Talton makes me want to scream. Yes, he's insightful at times, but that same drumbeat over and over and over again. Does he (and perhaps others) not see that so much has changed as a result of many dozens of projects. Yes the mega-projects that are city inspired are there, but there are also small projects, what he calls "organic" sprouting everywhere. From the refurbishing of the old Hanny's building, to new restaurants, art galleries and the like, it seems as though Talton beats that same drum regardless of the changes. Maybe he's frustrated with the pace (I am at times too), but all this negative energy is really a downer. I feel better now.

Jackson Street Entertainment District Thread
 

I know I'm mainly a long-time regular lurker on here, however, I thought I would take it upon myself to begin the official Jackson Street Entertainment District thread since it appears to be gradually taking shape.

I contend this along w/Cityscape will be the two major catalysts to catapult downtown Phoenix into the upper-echelon among all major cities.

This would be the best manner in organizing all the developments as they happen documenting all the progress in what might be the most monumental of all the downtown Phoenix projects.

seeing as how it isn't anywhere near breaking ground, this is probably not nessecary.

At least there is a place for news.......few and far between, but hopefully a slow trickle until it becomes reality. Nothing wrong with HOPE!

It'll be good to have it all in one thread, rather than searching through the phoenix development thread. Speaking of searching, maybe someone can dredge up the old Jackson Street renderings.

And, I propose, from this day forward, the project and the future district be referred to as simply "Jackson Street" or "Jackson St". None of this "JSED", "Jackson Street Entertainment District", or anything else. Like I've mentioned before, it doesn't need a full on name, and it doesn't need an abbreviation, it should be like Beale St. or Burbon Street. Plus, in the future, when you go there to hang out or have fun or shop or maybe live, you won't say, "I'm going to the Jackson Street Entertainment District tonight," you'll simply say, "I'm headed to Jackson Street for some drinks."

That was my actual MO in creating this thread. I log onto this site on a regular basis yearning for updates regarding this project. Therefore, I thought it would be easier to have a designated thread. It seems that it's beginning to gain some momentum (albeit somewhat at a snail's pace) and I would not be shocked if something more concrete it announced w/in the immediate future.

Here's the renderings:
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/feature1.htm

http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson01.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jacksonb02.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson02.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jacksonb03.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson03.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson04.jpg
http://www.contact-mag.com/issue6/images/jackson05.jpg

I know this was referenced in the other thread, however:
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/s...7/daily22.html

This link provides other Jackson Street related articles:
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/r...ent%20District

I just have a feeling again that some official announcement will be made w/in the near future and everything can be charted in a more organized manner.

Remedial spelling appears necessary though.

If I can recall, House of Blues and a Comedy club are to be among the potential venues w/in the district.

What other places would everyone on here want become reality?

I personally believe that the Rhythm Room should relocate to downtown and perhaps even a Mickey's Hangover should open up in that general vicinity.

I know Rhythm Room and House of Blues could be somewhat redundant, but House of Blues would cater to professional international/national main attractions, while Rhythm Room can still feature prominently local bands.

I know Dale Jensen is heavily into music and film, so it could be intriguing to see who else would be signed-on.

They must also take into account ASU downtown students (especially undergrads) by having some more coffee shops (which would have some poetry recitals and live bands), but that could be integrated with the retail spots surrounding the Nursing and Cronkite buildings.

A karaoke bar would add some allure. I just hope it doesn't become too touristy oriented though.

I thought I read that a possible second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was going in.

Why do I have this feeling Phoenix "ain't gonna get it," especially with the current economic climate?

• Video Link

--don

bump in the road.
 

Garage gives team owners big win
Suns, Diamondbacks partners to pay $20 million, beat out Jackson Street developers for key spot
Jahna Berry
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 9, 2008 12:00 AM

Ownership of a parking garage has become a battle between influential downtown Phoenix players, and, in the end, representatives of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks are likely to get to control the game.

Today, the Phoenix City Council is expected to give the green light to an agreement with the Suns Legacy Properties LLC and AZPB Limited Partnership, representing Suns and Diamondbacks ownership, to take over the 1,400-space city garage because sports fans use it during home games, Deputy City Manager David Cavazos said.

The developers behind a planned downtown entertainment district, who also wanted the garage, are retooling their game plan. advertisement

"The major users of the garage are the Diamondbacks and the Suns," Cavazos said. "Any time you have a third party, it's more difficult to manage the garage according to what the custom and practice has been for many years for traffic control and pricing."

The Jefferson Street Garage is bound by Jackson, Jefferson, Third and Fourth streets.

It's walking distance from both Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks, and US Airways Center, home of the Suns.

The deal, which calls for the city to sell the garage for a set price of $20 million, will satisfy the teams and will help the proposed district, Cavazos said.

Suns managing partner Robert Sarver couldn't be reached for comment.

The city has asked Sarver to negotiate with the Jackson Street Entertainment District developers, who want to build shops, apartments or condos on the south side of the garage, Cavazos said.

