David Krietor has served as CEO of the newly-formed Downtown Phoenix, Inc. (“DPI”) since April 8, 2013. In that time, he has begun work with community stakeholders to develop the downtown we want. “Your Downtown” shares his thoughts and DPI’s progress with the downtown community and beyond. Read the other chats here.
The winter holidays can be joyous and yet stressful at times. As we ease into the first week of 2015, here are some things you may have missed amidst the celebrations.
Things To Do
Skate. CitySkate ice rink opens at CityScape and runs through February 1.- Dine. GrabbaGreen Food+Juice opens at CityScape
- Take a walk. Meet Me Downtown will help jumpstart those New Year’s resolutions.
- View art. “Her Secret is Patience” gets new netting, upgraded lighting
- Take a selfie. Super Bowl unveils 13-foot-tall countdown clock
- Get ready for Super Bowl fun. NFL Experience tickets go on sale
- Get ready for great music. McDowell Mountain Music Festival announces 2015 lineup
- Read up on your city’s history. Phoenix in the 1920s was quite the happening place
- Use GRID Bike Share. Phoenix launches GRID bike share
- Dine some more. Twenty restaurants opened in November, including Paz Cantina
- Lab, new coworking space, invites creative individuals to come get down to business
- Phoenix Pride opens in new community space
- R&R Partners moves to Warehouse District
- Step Gallery in Warehouse District gives ASU art students unique space
- Talking Stick Resort Arena is new name for US Airways Center
- Economic impact of downtown Phoenix UA Campus hits $961 million
- Urban condos going up again in metro Phoenix (including Portland on the Park)
- Midtown restaurant and bar Fez moves to new downtown location
- Phoenix wants to transform empty midtown offices into high-tech hub
- New multi-family residential development proposed for former Pappas School site
- New residential complex slated for 7th Avenue and Fillmore corner
Things To Help Resolve- City-owned Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has lost $28 million since 2008
- Dearth of shovel-ready development hurts Phoenix rebound, business attraction
- Parking meters continue to cause stress for small businesses, college students
- National public debate on public safety prompts protests at First Friday and downtown
- Bike theft surge prompts action, police registration program
- Valley Metro uses ‘angels’ in public transportation public-safety campaign
In Closing
Under Things To Do, I could have listed “propose to your fiancee and rappel down a 27 floor office tower,” but then you would have rolled your eyes and thought, “when’s THAT ever going to happen?” But remarkably it did on Saturday, December 13 when Jason Rowley, Phoenix Suns president and DPI board member, proposed to his now fiancee Kristin and helped raise funds at the Special Olympics “Over the Edge” challenge at CityScape. Congratulations Jason and Kristin!
And in this season of reflection and memories, I note the passing of our former Mayor, John Driggs. All mayors are boosters of their cities, but Mayor Driggs holds a special place in the hearts of many for his tireless efforts (and cajoling) to save our historic treasures, protect our open spaces, and advocate for numerous other important causes. What a wonderful public servant and a personal friend and mentor.
