Midtown
From the Wire | Artlink’s First Friday at a Glance
Posted on 11/04/11 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
(From the Wire includes press releases received from reliable sources that help tell the story of the many happenings in Greater Downtown Phoenix. Yep, they are ripped from our inbox.)
Download your map and discover all these and more, during Artlink’s First Friday Art Walk from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m tonight.
Heritage Square Gallery
Furious Ideas – The opening reception for A Curious Confluence, a collection of photographs by Jim Fury-Hesterman will take place on Friday, November 4th from six to ten P.M.
A.E.England Gallery
Stories of Us
Arizona artists celebrate the two year anniversary of the Artlink Galleries in a group show titled, Stories of Us.
Gallery Hazel
Christine Cassano
The headline artist this First Friday is Christine Cassano, who has a way with concrete!
Phoenix Center for the Arts
Cutting Edge
The 2nd Annual Jewelry and Metals Exhibition (Jewelry & Metals)
Suhu Gallery
Dia de Los Muertos celebration.
After Hours Gallery
Parlor Games: works by Corinne Geertsen
This is our last show at After Hours Gallery and we really hope you’ll drop by to see Corinne Geertsen’ s awesome work, have a glass of wine and nibbles, and meet Corinne as well.
Tilt Gallery
France Scully Osterman and Mark Osterman will be visiting from Rochester, New York. First Friday reception from 6pm – 9pm
Willo North
It Ain’t Necessarily Sewn
New paintings by Gary Paterson and new work by select textile artists
Alwun House
Morph Zone
Tom Stephenson solo exhibit.
Olney Gallery in Trinity Cathedral
Severed Garden
A group show of Valley artists and founding members of the cooperative multi-use studio, Deus-Ex Machina, includes paintings and mixed media assemblages representing visions of paradise as perceived by the exiled.
One Lexington – All Sold
Posted on 10/27/11 by Eileen Brill Wagner » Comments Off
It’s official, the 146 condos at One Lexington are 100 percent sold, marking a dramatic climb from the start of foreclosure proceedings to this Midtown Phoenix high-rise becoming one of the most successful real estate projects in Arizona in recent years.
And what makes developer Rob Macdonald, owner of Macdonald Development Corp., particularly happy is that they were able to stay within two weeks of the sales timeframe they set for themselves when he took over the former Century Plaza project in January 2010.
Nobody needs to remind the Vancouver, Canada-based developer that this occurred during one of the most difficult markets that Phoenix has ever seen. Banks were not lending, developers had limited credibility, and consumers were cash-strapped and commitment phobic.
Macdonald was able to accomplish what seemed insurmountable to most at the time. Working with his partner in the project, Rob Hubbard, president of Comcore Properties Inc., based in Issaquah, WA, they assembled a strong team, secured the needed financing, finished the building with numerous upgrades – and cut selling prices by 50 percent.
’A True Urban Community’
“It’s a true urban community, with every demographic,” said David Newcombe, project director with One Lexington and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Phoenix (and partner of DPJ’s Live Here section). He said the condos have attracted everyone from Scottsdale residents looking to go more urban, to employees at the nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
Among the distinguishing elements are nearly 12-foot ceilings, a pool and exercise room, an expansive lobby, a parking garage, six penthouse suites, and a location just steps away from the Osborn light rail stop.
“I am a happy home owner in One Lexington,” said Councilman Tom Simplot. “One Lex provides an exciting, unique urban living environment. I am often on light rail, which stops at our front door, so I am connected to all the fun nightlife and restaurants from downtown to uptown.”
One of six penthouses sold
There is still approximately 6,000 square feet of commercial space left on the ground floor of the 17-story building. Tenants include the Urban Yoga studio, a construction firm, and a design studio; they are in contract with an unnamed restaurateur “that will appeal to the lunch crowd.”
Relying On Relationships
The development cost was $23 million, and Macdonald borrowed $11.5 million funding from HSBC, a global banking and financial services organization with whom his company has had a 25-year banking relationship. HSBC has funding his projects in cities such as San Diego, Vancouver, Seattle and Sacramento. Macdonald paid $100 per square foot.
“Our involvement with the project completely depended on the developer,” said Andrew DiMiero, a director with HSBC in New York. “We would not have had the opportunity without Bob.”
The biggest challenge for Macdonald when they took over the project was setting the pricing. The original developer was pre-selling the loft-style condos for more than $500 per square foot; they relaunched the sale of the condos for less than half the price, at $235 per square foot.
Another tricky element was how to approach the remaining 15 owners who had purchased at the original pricing. But, noted Macdonald, they were happy to know that, unlike other Phoenix projects, they would continue to be sold as condos and would not be switching to rentals. They wanted to see the building finished and were pleased with the upgrades.
“They were some of our biggest supporters, “ said Dana Voldrich, of Blueprint Global Marketing, a Vancouver-based company that had a strategic alliance with Sotheby’s International Realty to market and sell the condos. “They understood that we represented added value.”
Macdonald noted they left the homeowners association with $350,000 in reserves.