The request, however, is no guarantee that the talks will work out, Cavazos said. That could be a problem for the district.

The project would line both sides of Jackson Street between Central Avenue and Fourth Street with nightclubs, restaurants, shops and music venues, supporters say.

"It was never a requirement for the district for us to own the garage," said one of the Jackson Street developers, David Wallach.

But a key part of the plan includes "wrapping" the south side of the garage with shops and multifamily housing, he said.

"It is easier to develop things you have total control over," he said.

The Jackson Street development team is also studded with heavy hitters. It includes Wallach, who developed the Summit at Copper Square, Diamondbacks majority owner Dale Jensen, entertainment executive Brad Yonover and Michael Hallmark, who designed US Airways Center.

Although the City Council is expected to vote today, the deal is being finalized, Cavazos said.

The final agreement also will ask Sarver to develop the historic Sun Mercantile Building and a hotel in the area so that it's consistent with the Jackson Street developers' plans, Cavazos said.

Last year, Sarver had to scuttle plans to build a $200 million W Hotel on land between US Airways Center and the garage.

The city is selling the garage to fulfill an agreement with CityScape developers.

Under the CityScape pact, Phoenix agreed to use the proceeds of the $20 million sale to help fund the $900 million complex of offices, hotels, shops and restaurants.

The project will cover three blocks between First Avenue, Second, Washington and Jefferson streets.

I think an Alamo Draft House would make a great addition to Jackson Street.

Yeah, I had recalled this and came across an article announcing it:
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/s...0/daily16.html

Whatever happened to it? That would be an obvious major boon.

I still like suggestions that I made in another thread awhile back (some I reiterated in my previous post):

House of Blues was mentioned back last April to be included in the JSED, so that is very promising indeed that is has been confirmed.

I also read about a comedy club being included, which is much needed in downtown. Would attract some of the elite comedians (and should boast some open mic night as well). I would then build several themed venues, perhaps a western type bar, a blues bar (I would consider relocating the Rythym Room to downtown, but some might consider the blasphemy). Maybe then a Creole restaurant/bar that you would typically find w/in the French Quarter. I've always thought those places would attract not only tourist, but local residents who happened to transplant (such as myself) to provide some sort of a "taste of their own home" along w/the flavor of Phoenix. I know this might all seem drasctic, but could be feasible.

Also, perhaps a small casino should open-up in the outlying areas of downtown, but that would generate a lot of controversy.

The need for more 24-hour restaurants (perhaps Mickey's Hangover opens up a downtown Phoenix spot to attract ASU students)... Some more cafes (especially coffee shops that would have recitals).

I know Dale Jensen loves music/film, so I wouldn't be shocked if several music related places open up...especially to anchor in some local talent... It will be all intriguining on how all materializes... Obviously the 2 BIG catalyst (in terms of developments) is JSED and Cityscape and both must become reality or else.....


Something like a Southwestern version of Branson, MO.

Some how I'm not following this article. It seems to contradict itself. The Jackson Street developers are a part of the Arizona Diamondbacks and they were trying to persuade Robert Sarver to buy the garage (at least that was my understanding). So, this is exactly what Dale Jensen and the Jackson Street development wanted to happen. Otherwise, if the D-backs and Suns didn't buy it, I thought the city was going to give it to RED. I don't think this is a bump in the road, I think it is laying the pavement for Jackson Street. Or am I wrong?

A theater for plays and also a classy movie house would rock, maybe the kind that serves liquor and dinner.

I heard at one time that an IFC Film House was being considered. I think a theater that shows films different than the main stream (i.e. one showing Independent and Foreign films) would be a great addition.

Casinos are only allowed on reservations, and there is no reservation close to DT.

Jackson St. addition
 

I think it would be a good idea to open a high-end pool hall in the new developement. Although mostly unnoticed, pool is a popular pastime in Phoenix and since the days of The Color of Money there's been a dearth of class joints to play. They are also a colorful night-owl type crowd that could really benifit the growing downtown scene.

/\ There already was a high-end pool hall downtown that didn't work out, the "lucky break" (name?) was in the Collier's Center where Stoudemire's is right now. Maybe because it was in the awful Collier's Center it closed down (that and downtown was dead on non-sports nights).

I am not totally clear on this myself... Is Sarver not buddies with Jensen?
Also- would it not benefit the garage to have retail and condos wrapped around the sides? Sure it may eat up some parking spaces, but wouldn't it raise the demand for parking?

I would love the concept of something like this place I frequented in my native Detroit before I relocated out here:
http://www.fifthavenuebilliards.com/...2/roEvents.htm

In terms of Jensen and Sarver....One person might make a difference in how their rapport is. That is Jerry Colangelo.

If I recall, Jensen was part of the group who ousted Colangelo out as CEO/owner of the Dbacks and reportedly Sarver and Colangelo are rather close.

I wonder how much Colangelo might be involved with this project, which hasn't been clarified. Doesn't he own some of the surrounding land?