Sips and Grub | Margherita Pizza at Centurion(full article)

8/03/10

It doesn’t look like a pizza hot spot, but tiny Centurion makes pies that are big on taste.

No Shortage of Food and Drink Coming to Downtown(full article)

7/20/10

Great new eateries and bars will be popping up all over Downtown Phoenix throughout the rest of 2010.

Downtown Beat | Sizzlin’ at the Heard, ‘Mahalo Mondays’ and Jams at Portland’s(full article)

7/06/10

What’s buzzing Downtown: Fun with the kids at the Heard, meals for a good cause at Hula’s Modern Tiki and live music and great food at Portland’s.

Explore McDowell Station with DPJ and LightRailBlogger.com(full article)

6/16/10

Our “Explore Your Core: Light Rail” video series with LightRailBlogger.com continues with the McDowell Station. Tell us your favorite spots within walking distance!

Sips and Grub | Gyro Feta at Athenian Express(full article)

5/25/10

A little Mediterranean spot in the heart of Phoenix — pita, please!

Central Phoenix Parks in Dire Straits(full article)

5/24/10

A recent Arizona Republic story tells the unraveling state of Encanto Park and others like it.

From the Arizona Room | 100 W. Roosevelt St. — Trinity Cathedral(full article)

4/14/10

Roosevelt’s Trinity Cathedral is one of the most striking buildings in all of Phoenix. Nearly 100 years after completion, it remains true to its original form.

From the Arizona Room | 365 N. 4th Ave — H.M. Coe House(full article)

3/31/10

The Coe House, in Roosevelt’s southern reaches, is a turn-of-the-century brick structure that has been thoughtfully preserved.

From the Arizona Room | 362 N. 2nd Ave. — Charles Pugh House(full article)

3/24/10

The Charles Pugh House is a great example of 19th century Queen Anne architecture in Downtown Phoenix.

Sips and Grub | Nutella Crepe at Cibo(full article)

3/16/10

Filled with a nutty chocolate that had to have rained down from heaven, this dessert laid a smack down on my hunger and my ability to move.

From the Arizona Room | 850 N. 2nd Ave. — O.C. Thompson House(full article)

3/10/10

The O.C. Thompson House, on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Roosevelt Street, is one of the first examples of brick residential structures in Phoenix.

Aaron May Devours Downtown(full article)

3/04/10

Aaron May, one of Scottsdale’s most recognized chefs, is opening two spots in CityScape and participating at the Devoured Culinary Classic.

First Friday: Off of Roo Row(full article)

3/04/10

This month, take it upon yourself to explore some of the side streets for events you may have otherwise missed.

From the Arizona Room | 1210 N. 5th Ave. — Kenilworth School(full article)

2/24/10

Remarkably, the Kenilworth School is in fantastic condition and still operating as it was in 1920, despite 90 years of children running through its halls.

A Whole Lotta Love for Downtown(full article)

2/12/10

Happy Valentine’s Day! We’re showing our love for Downtown Phoenix by sharing our 14 favorite places and experiences.

From the Arizona Room | 618 N. 5th Ave. — Fifth Ave Court(full article)

2/03/10

Sitting on the patio at Cibo, you may have noticed a quaint little stuccoed apartment complex directly across 5th Avenue.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Todd B. on the Japanese Friendship Garden(full article)

1/19/10

I can’t wait to go back in the next several years to see the Japanese Friendship Garden become a wonderful masterpiece.

Get Your Boutique On: West McDowell(full article)

1/18/10

Easley’s Fun Shop, the Antique Mall and Sage all line McDowell Road between 3rd and 7th avenues, maintaining a faithful and healthy following.

From the Arizona Room | 4th Avenue Concrete Block Cottage(full article)

1/06/10

Simply known as “Concrete Block Cottage,” this c. 1906 structure was once half of a pair of nearly identical cottages.

2009: Downtown Phoenix Grew Up a Bit(full article)

1/04/10

With so much progress in a year (let alone during the big bad recession), it’s encouraging to see what’s happening in our city.