A new Midtown resident's view
Once An Office Tower
The building was built in 1974 as a high rise office tower. Equus Development gutted the building in 2005 to convert it into condos. But halfway through construction, the company decided to add penthouse condos, which required significant changes and delayed the condo completion; all but 15 owners dropped out.
Ultimately Equus went under and the construction lender, M&I Bank, sold the remaining condos to Macdonald.
“He was a visionary guy, caught in a downdraft,” said Macdonald, crediting the former developer, Douglas Edgelow, of Equus Development, for the original concept.
Chic Happenings | God Save My Shoes at PAM
Posted on 10/18/11 by Corbin Chamberlin » No Comments
DPJ is proud to bring you the first Fashion section of Greater Downtown Phoenix: “Seamless,” edited by Corbin Chamberlin. Every week, visit DPJ for the latest fashion and retail news, interviews and all kinds of fashionable mischief.
Sole-seekers and footwear fiends, “God Save My Shoes” is a must-see documentary for you. A look into the psychology and relationship between women and their shoes, the film features shoe savants such as Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Pierre Hardy, fashion editors and even sex experts. The film will give you a peek into the ultimate shoe Shangri-La, the Vogue shoe closet.
The festivities start at 7 p.m. with a cash-only bar and nibbles, and the film screens at 9 p.m. All proceeds benefit Arizona Costume Institute’s mission to support Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Design Collection.
If you go
What: “God Save My Shoes” (view the trailer here)
When: October 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Art Museum
Sponsored by: Phoenix Art Museum’s Arizona Costume Institute Nouveau. Purchase tickets here.
From the Wire | Local First Arizona Partners with METRO Light Rail
Posted on 10/12/11 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Local First Arizona (LFA) has launched “Shift the Way You Shop,” a campaign aimed at strengthening the local economy, increasing civic pride, and changing consumer buying patterns to increase the economic and cultural sustainability of the region. During this economic downturn LFA has identified a plan that will assist in economic recovery. It will also improve our environment, create jobs and enhance community development.
To celebrate all of the wonderful local businesses in the valley, Local First has partnered with METRO to create a light rail wrap and a full marketing campaign to run through the holidays that will include a mobile app which riders can use to find any locally-owned retail store, restaurant or entertainment within ½ mile of each light rail stop. The mobile app is free and is available at the mobile Shift the Way You Shop website.
“Many people don’t realize how many locally owned businesses are located near the rail,” explained Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First Arizona, “and that choosing a local businesses to patronize means residents are keeping more money right here at home in Arizona.” Lanning cites several studies that prove that buying locally actually increases community wealth and creates jobs.
For the launch, several notable people in the valley will identify their favorite light rail stops and join riders, local first fans, and others to ride and explore their community.
In Tempe, Councilmember and METRO Board member Shana Ellis will join Local First for a “ride along” where guests and riders will be encouraged to visit her top two light rail stops in Tempe: the Mill Avenue/Third Street station and the Tempe Transportation Center (Veterans Way/College Avenue). Kimber Lanning of Local First will act as tour guide and will offer up bits of history, interesting landmarks, and great new businesses that have opened in the Tempe area.
Those interested in joining the fun should meet at the METRO Light Rail Dorsey/Apache Boulevard station at 5PM and ride to the Tempe Transportation Center on October 12. The group will be visiting such Tempe establishments as House of Tricks, Here on the Corner, and Canteen and will learn about biking opportunities, community gardens and other little known gems about Tempe.
In Phoenix, Councilmember and METRO Board Chairman Tom Simplot will host stops at Osborn/Central Avenue and Washington/Central Avenue, which are his two favorite stops on the line. Guests will visit an urban living environment along with great infill projects like Hanny’s, Cartel Coffee and more. Again, Kimber Lanning will act as tour guide and will offer up little known facts and history about the Phoenix area. Interested riders should plan to meet the group at METRO Light Rail Central Avenue/Cameback station at 5 PM on October 18th.
Local business hero Craig DeMarco will also be doing a “ride along” which will visit his two favorite stops on the rail, Van Buren/1st Avenue and Central Avenue/Camelback. Some of the businesses on DeMarco’s tour include the Crescent Ballroom, Civic Space Park, Cowtown Skateboards and more. Interested riders should plan to meet the group at Phoenix Public Market at 5 PM on October 20th.
Prizes will be given away to some lucky riders, so join in the fun and explore the community by learning more about the local businesses that make us proud to call the Valley home. Lanning says, “We’ll even be spreading the word about great local deals like where you can buy a great locally made lunch for only $5.99.”
”Local businesses are assets to our line,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “The partnership with Local First Arizona is another opportunity for us to connect with these businesses and provide value to our transit riders.”
Shift the Way you Shop was inspired by a study that was recently completed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that examined the spending patterns of residents and businesses. The study determined if all 600,000 people in Grand Rapids county simply shifted 10% of their spending from national to local businesses, the result would be 1600 new jobs, an additional $130 million invested in the local economy and an increase of $50 million in local wages within one year.
Phoenix Welcomes Design Week(s)
Posted on 9/30/11 by Alexandra Flamini » 1 Comment
The third annual Phoenix Design Week has risen to a whole new level this year as Week has turned into Weeks.
