of Phoenix residents. Today we thank AZ Central for bringing the story to a much wider audience. Perhaps this will be the straw that breaks the preverbal back of developers and short sighted thinkers who do not value our city’s historical heritage told through architecture, buildings and homes.
Emily Garsena, the author of the article, interviewed Rob with a bit of Q & A. Here is an excerpt and link to the entire piece.
Q: Was there a certain building that inspired you to write?
A: The Fox West Coast Theatre on First and Washington (streets) built by S. Charles Lee (in 1930). He built an inferior one in Los Angeles that’s considered by people there a marvelous theater. We had a better one. In 1975, the city bought it. The chandeliers bought for $8,000 in the 1930s sold for $250. They (city officials) wanted to replace the theater with a bus station.
Q: Some historic buildings continue to be torn down. Some members of the community believe the Ramada Inn at Second and Fillmore streets should be protected although the city plans to raze it and build there so Arizona State University
can use it to house one of its academic programs. What do you think?
A: In 1956, Marilyn Monroe opened that building. But I don’t advocate saving every historic building. If the use of that building is going to be that useful to society, then so be it.
Q: What message do you want people to take from this book?
A: History sells. People want history. Don’t look at the short-term liability (of preservation). Look at the long-term benefits.
Congrats to Rob Melikian… you deserve all the kudos possible for your good work and passion.
Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Real Estate Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
CVS Opens at CityScape in Downtown Phoeinx
July 21, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
In a prior post we mentioned that CVS Pharmacy at CityScape in downtown Phoenix would be opening their doors at the end of July. Well… it is happening and we have the details for your enjoyment direct from the gang at Red Development and CityScape. He is the press release
CityScape welcomes the opening of our second retail tenant, the first one on the Patriot’s Square block Monday morning when CVS/Pharmacy officially opens its doors to the general public. CVS/Pharmacy will become the first pharmacy in the downtown neighborhood in more than 30 years.
Join us at 9:00am Monday July 26th as we cut the ribbon and open the doors to a much needed store. Mayor Phil Gordon will be on hand to welcome CVS to downtown Phoenix and they will have giveaway bags to hand out while supplies last.
A few of the amenities that CVS/Pharmacy will have will be:
- Photo Department
- Full Liquor Department with beer, large wine selection, and spirits available warm and cold
- Expanded coolers and freezers
- Including sandwiches, lunch items and dairy, and ice
- Expanded grocery set
- ATM
- Souvenir Section
The new CVS Pharmacy will provide some services currently missing for downtown Phoenix workers and dwellers. Too bad it is not a locally owned business, but there are few independents left in the US Pharmacy/Sundry world these days.
If you are free at 9:00 on July 26th come to CityScape in downtown Phoenix for the festivities.
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Realty Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Gets $25000 Grant for Downtown
July 18, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
More good news for downtown Phoenix. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) just awarded Phoenix a $25,000 grant to make an area near the Phoenix Public Market more livable. Here is how the project is described by the NEA folks:
The City of Phoenix will use its MICD25 grant to hire an artist-led team to redesign a city block along a key thoroughfare fronting the new Downtown Phoenix Public Market. The artist/design team, to be selected through a competitive process, will reconfigure the street by reducing car lanes and widening sidewalks and adding built and living shade, transforming a hot stretch of asphalt and concrete into a cool oasis for people. These changes will increase the livability of the desert city by making outdoor areas more amenable to pedestrians.
Mayor Gordon added these comments about the grant money, “This project will bolster our efforts to revitalize Phoenix’s unique urban core as a connected oasis of shaded sidewalks, plazas, streets and open spaces. The project, using sustainable materials, also will complement our ongoing downtown development efforts.”
As I read the grant, it provides money for the design of the project that includes 1 block of Pierce Street from Central to First Street. I have not heard if the grant required the city to fund the actual construction of the project or not. Maybe one of our readers knows more about the construction details and I’ll do my best to find out more.
The grant is one of only 21 awarded by the NEA under their Mayor’s Institute on City Design. Initiatives like this a far too few and highly competitive when available. Too bad we can’t shift 1% of the military budget to enrich the quality of life and art…
So lift your cup and say Salute , cheers and Slainte to downtown Phoenix, the Office of Arts and Culture and NEA for making our life in the urban core a bit better.
Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
Buying Downtown Phoenix Homes in As Is Condition
July 14, 2010 by The Urban Team · 1 Comment
Several of our Urban Connection readers have asked us what AS IS means when buying a home or condo in the downtown Phoenix area. This comes up often when people are buying bank owned homes or short sales.
Lender owned homes seldom offer the option of having repairs made to the home and the majority of people selling their home as a “short sale” simply don’t have the money to make repairs. Therefore, as a home buyer, you will be asked to sign an addendum to the contract that explains what is expected of you and the seller when selling a home in “AS IS” condition.
