We performed a study of Orpheum Lofts at 114 W. Adams in downtown Phoenix during construction in 2004. We liked the scope of the project and the amazing 1931 Phoenix Title and Trust Building at the project’s core. We ruffled a few feathers when we publically criticized the developer for the lack of dedicated parking. [...]
Orpheum Lofts History, Pictures, Tour, Information in Downtown Phoenix AZ
Coronado Historic District History, Homes, Pictures and Tour Phoenix, AZ

I’ve been contemplating this article about Coronado Historic District for a long time. I couldn’t find the core for the story… something I’ve been trying hard to find before writing these days. Most of what I read is a rehash of a rehash and I believe our historic districts and homes deserve better, especially districts [...]
Why Do People Buy Historic Homes in Downtown Phoenix, AZ?

I was speaking with a friend the other day; he asked why I specialize in helping people buy and sell historic homes in downtown Phoenix. It was a significant question worthy of a thoughtful answer. Since then I have done some pondering. The quick answer includes by days at UC Santa Barbara where I studied [...]
How can I buy Midcentury Marvels Commercial Architecture of Phoenix 1945 to 1975

We are darn excited about the new book Midcentury Marvels, Commercial Architecture of Phoenix 1945-1975. We feel it is an important manuscript for many reasons we’ll outline below. Several people have asked where they can buy a copy of the book. We will put a link to that page at the end of this post. [...]
Rob Melikian and Vanishing Phoenix on AZCentral
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 [...]
Vanishing Phoenix and Downtown Fox Theater

Robert Melikian, owner of the San Carlos Hotel, offered a presentation yesterday of his new book Vanishing Phoenix. The talk, hosted by the City of Phoenix, gathered a standing room only crowd as Melikian took us on a tour of great buildings and homes lost over the years. Rob’s talk was an amazing history lesson [...]
Endangered Historic Homes and Places Listed

The Phoenix Historic Coalition has named 12 properties to their new Endangered Places list. The LIST was developed to bring focus and attention to historic properties that need community help. As Steve Procaccini, Coalition board president says: Despite significant progress in the recent past, Phoenicians, native-born and new-to-town, need to understand our heritage is still [...]
Phoenix Historic Preservation Office Update

It appears a lot of people have made their opinion on the future of the Historic Preservation Office in Phoenix heard. In a past post we asked people to take action and let Deputy City Manager David Krietor know how important the Historic Preservation Office is and will be to the future of Phoenix. I [...]
Phoenix Magazine Features Historic Preservation

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on the great article in Phoenix Magazine on historic preservation in the Phoenix area. Long time Phoenix historic preservationist G.G. George is heavily featured in the article as are others who value our city’s roots. Rather than do a cliffs notes post on the article, I’ve put [...]
Historic Preservation Needs Your Voice

The April 19, 2010 Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held yesterday and what a meeting it was. On the agenda was talk of consolidating the HP office with Development Services. Not a popular idea among many and there were a number of people who voiced such concerns. David Krietor, Deputy City Manager, and others from [...]