Phoenix Development News (3)

[PHXFlyer11]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Thanks for the reminder about Fuego. That is a good place that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves.

I go to CityScape twice a month and have never even heard of/noticed it. I love Mexican food and will give it a shot.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11

I go to CityScape twice a month and have never even heard of/noticed it. I love Mexican food and will give it a shot.

I don't understand the fascination with the place. Was decidedly underwhelmed the time I visited.

[gymratmanaz]

Love it there. Going to Stand Up Live tonight for Lisa Lampinelli!!!!!!!!

[Jackdavis4]

Arrogant Butcher is awesome too. Love the patio seating and amazing food!

[gymratmanaz]

Love AB and the pizza place is pretty damn good for a cheap and fast pizza. Squid Ink is a nice touch. The barber shop is pretty cool. Breakfast Club rocks. Lucky Strike is fun for a different kinda evening.......... fun vibe in the place too. People downtown. Go figure!!!!!

[Jjs5056]

Glad CityScape is doing well. The Jefferson area will really be great if Barrister and Luhrs are developed properly.

I feel that Adams has so much potential to be a more central node, but just heard back that only one proposal was submitted for the retail space RFP (3 Regency garage spaces and 2 Convention Center spaces), and that the city couldn't reach an agreement with them so no contract was awarded.

That should really be one of our most in-demand corridors as it's the only obviously urban/walkable street adjacent to the CC. Sad that such prominent spaces can't be used to show off the city's great qualities to all of these guests.

[KevininPhx]

Whatever you think of CS from an architectural perspective, and I'm in love with the apartments - take that as you will, I often go there with out-of-town visitors. CityScape is always busy - there are always a bunch of people around and there's usually an event or two going on nearby. No, it's not midtown Manhattan but who gives an F?

[Jackdavis4]

I think the addition (hopefully) of the Barrister development will really provide a great urban vibe down there.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by gymratmanaz

Love it there. Going to Stand Up Live tonight for Lisa Lampinelli!!!!!!!!

I was referring to Fuego, not CityScape as a whole. In general I like the place, have been to both Arrogant Butcher and Blue Hound Kitchen multiple times.

[Jjs5056]

Yep, I think CityScape was the single best thing that happened to downtown - yes, more than ASU. It really was groundbreaking - especially given the economic climate - that downtown finally got a mixed use project that incorporated retail, office, hotel and residential. Those last two pieces are why it will never become an AZ Center or Colliers. And, the retail mix is absolutely perfect, though I do wish there were a few more clothing stores. But, 100% occupancies since inception is something to boast about in this market.

The design of the hotel and office block is actually pretty great; the one flaw - the raised level between the buildings - was necessary to get even more retail in and load underneath. It's too bad the views are empty lots for now, because 1st Street is just great with all of the dining and patios.

The only complaint I'll ever have is how cheaply they designed the PSP block. Better quality materials instead of the drab gray, and a few design tweaks to get more street-fronting retail would've gone a long way. I also HATE the massive roof; would've been so much better with apartments on top, but they could've at least turn it into a rooftop garden for yoga and other events, or as a patio for Copper Blues?

[ASUSunDevil]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

Yep, I think CityScape was the single best thing that happened to downtown - yes, more than ASU. It really was groundbreaking - especially given the economic climate - that downtown finally got a mixed use project that incorporated retail, office, hotel and residential. Those last two pieces are why it will never become an AZ Center or Colliers. And, the retail mix is absolutely perfect, though I do wish there were a few more clothing stores. But, 100% occupancies since inception is something to boast about in this market.

The design of the hotel and office block is actually pretty great; the one flaw - the raised level between the buildings - was necessary to get even more retail in and load underneath. It's too bad the views are empty lots for now, because 1st Street is just great with all of the dining and patios.

The only complaint I'll ever have is how cheaply they designed the PSP block. Better quality materials instead of the drab gray, and a few design tweaks to get more street-fronting retail would've gone a long way. I also HATE the massive roof; would've been so much better with apartments on top, but they could've at least turn it into a rooftop garden for yoga and other events, or as a patio for Copper Blues?

