Quote:
Originally Posted by poconoboy61
It would be nice to see some mid-rise development outside of the traditional areas. Not everyone in metro Phoenix wants to live or can afford to live downtown, midtown, in the Biltmore area, Scottsdale, or Tempe.
Who knows? Add some transit connecting these hubs and I will truly feel like metro Phoenix is starting to take shape as a large metro area.
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It can happen...
There's a neighborhood east of downtown Denver called Five Points, an historical black residential area with a history of Jazz artists from way-back-when that the city has made various efforts for decades to revitalize. The very first 5-mile "demonstrator" light rail line went to Five Points 20 years ago. Part of the impediment was there were a number of "transitional housing" units and homeless services on this edge of downtown. In 2010 the city made the Welton Street corridor an urban renewal district. FINALLY in the last 12/18 months the street has exploded; there's now 18/20 different projects either planned or under construction from adaptive renovation to new 8-story apartments.
Also amazing changes in an area that would be comparable to Monte Vista Rd to the ten. Some blocks of neat older housing stock but many blocks of total crap as well. There has been new construction from townhomes to 300+ apartments units.
When things get cranked up there's no reason that the Warehouse District and parts of South Phoenix won't join in the fun. Also consider that there are many blocks in Maryvale that are already (mostly) owned by one investor. It wouldn't take that much of a push once urban development really takes off in downtown.
Interesting Urban Story
As part of a five year project to revise the whole city's zoning code a Latin neighborhood south of downtown was downzoned and given an historical designation to preserve the history and character.
Where HUD projects existed the Denver Housing Authority with the help of HOPE VI funds set out to redevelop that part. The First Phase was
10-story senior housing. The residents were very involved in an extensive planning process. A lot of nifty features were incorporated. They also wanted some color and artistic pieces. Not so unusual in the desert but more interesting to Denver. Examples
HERE,
HERE, an
interior shot, a
streetscape and the
POOL. Everything is being built to sustainable standards.