Author: Sam Richard
Sam likes to think of himself as Burton Barr Central Library — full of information you don't want, or at the very least, didn't know you needed until you heard it. Seriously, though, once you get past the awkward lingering smell of too many forgotten showers, the library shows its true beauty. And, much like the architectural masterpiece, Sam's chiseled specimen is a thing of beauty. But, not chiseled in the conventional sense, no. Sam is crafted in the exact shape of the Beacon of Books — with a slight bulge in the middle. And, whether or not you're looking for a conversation about urban governance, the state of professional sports media or the history of the modern folk music movement, you can be sure to find the information you need with Sam — or at Burton Barr. Sam is the five-story mind behind The Bearded Truth, which you can find here on DPJ Monday afternoons. He lives in the heart of the city with his beautiful wife, Kim.
Downtown Denizens Surveyed
Downtown Phoenix Partnership officials are hoping Valley residents and visitors will check out their Web site and participate in an online survey to gauge preferences for a new “way-finding” system downtown.
Note From David Roderique
Recently, there has been some conversation about where the funds came from that paid for a branding project resulting in the motto, “Arizona’s Urban Heart.”
David Roderique, CEO of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, responded to these questions in a letter to the Arizona Republic on Saturday.
Central Phoenix: Good, Bad, Ugly
Because I know the fragile self-esteem of Phoenicians is at stake, let me begin my observations about the state of the center city with the good stuff. I smelled the orange blossoms — even stepping out into one of ugliest urban spaces anywhere, the pedestrian loading zone at Sky Harbor. Many of the Midwestern transplants dislike the scent, which makes me dislike some of them even more. But this small, fleeting thing reminds me of my often magical city that is gone forever.
Downtown Students Ratify Constitution
Downtown students now have a more direct say in how their campus is run after they ratified their constitution, changing the student advisory board to a student government.
Echelman Sculpture Finished Today
Watch on the live webcam here as the engineers install the netting that will complete “Her Secret Is Patience” as the grounds crew lays sod and finishes the landscaping!
Downtown Lot to Stay Empty
The city put out a request for proposals almost two years ago to develop the property, which is managed by the Valley Youth Theatre and located between First and Second streets.
But the city did not receive any responses that fit the criteria of the request for the nearly 28,000 square feet of property and does not anticipate receiving any in the near future, Phoenix Redevelopment Program manager Jeremy Legg said.
Carolyn Lavender At The Modified
Modified Arts is pleased to announce the opening reception for artist Carolyn Lavender Friday March 20th from 6-9 PM.
Phoenix artist, Carolyn Lavender, will be showing the current pieces in her “Journal” series. These paintings are based on collages done in her personal journals, which she as been keeping since age 14.
Spend Third Friday At The Heard Museum
Spend the evening at the Heard Museum Southwest by South Pacific style! The Third Friday evening series called NU (Native + You) continues in March with offerings relating to Pacifica. From 5:30 to 9PM, visitors can enjoy the museum, outdoor courtyards, cash bars, live music and dance performances and expert speakers. Arcadia Farms Café, Berlin Gallery and the Shop will be open until 8PM The new exhibition on display, Harry Fonseca: An Artist’s Journey follows the artistic paths of the late painter who was of Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian and Portuguese heritages. Admission to NU is free.
Take The Canalscape Survey
ASU and other public and private sector partners are exploring the possibility of creating vital urban hubs where canals meet major streets throughout metro Phoenix. These hubs could range in size and character, depending on community requests. ASU students are conducting a public survey and would like your feedback.
Downtown Phoenix Finalizing Wayfinding Program
The Downtown Phoenix Partnership is putting the finishing touches on a wayfinding project – and now they are asking for public input.
Please take a moment and take this brief survey to indicate your preferences. Thank you in advance for taking part in reshaping Downtown Phoenix!