Things are Open Christmas Eve!(full article)

12/23/09

Are you gonna be Downtown on Christmas Eve? Not everything will be boarded up for the holidays.

Sips and Grub | White Chocolate Mocha and Cinnamon Coffee Cake at Lola Coffee (Roosevelt)(full article)

12/22/09

I have occasionally had wild, vivid dreams about the baked goods at Lola Coffee. I have never tried a pastry that has not been like a party in my mouth.

7th Ave. and McDowell: The Gateway to Downtown Phoenix(full article)

12/11/09

The intersection of 7th Avenue and McDowell has long been overlooked. But, the corner is quietly becoming an important gateway to Downtown Phoenix.

Coffeetown, Arizona?(full article)

12/04/09

We’re no Seattle (or New York, or Chicago or Portland), but it’s no secret that Downtown Phoenix is supporting a decidedly growing coffee culture.

Sips and Grub | The Metro Burger at Portland’s(full article)

12/01/09

Portland’s rests unassumingly on the corner of Portland Street and Central Avenue. You might drive right past it, but you would be missing out.

RadiatePhx: What’s Wrong with Downtown(full article)

11/19/09

The discussion at RadiatePhx events usually centers on the great things happening around Central Phoenix. This time, RadiatePhx wants to hear what you don’t like about living in Downtown Phoenix.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater Presents ‘The Raw Turkey Puppet Slam’(full article)

11/12/09

It isn’t very often that great puppeteers get together and do a puppet show for the 18+ crowd, so when it does happen, it is a must-see.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Mark T. on Margaret T. Hance Park and Old World Oktoberfest(full article)

11/10/09

The atmosphere was great, the entertainment was awesome and I enjoyed the beer, brats and funnel cake.

Exploring Outside of Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo(full article)

10/14/09

Please allow DPJ to be your guide to the Downtown Phoenix area during Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo.

Sips and Grub | The Fire Island at Local Breeze(full article)

10/13/09

Perhaps what Phoenix needs is an epic menu item that could be talked about around campfires and whispered in school halls.

Rumor Has it…(full article)

10/09/09

A little birdy told DPJ a rumor that the historic Gold Spot building on 3rd Avenue and Roosevelt Street is about to secure two new tenants.

Get Your Boutique On: Bunky, Phoenicia and Red Dog(full article)

10/08/09

Bunky Boutique, Red Dog Gallery and Phoenicia Association each bring something different to Downtown Phoenix, and they are all located at 3rd and Garfield streets.

The Living Dead Invade First Friday in Search of… Stuff?(full article)

10/02/09

The living dead are invading First Friday, but fear not, they won’t be there looking for brains.

First Friday: First @ Park (and a Whole Lot More)(full article)

10/01/09

Friday debuts First @ Park, where Civic Space’s businesses, arts spaces and, well, park space all come together in celebration of First Friday.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Melinda S. on Sage(full article)

9/15/09

If you love vintage, retro, European style, I would recommend Sage for an hour of treasure hunting.

Inside Downtown Voices Coalition(full article)

9/14/09

If you enjoy living, working or playing in Downtown Phoenix, chances are you owe a thank you to the Downtown Voices Coalition.

8/25 RadiatePhx – Big Picture Questions(full article)

8/19/09

August 25 is the last Tuesday of the month and that means it’s time for RadiatePhx. Join Carol Johnson from the City of Phoenix Planning Department and discuss what you value most about Phoenix.

Bank-Owned Condos at St. Croix Villas and PRD 845(full article)

8/18/09

There is currently one unit at each the St. Croix Villas and PRD 845 that are owned by banks that are offering both great prices and low down payments. Each one of these units can be purchased with as little as 3% down.

Downtown Event Introduces ASU Students to Art, Commerce and Culture(full article)

8/14/09

Downtown denizens are mixing business with pleasure at a weekend event that will introduce ASU students to the benefits of an urban lifestyle.