In addition to several events rooted in the local design community, Phoenix is also welcoming the national AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) and UCDA (The University & College Designers Association) Conferences.
Below is the stellar line-up of activities designed to appeal to designers and non-designers alike.
Hack the Map
When: October 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: CO+HOOTS
“Hack the Map” is a Hack-A-Thon fundraiser for Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) where participants will compete to create a geography-based web or mobile application in a day. All entries will be judged with awards for the best applications.
Urbanized
When: October 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: Valley Art Theatre
From Gary Hustwit, the director of “Objectified” and “Helvetica,” comes a new documentary about the design of cities. The film discusses the issues of growing and shrinking urban areas by visiting various urban design projects across the globe. Gary Hustwit will be present for a discussion at this special Phoenix screening. Tickets are $13-15.
Phoenix Design Museum
When: October 4 at 10 a.m
Where: Phoenix Seed & Feed Capitol Warehouse
Phoenix’s newest museum, the Phoenix Design Museum, opens on October 4. The museum will feature permanent collections and temporary exhibitions including AIGA 365, Creativity 40, Design for Good, and the Ken White collection. The museum will be open October 4 through November 11, Tuesday through Sunday.
Ignorance & Ambition
When: Exhibition opens October 4
Where: Phoenix Design Museum
Ignorance & Ambition is the official gift shop of the Phoenix Design Museum. In addition to the online store, a shop will be open in the museum selling limited edition, locally created design items. All proceeds benefit the museum.
Perception
When: On display October 5-18
Where: Gallo Blanco at the Clarendon Hotel
This year’s poster exhibition is all about “Perception.” Come see local designers’ poster designs for the third-year running. A selection of the 120 submitted posters will be printed and on display.
ADlibs
When: October 5-18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: CO+HOOTS
Six teams of designers and writers blindly teamed up to create ads to astonish the creative community. View these ad exhibits during Phoenix Design Week 2011.
Phoenix Fashion Week
When: October 5 – 8
Phoenix Fashion Week was established in 2005 and is still going strong. With runway shows, trunk sales and fashion workshops, Phoenix Fashion Week is becoming a hotbed for fashion in the southwest.
PURL JAM
When: October 7 from 5 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Urban Research Laboratory
PURL JAM: Urban Visual Research at ASU is the Phoenix Urban Research Laboratory’s exhibition kick-off event. Featuring emerging scholars from various schools and disciplines at ASU, the exhibition highlights a variety of perspectives on the urban environment. RSVP required by October 5 to jennifer.kitson@asu.edu.
Modern Phoenix Tour
When: October 8, 16
Visit five of Phoenix’s landmark midcentury modern properties on this five-hour guided architectural tour. Alison King, the founding editor of ModernPhoenix.net, will lead the tour to explain the significance of the buildings. Tickets are $70.
PHXDC Happy Hour
When: October 8 at 6 p.m.
Where: Gallo Blanco in the Clarendon Hotel
Join the Phoenix Design Community for the third year in a row at Gallo Blanco for drinks and chatter. Gallo Blanco will also be hosting Perspective, the Design Week poster show.
Say Anything
When: October 10 at 6 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Design Museum
Hosted by AIGA, this event is a roundtable discussion on topics about design and the business of design. This month’s topic is Design Competitions. Free for AIGA members, $5 for general public.
Creative Connect
When: October 11 at 6 p.m.
A monthly event, Creative Connect meets on the second Tuesday of each month. It’s a free, no-RSVP mixer for the creative community.
The Design School at ASU
When: October 12 at 6 p.m.
Where: The ASU College of Design, North Building
Join the Visual Communication students at Arizona State University for their first studio open house of the year. Junior and Senior students will have their work from the year on display. In addition, the senior class will be hosting a Poster Show and Auction to benefit the program. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Pivot
When: October 13-16
Where: Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix will be hosting AIGA’s National Design Conference for 2011. Over 1,500 designers will attend three intensive days of workshops, speakers and discussions on the design industry.
AIGA Studio Tours
When: October 13
AIGA will be hosting tours of the local design and advertising firms in the Valley.
Phoenix Design Museum Reception
When: October 13 at 8 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Design Museum
Join AIGA Arizona for a special reception celebrating the opening of the Phoenix Design Museum. Attendees can view the temporary exhibitions and permanent collections on display.
Thrive
When: October 15 – 18
Thrive is an event open to all creative, marketing and communications professionals. Attendees will attend various workshops pertaining to technology, inspiration, practice and education taught by more than 20 speakers. There will also be a design show and networking events.
Maker Faire
When: October 15 at 8 a.m.
Where: Roosevelt Row in Phoenix
Maker Faire is an event for the whole family! A fun fair that brings together science, art, and craft, it showcases the work of anyone who embraces the DIY spirit.
PechaKucha Phoenix 4
When: October 19 at 7 p.m.
Pecha-Kucha, meaning chit-chat in Japanese, is a quick and precise presentation style featuring a “20×20” format of 20 slides with 20 seconds a slide. Local designers can share with attendees their newest work, what they’ve worked on recently, or their future plans, at a shotgun pace.
