ASU/UofA Downtown Phoenix construction thread

[PHXRising]

Here's an article from this mornings AZ Republic. Maybe this will help offset the loss of Patriots Square Park.

Funds OK'd for planning of civic space

Ginger D. Richardson
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 17, 2007 12:00 AM
PHOENIX - City Council members have taken the first official step toward designing and building a new civic space in downtown Phoenix.

The council on Wednesday agreed to pay EDAW Inc. just under $200,000 to design a plan for the 2.7-acre park-like area that would be just south of the U.S. Post Office between Central and First avenues. Phoenix officials think the space is crucial to the success of Arizona State University's downtown campus and to the city's overall revitalization plans for the area.

The civic space is envisioned as a gathering place for university students as well as residents and workers. Phoenix and ASU officials have said they don't have any preconceived ideas of what features the park area should contain but have indicated that it should include green space and areas for visitors to sit, talk, eat and perhaps listen to music.

Jeff Bentz, a senior associate at EDAW, said Thursday that the company will begin holding meetings in March to seek public input on the project. EDAW, which has offices around the country, including downtown Phoenix, has extensive experience in park and urban civic space design, including Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta.

About $30 million was set aside for the civic space when Phoenix voters gave approval last March to fund the project as part of a bond program.