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 News
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
Downtown Phoenix News
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
Downtown Phoenix News
Phoenix Historic Preservation Office Update
May 5, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
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 too sent a letter (see below) and received the following response.
Gene ,
Thank you. Like the other Functions reporting to the City Managers Office Historic Preservation is extremely important. In order to set a good example for the rest of the City we have significantly reduced the staffing in the Managers Office. We don’t have the capacity to provide the support that HP needs. In looking at consolidation options we have focused on keeping the HP Office intact as a separate operating unit reporting directly to a Department Head. Perhaps as critical from my perspective is to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of the HP Commission and the many Phoenix residents who care about having a viable central city.
This is great news for the City and its residence. As we have discussed, historic preservation is important and vital to the well being of our city.
Her is a copy of the letter sent by the Urban Connection Team:
Dear David,
I just wanted to express my concerns about the future of Historic Preservation. As a Realtor I have witnessed the value, both here and in California, of strong historic preservation. The downtown and central regions offer splendid examples of how preservation of our historical homes and buildings has added incredible value to the neighborhoods and city.
I STRONGLY urge you to do every thing possible to ensure the historic preservation office has the power and authority to continue and expand their fine work. Expanding their influence is an economically wise decision as historic preservation adds to the value of our neighborhoods and community.
We need HP to have an unimpeded oversight role in the future development of our city. Please do not enact any policy changes that will water-down their effectiveness. If possible, do all you can do to give them greater authority to protect our historical heritage. The stories of our history are often told by the homes and buildings in the community and stories are what give a city its long term value and importance.
Thank you for your help in preserving our past, present and future.
Thanks to everyone who got behind this issue and helped voice the importance of historic preservation. together we can make a difference.
Gene & Ron Urban
Your Urban Connection Real Estate Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space
Downtown Phoenix News
Phoenix Magazine Features Historic Preservation
May 4, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
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 a link to the online version and recommend you buy the hard copy too.
Historic Preservation Article in May 2010 Issue of Phoenix Magazine
Life in the Past Lane
Hope you enjoy,
Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting you to the perfect space
Downtown Phoenix News
Future of Historic Preservation at Risk
April 16, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
I thought it important to repost Jim McPherson’s letter about the upcoming, April 19th, meeting to decide the direction and future of the Historic Preservation Office. Here is what Jim says and asks of us:
Dear Preservation Advocate,
Last week, the Phoenix City Council requested that the city manager explore integrating the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) into the newly merged Development Services and Planning Departments. There has also been discussion about HPO perhaps merging into another department as an alternative (for example, Environmental Sustainability or Community and Economic Development). Currently, HPO is an independent office reporting directly to the city manager’s office.
At the Monday, April 19 Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission meeting, you will have the chance to talk to two high level managers from the city manager’s office, to have input, and to help guide the future of our capital city’s historic preservation program.
- Where should HPO be situated?
- What will happen to the level of autonomy the HPO currently holds under the various scenarios?
- How should historic preservation bond (grant) funds be managed?
- Other questions or concerns you may have…
If you cannot make the April 19 meeting (logistics below), please express your views to:
- David Krietor, Deputy City Manager, david.krietor@phoenix.gov, 602-262-7957 (http://phoenix.gov/citymanager/executiveteam/kreitor.html)
- Lisa Takata, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, lisa.takata@phoenix.gov, 602-262-6941 (http://phoenix.gov/citymanager/executiveteam/takata.html)
Can you imagine a Phoenix without a strong Historic Preservation Office, Commission, and program? Can you imagine celebrating our state’s Centennial without a vibrant history and cultural component? With your voice NOW, the incredible strides and progress we have made to make this city a community will continue. We can slide back; we must keep moving forward. Please… make your voice heard, be it in person, a phone call, a short note, a lengthy tome, or something in-between. If not you, who?
Thank you,
Jim McPherson
Vice President, Advocacy
Arizona Preservation FoundationMeeting Details:
Future of Phoenix’s Historic Preservation Office
DATE: Monday, April 19, 2010
TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PLACE: Historic City Hall, 2nd Floor Subcommittee Room (enter on west/city side)
17 S. 2nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Downtown Phoenix News
The Urban Team to Continue The Urban Connection Realty Tradition
March 31, 2010 by The Urban Team · Leave a Comment
I met Lyle Plocher a while back at a Radiate Phoenix meeting. I immediately liked the guy… down to earth and knowledgeable. We ran into each other on occasion and then something wonderful happened.
A couple weeks ago Lyle called and asked if we, the Urban Team at Realty Executives, would consider carrying on the Urban Connection Realty tradition. It didn’t take much to say an emphatic yes to Lyle… he is a great guy and has a fine reputation in the downtown area… my favorite place in the valley. We struck a deal and here we are.
In the “About Page” you can read a bit about our background. Many already know us from our blog “Urban Life”, Radiate Phoenix and other DT events. Our goal is to earn your respect, trust and hopefully your phone call or email next time you want to buy or sell a home in the downtown, midtown or the central areas of Phoenix. We’d be honored and delighted.
Best to you and we look forward to bringing you the best real estate information possible. Let us know if you have a topic you want us to cover or need information about the market, your home and such.
Downtown Phoenix News
Oakville Grocery to open at CityScape in September
February 22, 2010 by Lyle Plocher · Leave a Comment
The search has been on for the last few months to find a Grocery Store to replace AJ’s who had to back out of the project due to the Bankruptcy filing of their parent company Basha’s. The search is now over as an announcement was made Monday by RED Development Partner Mike Ebert, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Barbara Henderson, general manager of Oakville Grocery, a company that has it’s roots in a country store that started 120 years ago.
Oakville, headquartered in Napa Valley, California will open it’s second store in Arizona in a 9,000 sq ft space at CityScape. The company’s first store in Arizona, opened in Scottsdale in January of this year.
Henderson said shoppers can except to find a wide selection of palate-pleasing delights, including products from 15 local purveyors.
Source: Phoenix Business Journal
Downtown Phoenix News
Primal Fitness Training comes to Downtown Phoenix
February 2, 2010 by Lyle Plocher · Leave a Comment
The Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District is now home to an innovative Fitness Training Studio. The AmenZone is now open for business at 106 E Buchanan St. The idea behind owner/trainer Amen Iseghohi’s training approach is to be “totally natural”. Shunning the weight room, Amen’s unique approach uses recycled tires and one’s own body strength and movement to stay fit.
The fitness studio is in a very cool, renovated warehouse space with gated parking in the rear of the building.