Courtney Marie Andrews’ Painter’s Hands(full article)

7/29/09

Phoenix-born-and-bred singer/songstress Courtney Marie Andrews is throwing a mega-folk party at Modified Arts on Friday, July 31 to celebrate the release of her second full-length record, Painter’s Hands and a Seventh Son. Andrews has been crooning up arts venues around Phoenix for several years now and is a founding member of budding Phoenix label River Jones Music.

Live-work modern condo at PRD 845(full article)

7/13/09

This 1800 + three level, loft like unit has great live-work potential with ground floor space that features concrete floors, powder room and separate entry. Large great room and slick modern kitchen on 2nd level, master bedroom on the 3rd level. Great mountain and city views from great room, master and balconies. Private attached garage. Intimate 12 unit condo community with green features, built in 2007. Walk to Cibo’s, Margaret T Hance Park, Japanese Friendship Garden, Dodge Theatre and Grand Ave galleries, bars and cafes.

Here’s The Scoop(full article)

7/11/09

Arizona Citizens for the Arts is cooling things down on Tuesday, July 14 with an ice cream party at their office, 514 W. Roosevelt St.

From 3 to 5pm, meet with the AzCA staff and board members, mingle with other advocates, and enter the raffle for a chance to win four orchestra seat tickets to see Broadway’s WICKED at ASU Gammage.

The Merry Chef Caravan From the North(full article)

7/10/09

If you happened to be wandering through the streets of downtown Phoenix last Third Friday, there is a good chance you may have seen a group of foodies hopping from one spot to another well into the night.
There’s a decent chance you may have even recognized one or two of them as the masterminds behind some of the Valley’s best restaurants. This was the first incarnation of the downtown chef crawl, and it kicked off with a glorious mix of late-night noshing, old-fashioned exploration and drinks, drinks and more drinks.

New Revolver Locked and Loaded(full article)

7/01/09

Everyone’s favorite Melrose record store, Revolver Records, has packed up and headed south to Roosevelt Row. When you’re done reading this, head over to Roosevelt and 2nd Street to check out the roomy new confines.

‘Malls R Us’ At Modified Arts(full article)

6/23/09

Downtown Voices Coalition, Modified Arts and No Festival Required present “Malls R Us,” a documentary film by Helene Klodawsky. “Malls R Us” examines North American’s most popular and profitable suburban destination – the enclosed shopping center – and how for consumers they function as a communal, even ceremonial experience and, for retailers, sites where their idealism, passion and greed merge. The film will be shown on Tuesday, June 30 at 8pm at Modified Arts, 407 E. Roosevelt St.

Downtown Book Group At MADE(full article)

6/23/09

Meet at MADE Art Boutique on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30pm for the Downtown Phoenix Book Group, where you can discuss fiction and non-fiction books with other people.

Craftsman Bungalow in Roosevelt in low 300′s(full article)

6/16/09

A few years ago, the possibility of buying a home in the Roosevelt Historic District in the low 300′s was totally unimaginable. Fast forward to today’s real estate market and experience the new market reality. This Bungalow, built in 1912 and just steps from the light rail station at Central & McDowell is on the market for $329,000. Due to the recently increased FHA loan limits, this home would qualify for FHA financing with as little as 3.5% down.

MOIRA now open for Happy Hour(full article)

6/12/09

MOIRA Sushi Bar & Kitchen is now offering happy hour Monday through Thursday, 5 to 7pm, with reverse happy hour Friday from 10:30pm till close and Saturday from 9pm till close. Check them out for food and drink specials. 215 E. McKinley St. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phoenix Market Open 5 Days A Week(full article)

6/05/09

Attention shoppers! The first grocery store to open in downtown Phoenix in nearly 30 years is taking shape.

On a recent afternoon, a crew worked on plumbing and electrical systems for the 2,000-square-foot store, which is expected to open sometime in August. Soon they will bring in refrigerated cases, ovens and other kitchen equipment, said Alan McLaughlin, the store’s general manager.

