The new year is bringing four new businesses to the Flowers Building as the first phase of The Blocks of Roosevelt Row development in the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Located on the southwest corner of Roosevelt and 5th Streets, the property will feature dining and retail options, along with new murals, courtesy of two local artists. Desert Viking Development, an Arizona-based company that has rehabilitated over 20 historic properties in the Phoenix area, leads the renovation.
New Businesses in the Flowers Building.
Opened on December 1 of last year, True North Barbers is the Flower Building’s first new tenant. Owner Ray DeCandia cut hair in Tempe for years, but knew when the time came to start his own shop Roosevelt Row was the right spot.
“It always feels like there’s something going on down here,” DeCandia said. “There are a lot of really artistic, open-minded people around here… I think all these new businesses will be good for the city.”
True North specializes in artist-inspired men’s haircuts, such as pompadours, flat tops, and executive contours.
True North Barbers.
POP PHX, a local retail pop up shop, joined the barbershop, opening its first brick and mortar location on January’s First Friday.
The new retailer is open on Saturdays and Sundays. It features an ever-changing mix of vendors who sell jewelry, home goods, apparel and more.
Founder Ashley Bourget believes POP PHX’s dedication to entrepreneurs and supporting the local economy makes Roosevelt Row the perfect spot for her business.
“I am excited to be located next to such amazing, creative, and talented entrepreneurs,” Bourget said. “I love how the project is using existing spaces and transforming them into a new and vibrant experience for the community.”
Local cuisine also plays a big role in the project. BBQ Trapp Haus, a home for one of the valley’s favorite food trucks, Phil the Grill, is slated to open in March.
Owner, Pitmaster and “Chopped” Contestant Phil Johnson is excited to open his new BBQ spot in the heart of Phoenix.
“The downtown area has such a diverse, eclectic and growing scene,” Johnson said. “It is drawing in people from other areas of the valley who want to experience good BBQ.”
The new tenants will takeover a building also covered in new art. Local street artists Tyson Crank and Tato Caraveo created original murals on the east and south walls, respectively.
Tyson Crank’s new mural.
Crank redid his portrait of Davina Griego in a 24-hour blitz. This time he added plants and “doubled up the portrait of the person to signify the different people within us,” and to honor the bond between nature and people.
Caraveo created a graffiti style mural. He only used spray paint, and formed a design without any letters or words, just a vivid array of colors.
Tato Caraveo’s new mural.
Taco Chelo, a partnership between chef Suny Santana, artist Gennaro Garcia and restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin, will be the fourth new business in the Flower Building. Owners aim for a mid-February debut.
Desert Viking’s work in the metro includes the recently completed Crown on 7th Street, The Womack, more than a half dozen buildings in Historic Downtown Chandler, as well as the Lamar, Guiding Star and Historic Gold Spot Marketing Center located within Phoenix’s Roosevelt District.
Photos by Nate Fain
