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.
I’m wondering if you’ve heard that something called the NFL Super Bowl coming to town? Yes it’s true, and “fresh off the heels” of 22,000 runners participating in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon, starting in downtown Phoenix, comes Super Bowl XLIX.
Super Bowl Central is Here
The newspaper articles, television and radio segments, blog posts, Instagram photos, tweets (and who knows what else) are coming in fast and furious about the fact that Arizona, metro Phoenix, and downtown Phoenix are hosting two of professional football’s biggest weeks. Because we know you’re quite busy yourself, we’ve created a series of special webpages where such media coverage, along with the myriad of events and activities taking place, is summarized. Keep this information handy for ready review:
Downtown Phoenix is Center of Super Bowl Festivities (recap of key news, information, and activities)- Downtown Phoenix in the Super Bowl Spotlight (media stories from near and far, plus handy social media follows)
- #PHX100 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix (short videos of 100 great things to do in Phoenix with family, friends, and Super Bowl visitors)
- DTPHX City Sampler (your passport to the best in downtown food & drink, just $5 at a time)
- TrueDTPHX (discover the true downtown during this special weekend of artistic programming, cultural events, shopping, culinary delights, and a free local music festival at Civic Space Park)
Last week, hundreds marched in downtown Phoenix and hundreds more participated in community service projects to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Helping the Less Fortunate
Efforts continue to seek solutions concerning overcrowded conditions at the Central Arizona Shelter Services men’s overflow shelter. Homeless veterans received free eye exams this past week. And St. Vincent de Paul marked its one-billionth meal served to the needy last week, and will coordinate a Souper Bowl of Caring food drive to benefit its food pantries and community dining rooms.
Adapting and Reusing
Two historic downtown buildings gained significant new tenants and positive uses: IASIS Healthcare will open a clinic in the 1929 Sun Mercantile Building in the Phoenix Warehouse District and Tallwave will manage their High Tide national startup commercialization program in the 1929 Luhrs Tower at 1st Avenue and Jefferson. KJZZ Radio featured the unique architecture and history of the 1926 Phoenix Masonic Temple at 4th Avenue and Monroe and 1931 Grunow Clinic at 10th Street & McDowell. Thirty of Phoenix’s 35 residential historic districts are highlighted in this Arizona Republic photo series.
Celebrating Downtown Through Art
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Reloaded and visually upgraded, the popular 109-piece art exhibit 26 Blocks recently started a three-year run at Renaissance Downtown Phoenix Hotel. The exhibit, which imagines 26 Phoenix city blocks through the work of local photographers, writers and sculptor/painter Rafael Navarro, premiered at a private opening Jan. 15. Admission is free to hotel guests and the general public.
Foodie Heaven
Downtown’s culinary scene continues to gain national attention, exemplified by stories in the Boston Globe and New York Times. Local restaurants, Breadfruit/Rum Bar, Grabbagreen, Mika’s Greek, and Yard Bird + The Larder, were featured in the local press. And it’s been announced that a new Devoured Culinary Classic event, Palette to Palate, will be held on March 5.
Music to My Ears
While opera singers competed in the Southwest Vocal Competition, line-ups for upcoming music festivals in downtown Phoenix were announced: 24th Annual Blues Blast Music Festival (March 7), Viva PHX (March 14), Phoenix Lights Festival (March 22), and McDowell Mountain Music Festival (March 27-29).
Back on Campus
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus has raised more than $37 million, as it enters into the second half of its five-year fundraising campaign. ASU’s College of Public Programs is now the College of Public Service and Community Solutions. According to Jonathan Koppell, dean of the college, the title better reflects the college’s commitment to service, research, and learning that addresses social problems. Lastly, ASU’s largest and most successful open-house event of the year, Night of the Open Door, kicks off four events, starting January 31 on ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus. More than 100 activities will be hosted by the four ASU Night of the Open door events, from wielding a medieval sword to state-of-the-art video technology.
Neighborhood Issues
According to Craig Barton, professor and director of The Design School at ASU, “When cities are places, people tend to value them more, and the value then allows for a kind of cultural stewardship, as well as ecological stewardship. When people don’t care about a place, then it’s easy to see it as disposable, worthless, and to not value the cultural, environmental, and political systems that are extant there.” Recent examples of downtown stakeholders responding to significant change impacting their quality of life include: Roosevelt Row restaurateurs and retailers trying to keep business afloat while road construction occurs out their front door; residents continuing to deal with increased noise due to changes in flight paths out of Sky Harbor Airport back in September; and Roosevelt Row residents, businesses, and arts advocates learning about two major residential complexes that would add welcomed density, but result in the demolition of vintage buildings that contribute to the area’s character. Up on McDowell Road, Alliance Residential Co. met with surrounding businesses, neighbors, and arts groups and refined their plan for a 280-unit, four-story apartment complex on parcels where a Quality Inn & Suites and office building now stand. The project received Phoenix City Council approval on Wednesday.
Talking Transportation
Planning for our transportation future, the city of Phoenix Public Transit and Street Transportation departments are hosting open houses around the city to gain resident feedback on priorities for city transportation improvements. Background information and dates, times, and places of upcoming meetings are provided here.
