Downtown Phoenix News
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
Downtown Phoenix Artist Wins Kentucky Contract
July 20, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
Congrats are deserved for local Artist, Al Price who was awarded the contract for a 200 ft public art sculpture for a new arena in Kentucky.
Price, a former school teacher, has created many large scale urban art projects around the valley including a popular piece along the light rail in downtown Phoenix.
The locals in Kentucky are a bit surprised by his selection from a field of 75 applicants since 23 were local Kentucky artists. No doubt, we’d feel the same if an out of town person was selected for a major piece of work here in Phoenix.
Below is an except from a local news organization in Louisville, KY with some response to the selection:
“It is not a slap in the face at all,” said Lori Meadows, who was on the panel to choose the artist. “I think that for every art commission that you do, you want to make sure that you pick the absolute best proposal for that particular piece and space. We don’t’ want other states to eliminate Kentucky artists, anymore than we would eliminate artists from other states.” Here is a link to the entire article.
The 200 foot sculpture will consist of 50 open-metal panels built from curved stainless steel tubes and comes at a price tag of $200,000.
If you are unfamiliar with Al Price’s work, here are a couple photos… downtowners are bound to recognized one of the piece that sits on Central Ave.
Again, our congratulations go out to Al as we celebrate the fact that your art will adorn the KFC Yum Center in Kentucky. Yummy isn’t it?
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Real Estate 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
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.
Tax Relief for Many Phoenix Historic Homeowners
June 24, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
Have you heard the good news? Ten Phoenix historic districts have been added to the National Registry of Historic Places. With their addition, homeowners can apply for a reduction in property taxes. YEAH… we like lower taxes especially when it can be as much as 45% less.
The new additions to the National Registry are… a drum roll please:
If you move really fast, you may be in time to get the tax break for the coming year. By fast I mean June 30th. You’ll need to fill out an application, supply photos and swear a blood oath that you’ll maintain or improve the property according to standards outlined under the State Historic Historic Property Tax Program (SPT). Below is an excerpt from their site and a link to the page. BTW… the blood oath thing may be an exaggeration… more like a cross my heart and hope to die ritual in government triplicate.
Owner Requirements
The SPT program reduces property taxes as much as 45%. (The exact figure is dependent on special assessments which are specific to your area. Questions regarding the amount of the reduction should be directed to the county assessor’s office.) As a condition of the reduced tax rate, the owner enters into a 15-year agreement with the state, consenting to maintain their property and to preserve the integrity of its historic features, materials, appearance, workmanship, and environment. If an owner plans to do any work on the property that will impact its public appearance, the SHPO must be contacted for review and comment or approval prior to project implementation. All such projects are reviewed for appropriateness according to a set of national guidelines called the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (
112 KB PDF).
Property owners are required to submit a notarized form (furnished by the SHPO) every three years verifying that the property has been maintained according to program guidelines. This report also requires submittal of two photographs demonstrating the current condition of the property. Furthermore, the owner is required to notify the SHPO when the property ownership or property use changes. Here is a link to the SPT web site.
The SPT site has the application requirements, a way to download the application (PDF) and lots more info. So huury and save big on your next years taxes by getting your application in before June 30th.
Finally, we simply want to congratulate the homeowners, preservationists and all those who worked so hard, jumped way too many hoops, and persevered to make this happen. You’ve won this battle and we thank you!
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
44 Monroe Future Still Unknown
June 15, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
44 Monroe, the exclusive condo tower in downtown Phoenix did go to trustee sale and the documents were recorded on June 1, 2010. Many wonder when 44 Monroe condo units will be available for purchase and at what price.
To be honest, no one currently knows. 186 of the 201 units were purchased by Corus Construction Venture, LLC for twenty million dollars. The remaining 15 units are privately owned. If you do the math, CCV picked up the available condos for about $107,500 each plus acquisition costs.
Many speculate Corus Construction Ventures, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, will release the units soon. Personally, we believe it will be some time off. This isn’t a pessimistic belief, rather a realistic look at the facts.
- The new owner will have to file the Disclosure Report application with the Arizona Department of Real Estate prior to offering the units for sale.
- A sales brokerage will need to be selected and staffed for the project. Starwood may elect to form their own real estate brokerage or hire an existing one.
- Starwood will conduct a full market analysis to determine the potential of their investment.
- Starwood/Corus will need to find a mortgage lender willing to finance potential condo sales. As it stands, the units do not qualify for FHA or conventional financing and a partner willing to take a risk has to be found. Perhaps MetLife Home Loans will step up to the plate like they have at One Lexington.
