David Krietor has served as CEO of the newly-formed Downtown Phoenix, Inc. (“DPI”) since April 8, 2013. In that time, he has begun work with community stakeholders to develop the downtown we want. “Your Downtown” shares his thoughts and DPI’s progress with the downtown community and beyond. Read the other chats here.
The Downtown Phoenix Journal continues its “Conversation” series featuring Downtown Phoenix, Inc. (DPI) board of directors and other downtown stakeholders. These interviews are an excellent way to introduce downtown Phoenix leadership to the community, and to learn their respective views on Phoenix. Since my last message to you, let’s read what Don Brandt (Arizona Public Service/Pinnacle West) and Ed Zito (Alliance Bank) have to say.
DPI/DPP CONSOLIDATION UPDATE
At the April DPI board meeting, a critical step was taken toward building the downtown organization we want by approving a consolidation plan for Downtown Phoenix Partnership (DPP) and DPI which will allow us to more efficiently represent the interests of the broader downtown community. DPP’s board of directors will continue to provide governance over activities in the core business district, but all staff and administrative services will move to DPI.
LOCAL CREATIONS
Rendering courtesy of DeSoto Market.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners continue to open or expand their operations in the downtown area. In the spotlight recently were the DeSoto Central Market, Hoodride Bike Shop, Last Exit Live music venue, New City Church, Palazzo nightclub, The Groove on Grand, and The Local restaurant.
With the likelihood of a new 118-unit apartment complex on the southwest corner of 4th Street and McKinley by Goodman Real Estate of Seattle, WA and Tilton Development Co. of Scottsdale, seven galleries and shops will need to relocate as their current building will be demolished. Most business owners have stated they would like to stay in downtown Phoenix.
A downtown restaurateur has been nominated for the 2014 Chef of the Year Award through the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. Aaron Chamberlin owns and operates the Phoenix Public Market Cafe at 14 E. Pierce St. (along with St. Francis in uptown Phoenix).
Downtown Phoenix Partnership, one of DPI’s partner organizations, seeks to commission a local artist to create the cover artwork for its upcoming 2014 July-December Downtown Phoenix Directory & Dining Guide.
LET’S MOVE
In a recent Arizona Capitol Times article about the future of light rail in downtown Mesa, I was interviewed about light rail’s impact on our own downtown and how it should likewise benefit Mesa’s core.
Rendering courtesy of Edison Midtown.
Many Phoenix residents turned out for community workshops held for the Reinvent PHX initiative to help shape the future of development along light rail. The final design plan for the midtown, uptown, and Solano areas was presented to a standing room only crowd on April 4 by the architecture and urban planning consulting firm of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company. A surprise was unleashed for fans of historic preservation and adaptive reuse: the architectural firm of Shepley Bulfinch announced their move to the Phoenix Financial Center from their current location above Giant Coffee.
According to Dan Klocke, DPP’s vice president of development, more condos and apartments are going up in downtown Phoenix. And it’s becoming more apparent that members of the Millennial Generation moving downtown want to live a lifestyle less dependent on the automobile. Exemplifying this trend is Quinn Whissen, a local marketing consultant and co-founder of This Could Be PHX, who strives to live “car-less.” She shares her story in this Arizona Republic article about Valley Bike Month.
WE’RE ‘SUPER’ EXCITED
Oh, did I mention that the Valley just landed the NFL Pro Bowl in 2015 and downtown Phoenix will be a center of activity for it?!
Featured photo by Stephen G. Dreiseszun/Viewpoint Photographers