“We will source everything local,” he said, including meat, milk and cheese. “This will be a hangout place in the neighborhood.”

The $475,000 project is an offshoot of the popular, biweekly Phoenix Public Market, which is run by the non-profit Community Food Connections.

Live in a Loft on Central(full article)

5/27/09

The epitome of downtown Phoenix urban living would be to live right on the light rail line, with a restaurant downstairs, the Library across the street, a pharmacy a few blocks away and the grocery store within bicycling distance, don’t you agree? Some fortunate soul will seize the opportunity to enjoy the just described locale by acquiring this bank-owned, 2-story loft at the Artisan Lofts on Central, that just came on the market.

Your Third Friday Options(full article)

5/14/09

There’s a rather large list of happenings for this month’s Third Friday festivities. Choose wisely, downtowners.

Up at the Clarendon Hotel, Phoenix Friday Nights is having a special rooftop sunset edition with grub from the brand spankin’ new Gallo Blanco on the ground level. It’s a 2-for-1: Check out the much-hyped foodstuff and meet your fellow Phoenicians. Win!

Pre-Solstice Celebration This Friday(full article)

5/12/09

Celebrate the Pre-Solstice and support the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation on May 15 at the Dr. George M. Brockway House at 5pm.

A Review of Local Breeze Less Than 24 Hours After it Totally Unofficially Opened(full article)

5/09/09

To be completely fair, Local Breeze really isn’t open yet. Well, sorta. They’re officially open on Monday, but they opened the doors to us kind neighborhood folks last night in test run, and I must say, the results were surprisingly smooth. Yes, they have a liquor license. Yes, the food is just as good as [...]

Calling All Artsy Folk(full article)

5/04/09

The Young Collectors organization over at the Phoenix Art Museum is putting on a superb little event that every fan of art (and drinks) should attend Tuesday, May 5. The Sip N’See is exactly as it sounds: bring your pals, grab a drink and see some of the museum’s collection. It’s kind of like First [...]

Art Detour, Revamped(full article)

5/01/09

Art Detour may have been a month ago, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start anticipating Art Detour 2010. With a smaller crowd due to ever-growing First Friday buzz, some wrote off Art Detour 2009. Not so fast, says Sloane Burwell, President of Artlink, organizers of First Friday and Art Detour. “This was the first [...]

First Annual Jane’s Walk(full article)

5/01/09

Downtown Phoenix will be home to the city’s inaugural Jane’s Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The free walking tour — part of an international annual event commemorating the birthday of renowned urban activist Jane Jacobs, who died in 2006 — will take place between 9:00 and 11:00 am. It will start, and end, at Portland Park on First Avenue and Portland Street (next to the Roosevelt and Central light rail station).

Third Fridays at Roosevelt Station(full article)

4/23/09

Get it on everybody. Get it on.

Phoenix Friday Nights(full article)

4/23/09

It’s Friday night in downtown Phoenix. So, what is there to do?

That’s exactly what Tyson Crosbie wanted to find out when he started Phoenix Friday Nights (PFN), a weekly social gathering focused on community building in the downtown Phoenix area.

MonOrchid Arts Fete This Saturday(full article)

4/23/09

Get dressed up in black or white attire and come to the MonOrchid Arts Fete at the MonOrchid art space on Saturday, April 25 for a night of art, fashion and dancing.

Wine+Art=Win(full article)

4/22/09

Like wine? How about some art? When you put the two together, plus a dash of charitable goodness, you get the VinArte: The Art of Wine fundraiser, taking place this Saturday at the Phoenix Art Museum‘s Sculpture Garden.

My name is Si and I write(full article)

4/22/09

Fueled by corn during a Midwestern upbringing, Si pilgrimaged to the Valley in 2003. Since then, he annually regrets said pilgrimage when the mercury ticks over 90º. A journalism graduate of the Walter Cronkite School at ASU, he just missed out on the social media craze and the fancy new ASU Downtown digs and therefore [...]