- Perhaps the biggest question lies with Starwood’s head honcho, Barry Stenlicht. Stenlicht, in a recent New York Times interview made an interesting statement that could indicate his intentions for 44 Monroe.
Mr. Sternlicht hopes to foreclose on many of Corus’s errant borrowers, restyle their buildings and sell units for a significant profit once the real estate market recovers. He says he and his investors can afford to wait until then because the F.D.I.C. has provided them with $1.4 billion in zero-coupon financing and an additional $1 billion in low-cost loans that can be used to complete unfinished projects.
The Urban Connection team is in a wait and see on when units will be released for sale. No doubt there will be a lot of press as we expect them to hire a top advertising agency to put together a strong marketing campaign. In addition, we don’t expect super low prices; Barry Stenlicht likes to make big profits and he has deep enough assets to wait until the time is right.
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777
The 4th Annual Bloonin’ Beerfest Phoenix
June 8, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
It’s time to get your Irish on and do what any good person from the northern island would do… drink beer and listen to good music. You can do this at the 4th Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest.
James Joyce fans know what this event is about… others should read Joyce’s Ulysses with special focus on Leopold Bloom to fully appreciate the evening.
The event is a great celebration with music, food and copious amounts of beer. Music will be provided by Seanachie and The Academy Fiddlers. Naturally there will be readings from Joyce, dancing, merriment and more.
The event is Saturday, June 12th 2010 at the alainn Irish Cultural Center located at 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix. Ticket are avialable online or at the door for the 1st 500 lucky souls. For online ticket orders simply use this Bloomin’ Beerfest Link. You’ll pay just $25.00 online or $35.00, the procrastinators surcharge, at the door.
Top of the morning to you,
Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Team
Connecting you to the perfect space downtown
Vanishing Phoenix and Downtown’s Fox Theater
June 3, 2010 by The Urban Team · 3 Comments
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 and it was very sad. Many epic places are gone forever and some of what replaced them is anomic.
For me, the most awful loss is the Fox Theater once located on the SE corner of Washington and 2nd Street in downtown Phoenix. The Fox Theater was built in the early 1930’s and featured an Art Deco design by famed theater architect S. Charles Lee.
Most experts suggest the Fox Theater Phoenix was Lee’s most outstanding work… no small statement when you look at the breadth of his achievements. Below is an excerpt from Cinema Treasures that describes some of the interior:
A special feature in its lobby was the row of streetlights alongside the staircase, topped with glass disks and spun in silver globes on the end of 15-foot uprights, outlined by the delicate filigree of the metal railing.
In the auditorium, a metallic sunburst spread across the ceiling from the radiating acoustic frames of the proscenium arch. The organ grills were silver leafed with gold highlights. 0n the side wall an archer takes aim at a gazelle, while birds fly overhead.
If you talk to some long-term-Phoenix native you’ll hear many stories about an evening out at the Fox Theater. It was the first building to have air-conditioning and they would let people put their groceries in the refrigerators while they watched a film.
Alas, the economic downturn of the downtown Phoenix region and competition from new theaters like the Cine Capri cast a large shadow on the Fox Theater economically. In its later years it was home to a variety of retail shops and home to Dr. Please, a well known dentist.
The Fox Theater met its demise in 1975 when the City purchased the building and land to make room for a city bus terminal. Is that sad or what? To add insult to injury, the bus terminal didn’t survive as the property that once housed one of America’s great theaters is now a parking lot.
We are working on obtaining rights to show more pictures of the Fox Theater and will post these when and if that comes about.
In the meantime, we highly recommend you pick up a copy of Vanishing Phoenix. You can buy an autographed copy at the San Carlos Hotel or at booksellers around the valley and online. You find lots more information about the Fox Theater as well as numerous other grand buildings and homes that have vanished from downtown Phoenix.
Gene Urban and Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
Endangered Historic Homes and Places Listed
June 1, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
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 threatened by collapse, demolition, or destruction. By highlighting landmarks in danger, we can show people and work to save what we might never see again except in photographs. After all, once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.
Among the properties listed is the former home of Senator Carl Hayden located in Country Club Place. The Hayden House is an adobe home built in 1921. Adobe was a common building material in Country Club Place due to the clay soils in the area. Bricks were formed on-site for many of the area homes. The Hayden House was purchased on May 24, 2010 by Stuart Adair who I am told is planning a renovation of this fine historic property.
If you would like to see the entire list, please visit the Historic Coalition site with the link provided.
Best to you…
Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
