PHOENIX --- Beyond Downtown But Before The Sprawl

PHX31 · #1 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 3:57 AM**

Here are some of my pictures of Phoenix - mostly from the historic neighborhoods. I'm not trying (nor have the ability) of great photography or seriously artistic pictures. I just shoot pictures of subjects that interest me, usually historic homes and streetscapes that I enjoy.

Good Morning...

...and Goodnight

Sekkle · #2 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:08 AM**

damn! Awesome thread, man. Where is that little house in the 4th pic? Also, I saw some pics from 101N Central (US Bank building)... Is that where your office is, or were you at the Valley Metro Rail offices or something?

HX_Guy · #3 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:08 AM**

Man these are awesome! So much potential with some of the buildings.

I especially like this one...where is it located?

This one is great too...again, where is it at?

Finally...this corner could be so good, where is this?

dugdogmaster · #4 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:33 AM**

Rockin

HooverDam · #5 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:41 AM**

I really like this one:

Because I think it defines the future of downtown and central Phoenix. In the 60s-80s this city did an awful job of preserving its history and tore down hundreds of homes like this one on the right, leaving the city permanently scarred with dirt lots. But now that urban living is starting to become more popular those lots are being filed with modern developments like the one on the left. I think the pairing of historic neighborhoods with ornate, traditional homes saddled next to higher density modern condo projects could really be one of the areas defining characteristics. Not that this doesn't happen in other cities, but due to our disgusting over abundance of dirt lots Phoenix probably has more of an opportunity for it than most.

EDIT: Also am I losing my mind or didn't that condo complex used to have the front parts of those white overhangs painted different bright colors? If this is the building Im thinking of I liked it better that way, as it is now its a bit too stark and un-ornate for my taste.

NIXPHX77 · #6 Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 9:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HooverDam

I really like this one:

EDIT: Also am I losing my mind or didn't that condo complex used to have the front parts of those white overhangs painted different bright colors? If this is the building Im thinking of I liked it better that way, as it is now its a bit too stark and un-ornate for my taste.

Yes, it did. i think it was actually built in the 60s or 70s or so.

Wonderful photos - you underestimate your photog. talents, PHX31. I love the angles, signs, little details. great choices; i'm so thrilled to see a few things here i've never seen, like that tiny apt bldg. Your pix visually express some of my love and pride for Phoenix. thanks for taking them and posting.
also, the Pizzeria Bianco photo w/ Mr. Bianco in the kitchen thru the window is very cool. however, that little head in the bottom left kind of startled me! is it your reflection?

Kroney · #7 Posted **Feb 16, 2009, 12:22 AM**

Yeah. Awesome photos PHX31. I've been anticipating this thread for a while now... but it was worth the wait. Thanks for sharing.

I especially like that renovated warehouse building on the east side of 7th Street & Garfield.

PHX31 · #8 Posted **Feb 16, 2009, 5:05 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIXPHX77

the Pizzeria Bianco photo w/ Mr. Bianco in the kitchen thru the window is very cool. however, that little head in the bottom left kind of startled me! is it your reflection?

heh heh... no, that's not my reflection, and I actually didn't notice that guy until I was posting this thread, even after looking at that picture several times. The guy is inside the building.

PHX31 · #9 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 3:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Man these are awesome! So much potential with some of the buildings.

I especially like this one...where is it located?

It's on 2nd Ave just north of Roosevelt. It's tucked back behind a couple larger historic apartment buildings I'm sure everyone has seen a thousand times. It's actually a tiny apartment building itself. On the side there is a door leading down to a pretty large basement/unit.

The second one (vine covered) is in north Encanto/Palmcroft, at 11th Ave/Encanto Blvd.

The third one (store fronts) is on Grand at Polk.

ForAteOh, you're right, that was from the U.S. Bank building, I was just dropping off a proposal at the Valley Metro offices, they were taken from the top of the garage portion.

Thanks all!

xzmattzx · #10 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:32 PM**

Nice pictures. What neighborhoods are these areas in, beside the Coronado area that the sign indicates?

combusean · #11 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:39 AM**

Awesome. Too bad they don't build stuff like any of that anymore

Jibba · #12 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 4:49 AM**

Great set; nice to see these parts of Phoenix. Cool mix of building styles.

Capsule F · #13 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 6:24 AM**

Aren't some of those lawns a little too green for that natural habitat?

HX_Guy · #14 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 6:40 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capsule F

Aren't some of those lawns a little too green for that natural habitat?

Winter rye grass does great in Phoenix.

HooverDam · #15 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 10:55 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capsule F

Aren't some of those lawns a little too green for that natural habitat?

No sir (or ma'am as the case may be). Phoenix, unlike many other arid southwestern cities (i.e. Las Vegas) is doing pretty well in the water department. Its estimated that the Phoenix metro could roughly double its current population before water rationing was needed. Almost all new homes have xeriscaped yards though, you only see stuff like this:

in historic central Phoenix.

ChrisLA · #16 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 1:03 PM**

Now this would be the parts of the city I like to see if I ever visit Phoenix, hopefully one day.

Anyway many of these older areas reminds me of parts of Los Angeles & Pasadena. Very nice I'm impressed.

Classical in Phoenix · #17 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 5:30 PM**

Great thread!

plinko · #18 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 7:25 PM**

One of the more unique Phoenix urban threads we've seen on here.

I recognize alot of these houses, but where is this gem? Needs a little yardwork, but it's in great shape otherwise.

PHX31 · #19 Posted **Feb 12, 2009, 10:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by plinko

I recognize alot of these houses, but where is this gem? Needs a little yardwork, but it's in great shape otherwise.

It is near the other victorian-ish home, it's at about 22nd Ave and Madison.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xzmattzx

Nice pictures. What neighborhoods are these areas in, beside the Coronado area that the sign indicates?

Mostly from Roosevelt and Willo, although probably 10 or more neighborhoods are represented. If you want I can list them all. I think the farthest any one picture is from the center of downtown Phoenix is about 3 miles.

xzmattzx · #20 Posted **Feb 13, 2009, 10:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHX31

Mostly from Roosevelt and Willo, although probably 10 or more neighborhoods are represented. If you want I can list them all. I think the farthest any one picture is from the center of downtown Phoenix is about 3 miles.

You don't have to list them all, I am just curious what areas are mainly covered by your pictures, and where they are. People tend to think of miles of suburbia when they think of Phoenix and these areas are pretty nice. Also, if I ever make it out to Phoenix (I have a friend lving in the area), I want to know what areas are worth exploring.