I like the overall look and color scheme of Cityscape (not the inward design). I was told one of the penthouse floor plans is $3k per month and that they are fully leased.

As for Adams/Roosevelt and Downtown in general - BREWERIES

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but Downtown's that we are chasing like Denver and Portland are literally brewery destinations. Downtown would have a drastically different vibe if you could walk from brewery to brewery. I'm surprised Sam Fox hasn't stepped in where Four Peaks and San Tan are slacking to conquer this already. If you want millennial's (the future) spending time and money Downtown - give them craft beer.

And since I'm ranting - everything built Downtown over 5 stories tall should require a rooftop pool or deck.

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by ASUSunDevil

I like the overall look and color scheme of Cityscape (not the inward design). I was told one of the penthouse floor plans is $3k per month and that they are fully leased.

As for Adams/Roosevelt and Downtown in general - BREWERIES

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but Downtown's that we are chasing like Denver and Portland are literally brewery destinations. Downtown would have a drastically different vibe if you could walk from brewery to brewery. I'm surprised Sam Fox hasn't stepped in where Four Peaks and San Tan are slacking to conquer this already. If you want millennial's (the future) spending time and money Downtown - give them craft beer.

And since I'm ranting - everything built Downtown from now on over 10 stories tall should require a rooftop deck.

The inward design was required because they had to include a certain percentage of park space, necessitating the plaza. However, the corners should've all been built like the Urban Outfitters one, and/or there should have been patios wrapping around to create a sense of street life, and there definitely should have been more storefront windows along the facade.

I agree on the brewery suggestion. I mentioned that upthread for Adams, actually. Imagine if 2nd-Central was lined with a brewery in the old Matador space, Hanny's, a new authentic Mexican restaurant in the Renaissance, and a Sam Fox concept on the ground floor of a new apartment tower on Central/Adams? Conventioneers love tasting local beers and local food... it's sad that for all Phoenix lacks, it has a decent food scene and doesn't showcase it like it could. Adams could become a real destination.

There's also the old Sporting House warehouse on Buchanan that has brewery equipment inside -- yet has been for sale for ages. How is nobody with capital tempted by that?

[phxKent]

Restaurant announced for the Desoto Marketplace. Stephen Jones (Blue Hound) is bringing "Yard Bird + The Larder" to the marketplace. Article mentions mid february for opening of the marketplace.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2015/01/stephen_jones_yard_bird_the_larder.php#more

[ASU Diablo]

Looks like the old Phoenix Suns Athletic Club is finally getting some life...

http://www.heraldonline.com/2015/01/14/6...d-mercury-announce.html?sp=/100/773/385/

[Jjs5056]

Alright, so any hope of a 'warehouse district' is gone. The topic isn't even worth a discussion any longer with this warehouse and the former Jacksons on 3rd being converted into 9-5 office space. I'll never understand how there was never a demand for entertainment options literally adjacent to the two sporting venues or that there weren't developers/entrepreneurs willing to purchase affordable buildings to rehab into such spaces.

But, you can't have any entertainment district when the streets are dark and empty after close of business. It just doesn't work like that.

How cool would it have been if they added a health-focused cafe to the site with a patio along the dead space created behind USAC? Or, if they turned that dead space into a lawn where they hosted yoga/wellness programs and game-day events like —?

[Jjs5056]

BTW, the one and only bid for the Adams/Convention Center retail RFP was for a Mexican restaurant. So, at least others have the same idea that an authentic Mexican eatery would serve the convention market well. Sad that with 5 prime retail spots up for grabs in one of only urban pockets downtown adjacent to the CC, only one person was interested - and in only one of those 5 spots. I guess it isn't all that surprising.

There are no plans to RFP Adams/Central at the moment, either.

[HooverDam]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

BTW, the one and only bid for the Adams/Convention Center retail RFP was for a Mexican restaurant. So, at least others have the same idea that an authentic Mexican eatery would serve the convention market well. Sad that with 5 prime retail spots up for grabs in one of only urban pockets downtown adjacent to the CC, only one person was interested - and in only one of those 5 spots. I guess it isn't all that surprising.
.