Scott Shapiro(full article)

4/21/09

Scott Shapiro came from Chicago to attend Arizona State University.
He now lives in Downtown Phoenix.
And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

First “Third Friday Concert Series” at Civic Space this Friday(full article)

4/17/09

Come celebrate Phoenix’s first “Third Friday Concert Series” on Friday, April 17 at the new Downtown Civic Space park. The free concert will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will feature Turn Back, O Man and The Matthew Reveles Band.

Mark Dudlik(full article)

4/09/09

The fresh-faced, 25-year-old graphic and interactive designer came to Phoenix five years ago, and is now aiming to unearth the hidden Phoenix design community.

Local Breeze To Replace Former Palatte(full article)

4/07/09

From Palatte to Pischke’s?
Well, sort of.
Less than a month after Palatte closed in downtown Phoenix, the space has been snatched up by the original chef of Pischke’s Paradise, who’s reopening the restaurant in early May as Local Breeze.
Citing a “golden opportunity,” former Pischke’s chef Sid Campbell has come out of retirement to reintroduce several of the signature dishes that made the Old Town Scottsdale island-theme restaurant so popular for decades before it shuttered last summer.

Travel Back In Time At Orpheum(full article)

4/07/09

Where can you experience Spanish Baroque Revival and Italian architecture reminiscent of the Davanzati Palace right here in Phoenix? At the Orpheum Theatre of course! Do you know what year the Orpheum Theatre was originally built or what big stars have graced its stage? Learn about this and more during a tour of Phoenix’s historic theatre.

PHX:Fringe Rewind(full article)

4/05/09

This past weekend, Grand Avenue’s PHiX Gallery had a samurai, a down-on-her-luck standup comedienne, a disembodied head and a sexual extremist all within its walls. Across the street at Soul Invictus, a man was struggling to come to grips with a life sans genitals.

First Friday at Coe House(full article)

4/03/09

Stop by the historic Coe House for First Friday on April 3 to view the “New Perspectives” art show featuring exciting new contemporary work by local artists Robert Denning and Rocco Menaguale. The show includes many multi-dimensional pieces that reflect both the subdued and exhilarating energy of pop culture and modern life.

Fringe entering final weekend(full article)

4/02/09

The Phoenix Fringe Festival (PHX:fringe) presents innovative, experimental and provocative theatre by local, national and international artists. PHX:fringe seeks to develop a cutting-edge, urban audience by offering an edgy assortment of performance choices in non-traditional downtown spaces. The PHX:fringe promotes artistic exploration by supporting the risky, adventurous work of established and emerging artists while also providing accessible, affordable performances to the community.

Mayor Gordon & Community Plants Trees(full article)

3/30/09

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon rolled up his sleeves Saturday to help fend off the effects of global warming.

The mayor joined volunteers who were planting 40 trees in downtown Phoenix to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Valley Forward Association, an organization that promotes efforts to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities.

Phoenix Fringe Festival Is Here(full article)

3/26/09

Introducing the Phoenix:Fringe Festival, which will transform Roosevelt Row and Grand Ave into an experimental performing arts hub March 27 through April 5. PHX:Fringe showcases local, national and international artists in provocative, edgy performances in favorite downtown arts spots.

Cantemus Presents Mozart at Trinity Cathedral(full article)

3/25/09

Join Cantemus this Friday at Trinity Cathedral (100 W. Roosevelt St.) as they take a look into some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sacred choral works: the Vesperae solennes de Confessore and the Missa Brevis in C Major.

Coffee With The Mayor(full article)

3/25/09

Join Mayor Gordon for a follow-up to his State of the City address, and hear about economic revitalization plans for Downtown Phoenix!

Take the Light Rail to the Central & Roosevelt station, then walk one block north.

Alta Phoenix Now Open(full article)

3/24/09

Word on the street is that Alta Phoenix is now open and residents are moving in.  If you live there, drop us a line and a few pictures – we’d love to see what the inside looks like! Update: Here’s an email we just received- The time has come, we are opening our doors for [...]

