CityScape

Lucky Strike Bowling VIP Party in Phoenix

One of the advantages of writing a blog is you get invited to stuff. Last night I dropped by Lucky Strike after our inaugural Historic Preservation Meetup event. Lucky Strike hosted a VIP party for several hundred invited guests.

I wish I had photos to share, but I had let my Droid battery go to red. Oh well. Lucky Stick sits on the second floor of the western part of CityScape in downtown Phoenix. I took the escalator up and entered the mix. As you might imagine, it was full of partiers. My first impression was more of a Hollywood/N. Scottsdale place than what I’ve come to expect in downtown Phoenix.

The staff was dressed in black and the decor of Lucky Strike is slick modern. It is a bigger place than I imagined with 12000 square feet featuring 12 lanes of muted light bowling, 2 lounge areas with full bars, and billiards. They had a DJ mixing a good sound on the fly that kept the audience moving without overpowering conversations and the sound system was sweet.

Food and drinks flowed freely to the gathering masses. I tried one of their sliders, a bacon burger, and it was tasty… especially when chased by a shot of Patron and a Corona. The staff was surprising efficient for a new place… they must have some great trainers.

I look forward to following this place. It brings something distinctly different to the downtown mix. At the same time, I do hope they adjust the feel to better match the community. The clingy black look has been beat to death. I’d like to see trendy bowling apparel to match the place’s theme. I think price is going to be paramount as well if they want to attract the locals.

All that said, Lucky Strike definitely brings something new to the mix and I salute Red Development for all they are doing to bring energy and vitality to the core.

Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Realty Team
602-234-5777

CVS Opens at CityScape in Downtown Phoeinx

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

CityScape Restaurant and News Update for Summer 2010

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