Your Urban Connection Team has created a little YouTube video that gives offers an overview of the AS IS addendum created by the Arizona Association of Realtors. Below is the video:
Obviously, this is simply an overview of the Short Sale Addendum and does not go into all the nuances and implications of the document. However, we hope it gives you a broader understanding of what as is means when buying a home or condo in downtown Phoenix, AZ.
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Realty Team
602-234-5777
Information About HAFA and Short Sales in Phoenix
July 10, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
Short sales are big news in the real estate industry these days. With a large number of people owning more on their home/condo than its worth, folks are pondering a short sale as one of their options. This is evident in the downtown region with about 1/4th of all active listings being short sales.
The US Government, for better or worse, has adopted a program called HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative) to help streamline the short sale process. Some of our readers have emailed asking: What is the HAFA program? We are here today to answer that question.
In case you don’t know. the Urban Connection team launched a site dedicated to information about short sales last Fall. We have well over 100 pages of short sale articles, short sale news, an FAQ section and much more. We just added a page describing the HAFA program and its guidelines. Below is a link to that piece so you can be an expert on the HAFA program and impress your friends and coworkers with your in depth knowledge on the subject.
What is the HAFA Program for short sales in AZ?
If you know someone who needs more information about short sales, please know we are there for them. Short sales are not for everyone and there are legal and tax issues that need to be explored before moving forward with this option. We would be delighted to help navigate the short sale waters.
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
Gene@UrbanTeamAZ.com
connecting people to the perfect space
CityScape Restaurant and News Update for Summer 2010
July 6, 2010 by The Urban Team · 1 Comment
Our friend Melinda Riley from Red Development just sent over an update on the restaurants and businesses scheduled to open at City Scape in the next few months. Of note is the July 25th opening of CVS and the much anticipated opening of Lucky Strike Lanes in August. Below is the complete list as we have it.
Lucky Strike Lanes (August)
Born in Hollywood, Lucky Strike offers upscale bowling with a chance to “eat, drink, and knock down some pins.” Lucky Strike Lanes offers upscale bowling, dining and cocktailing in a posh lounge setting.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries (August)
Fast-casual burger joint in the mold of In-and-Out Burger.
Vitamin T (September)
Chef Aaron May of Over Easy fame tackles tacos and tequila.
Rasputin Vodka Bar (October)
One of three Jason Doyle projects moving into CityScape, Rasputin will feature Russian caviar, Russian crepes, Old World Russian style and, of course, lots of Russian vodkas.
Oakville Grocery (October)
“Little country store” concept with made-to-order sandwiches and other picnic-style foods. Oakville already operates a store in North Scottsdale.
Le Crepe Nanou (October)
Doyle’s second entry will model the uptown New Orleans Le Crepe location and will offer a café menu of soups, salads, crepes, plus fish, meat and poultry entrees.
BrewPublic Craft House (October)
Craft beers and pub food, also from Doyle.
Huey’s 24/7 Diner (October)
The kitchen will never close at this diner, which promises inexpensive comfort food.
LGO Public House (October)
Gastro pub that should ring familiar with fans of La Grande Orange pizzeria and grocery in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood.
Silk Sushi (Fall)
Jimmy Carlin, the man behind notable Valley restaurants Cajun House, Blue Wasabi and Humble Pie, takes on Pan-Asian fare with this sushi stop.
Sam Fox’s Chop House (Fall)
Beverly Hills-style chop house by Valley restaurant concept giant Fox, who operates over a dozen restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale, including Sauce, North, Olive & Ivy, Culinary Dropout, Zinburger, The Greenhouse, Modern Steak, Blanco, and True Food.
Restaurateur Sam Fox will open a Beverly Hills-style chop house in CityScape this fall.
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery (Fall)
Celtic-themed sports pub with an impressive beer list and eye-catching staff.
The Breakfast Club (Fall)
Old Town Scottsdale location is famous for Benedict-style eggs, omelettes, waffles and huevos rancheros.
Blu Burger Grille (Q1 2011)
Local mini-chain’s fifth location offers a “unique and high-quality gourmet hamburger experience.”
Cherry On Top (Q1 2011)
Frozen yogurt shop in the spirit of local favorites Mojo and Golden Spoon.
Note: Opening dates were submitted by CityScape and are subject to change
Best to you,
Gene Urban and Ron Urban
The Urban Conneciton Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
First Friday Downtown Phoenix Summer Schedule
June 30, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
There has been a lot of confusion about the First Friday schedule this summer and the Roosevelt Row’s Phoestivals. In a nutshell, First Friday will happen as it always has on the First Friday in July, August and so one. Roosevelt Row’s Phoestival will take a vacation during the months of July and August. Below is the actual press release on the subject as well as a summary on where you can enjoy First Friday Festivities. By the way, the next First Friday is July 2nd, 2010.
Roosevelt Street Phoestival to go on hiatus in July and August
First Friday summer schedule still sizzles in Downtown neighborhoods including Grand Avenue, Melrose on 7th and Roosevelt Row
Phoenix, AZ – “Phoestival”, the Roosevelt Row CDC street festival component of downtown’s popular First Friday art walk will go on a short hiatus during the months of July and August, but will return in September.