Is this the old Matador space you're referring to or...? I'm a bit confused where you're talking about. Have an address?

[Jjs5056]

Originally Posted by HooverDam

Is this the old Matador space you're referring to or...? I'm a bit confused where you're talking about. Have an address?

The City RFP'd out 5 spaces in total.

3 at the Regency Garage:
1. 50 N. 2nd St. at 1105 sq ft
2. 131 E. Adams St. at 1345 sq ft with a 292 sq ft patio
3. 125 E. Adams St. at 11,895 sq ft with an 820 sq ft patio

And 2 in the Convention Center:
1. Suite 130 - faces 2nd St. at 543 sq ft
2. Suite 150 - faces Monroe St. at 987 sq ft

I asked the RFP contact whether there were any bids, and if so, what they were... she responded that only 1 was received for a Mexican restaurant, but that an agreement was not reached so no contract was awarded. No site was specified, but the Matador seems most likely.

Link the RFP: https://www.phoenix.gov/financesite/SolicitationAttachments/RFP%2015-002%20Retail%20Spaces.pdf

This was recommended as part of the Adams Street activation study. Other recommendations included using public art and streetscape elements to soften the exteriors of the hotels (which has been done to some degree), RFPing the empty lot at Central/Adams (to which the contact said there are no plans), moving the Renaissance dropoff to 1st Street and building out retail along Adams for both hotels (longshot), implementing a large shade structure over the street (longshot), building infrastructure to house events such as bollards, street furniture, etc. (who knows?), and more.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Jjs5056

The City RFP'd out 5 spaces in total.

3 at the Regency Garage:
1. 50 N. 2nd St. at 1105 sq ft
2. 131 E. Adams St. at 1345 sq ft with a 292 sq ft patio
3. 125 E. Adams St. at 11,895 sq ft with an 820 sq ft patio

And 2 in the Convention Center:
1. Suite 130 - faces 2nd St. at 543 sq ft
2. Suite 150 - faces Monroe St. at 987 sq ft

I asked the RFP contact whether there were any bids, and if so, what they were... she responded that only 1 was received for a Mexican restaurant, but that an agreement was not reached so no contract was awarded. No site was specified, but the Matador seems most likely.

Link the RFP: https://www.phoenix.gov/financesite/SolicitationAttachments/RFP%2015-002%20Retail%20Spaces.pdf

This was recommended as part of the Adams Street activation study. Other recommendations included using public art and streetscape elements to soften the exteriors of the hotels (which has been done to some degree), RFPing the empty lot at Central/Adams (to which the contact said there are no plans), moving the Renaissance dropoff to 1st Street and building out retail along Adams for both hotels (longshot), implementing a large shade structure over the street (longshot), building infrastructure to house events such as bollards, street furniture, etc. (who knows?), and more.

125 was the Matador. Food wasn't that great but it was a tradition and I miss it.

[Jjs5056]

So many of the larger restaurants downtown went out of business at the same time - Nick's 101, Sonoma, Matador - and their spaces just haven't been filled since, leaving huge gaps. Part of it, I'm sure, is that CityScape 'owns' the restaurant segment right now and is too far away from the rest of the core for any of the vacant retail to use that energy to its advantage. Downtown lacks that more casual kind of dining right now... it's either hipster, more brewpub-type establishments, or super trendy/chic Sam Fox restaurants (excluding fast food here).

I wish Phoenix had put as much energy into Adams Street as they did with ASU for Taylor. I keep thinking it would be awesome if they used the Terminal 4 strategy for that area - clustering as many of the most popular AZ restaurants and bars into this one area to give conventioneers a completely local experience. Imagine Four Peaks & Blanco in the Regency Garage, Churn in the historic white building at Renaissance Square, Chelsea's Kitchen & Postino & Lolo's in the new Hilton Garden Inn.

At the very least, the City could've upgraded the built environment of the immediate area to support future growth; i.e. streetscaping, shade structures, public art, working with the Hyatt and Renaissance to built retail along their dead faces, built the CC retail to be able to handle restaurants so more active uses than UPS could have surfaced there...