“Due to the summer heat, Roosevelt Row will forgo hosting the Phoestival street closure for these two months,” said Jennifer Delgado of Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation.
There will be numerous other events and venues that will continue to participate in First Friday on July 2, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. “Art lovers who live in metro Phoenix or are visiting from out-of-town can tour more than 70 galleries and other art-related venues on July 2nd,” said Sloane Burwell of Artlink.
“Since there will not be street festival vending opportunities on Roosevelt Street for First Friday during July and August, we encourage exhibiting artists and crafters to contact local art venues such as eye lounge, 515 arts, Conspire, MADE, Practical Art, Grow-op and others to exhibit work on an on-going basis,” said Greg Esser of Roosevelt Row CDC.
For July and August, artists are offered an exhibition opportunity in Heritage Park at no cost. Artists must have both City of Phoenix and Arizona privilege tax licenses to participate. For additional information, contact Artlink’s Sean Deckert at seandinaz@gmail.com.
The public is encouraged to use the Metro Light Rail to experience First Fridays. Each downtown Phoenix light rail station features exhibits and programming within easy walking distance.
“We hope that the public takes advantage of our free shuttles to explore other neighborhoods and new venues,” said Burwell. “We encourage the public to come downtown and support the galleries and businesses in Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue and Melrose on 7th during First Fridays as well as the many other areas of downtown participating in the free monthly Artlink Phoenix First Fridays.”
A list of July’s First Friday scheduled activities can be found at www.artlinkphoenix.com or www.rooseveltrow.org. A map with the latest information, including light rail and parking options, is available at www.artlinkphoenix.com. Artlink’s First Friday map and shuttle information can also be picked up at the Phoenix Art Museum during the July 2nd First Friday. The Phoenix Art Museum serves as the Artlink Phoenix First Fridays headquarters and departure point for free shuttles that travel to the destinations list below as well as numerous others. Free parking is also available at the Phoenix Art Museum.
307 E. Verde, A Blend of Historical and Contemporary
June 28, 2010 by The Urban Team · 2 Comments
I was out showing homes this weekend and revisited a place worth of note. As Realtors, we appreciate a good remodel as we are saddened by some of the remodeling mistakes we often see… luckily 307 E. Verde in the Hacienda Historic District is not one.
The home recently received a fine updating with exceptional kitchen and bath redos. In fact, I doubt there were any surfaces left untouched including the landscaping and new garage.
Upon entering you will find well done stained concrete floors, a larger than average living room and a kitchen that will aspire you to entertain. The kitchen is well designed with sleek dark wood cabinets (a lot of them) and amenities missing in most homes. The attention to detail here is eye-catching. We’ll let the pictures tell the story.
Note the 1” tile backsplash, stunning vent hood, stacked microwave and oven and attached table for casual dining. Recessed lighting keeps the space open, yet bright… especially with the windows that open to the freshly landscaped back yard and patio.
The balance of the home has been tastefully updated as well. It looks like a few walls were moved to create a more spacious feel and add amenities such as an indoor washer/dryer nook. Both the guest and master baths have been fully modernized with tasteful accents, custom tile and vessel sinks.
The master bath features a jetted tub, dual sinks and a spacious shower. Note the narrow windows offering light and privacy as well as a mid-century feel. A nice touch many would not have added.
The only real downside to the home is its proximity to Thomas and 3rd Street. The rear of the property looks on to the McDonald Florist building. However, the owner included a stand of Oleanders in his landscaping design that will provide a nice visual block in just a year or two. Again, fine details most people miss when considering a remodel project.
Of note too is the garage. This is a new structure, yet done as to feel it belongs. It is an over-sized two car garage with plenty of room for storage, a work bench and more.
All in all, I believe they did a fine job on this project that someone is going to be happy to call home, entertain friends and enjoy the urban life.
If you’d like to take a look at this place use the contact form below or call us. We’d be delighted to take you on a tour.
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-224-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
listing courtesy of HomeSmart
Lenders Use Deception to Get Promissory Note Signed
June 25, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
Many of our readers know we are very involved with people trying to sell their home by short sale. We have a dedicated short sale site, Short-Sale-Phoenix.com and have written dozens of articles on the subject including our newest about how some lenders and PMI companies use lies, mistruths and threats to intimidate homeowners into signing promissory notes. I know you are shocked a bank would do such a thing… Not.
Anyway, we just posted a real world example of the email one of our clients received from their lender. Our clients are ideal short sale candidates… they both lost their jobs, the husband’s new job pay 40% less and is 30 miles from their house, they can no longer afford their house payments, they had just one loan and they did not refinance and take money out.
We listed their home last January and a well qualified buyer was brought in by an agent. The short sale package was professionally put together by a law firm who handled the conversations between the lender and the homeowner. Five months later we finally get conditional short sale approval from the lender.
Check out what the bank had to offer after 5 months of lender red tape on our sister site, UrbanLIfe Blog.com.