Carolyn Lavender At The Modified(full article)

3/16/09

Modified Arts is pleased to announce the opening reception for artist Carolyn Lavender Friday March 20th from 6-9 PM.

Phoenix artist, Carolyn Lavender, will be showing the current pieces in her “Journal” series. These paintings are based on collages done in her personal journals, which she as been keeping since age 14.

Take The Canalscape Survey(full article)

3/15/09

ASU and other public and private sector partners are exploring the possibility of creating vital urban hubs where canals meet major streets throughout metro Phoenix. These hubs could range in size and character, depending on community requests. ASU students are conducting a public survey and would like your feedback.

Downtown Phoenix Finalizing Wayfinding Program(full article)

3/14/09

The Downtown Phoenix Partnership is putting the finishing touches on a wayfinding project – and now they are asking for public input.

Please take a moment and take this brief survey to indicate your preferences. Thank you in advance for taking part in reshaping Downtown Phoenix!

Need Creative Space? Like Historic Buildings?(full article)

3/12/09

Join other small businesses in this very cool spot, actually being deemed the Creative Spot. Built in1926 as one of the first downtown Phoenix grocery stores, the JB Bayless building has been painstakingly restored by its long-time owner, Joseph Lewis, earning National Historic accreditation. Wood beam trusses, stained concrete floors, concrete pillars, and red brick construction within soaring, 15-foot ceilings create the surrounds. And wide panels that slide on tracks create the private, highly modular environment you desire to explore your creative options!

Ollie The Trolley Now In Phoenix(full article)

3/11/09

“We wanted to blow DASH ridership out of the water.”

That’s what Margaret Dunn said when she introduced Ollie The Trollie service into Downtown Phoenix in the beginning of 2009. And that’s what you can expect from one of Phoenix’s Top 25 Women In Business. The result? Increased ridership upwards of 275% over the last two months, with plans to expand and increase those numbers.

Riding The Light Rail: First-Hand Account(full article)

3/10/09

Even though ridership is well above the estimates published before the Grand Opening, many people have yet to ride the Light Rail.

Greg Hogue, Newscast Director for ABC 15, shares his experience riding the rail for the first time on his blog.

Palatte Restaurant Now Closed(full article)

3/10/09

Downtown Phoenix brunch spot, Palatte, closed its doors yesterday.

Rumor has it that the space that Palatte occupied will be reopened soon, which would be great – but the new owners better know they have big plates to fill…

Guide To Art Detour 2009(full article)

3/06/09

For proof that art lovers are about more than schmoozing and sipping cheap wine from plastic glasses, one need look no further than Art Detour, the free, self-guided tour of downtown artist studios, galleries, and art-friendly businesses. Now in its 21st year, the Phoenix tradition, which typically draws upwards of 10,000 patrons, has bridged the wide gap between artists and suburb dwellers who think art should match their throw pillows. This year, both art fans and the artless will find the Detour even more accessible, thanks to light rail and a new, improved shuttle system.

Art Detour, Kid Detour This Weekend(full article)

3/04/09

Downtown Phoenix during First Fridays can be a little overwhelming, with hordes of people trying to get their monthly art fix in the span of four hours. So for people who want to enjoy their art and culture in a slightly more relaxed setting, there is Art Detour. The once-a-year, all-weekend event lets visitors take a self-guided tour through the art galleries and studios in central Phoenix.

March Is Phoenix Arts Month!(full article)

3/03/09

Every weekend during the month of March, arts events will be hosted in downtown Phoenix and surrounding neighborhoods, along with events, exhibitions, and performances on other days throughout the month. In recognition of the local arts community and these public festivals, Mayor Phil Gordon has proclaimed March as “Phoenix Arts Month” and invites everyone to attend and celebrate.

Loft bargains in Downtown Phoenix(full article)

2/28/09

A couple of years ago, due to escalating Real Estate prices, there was a pretty large segment of our local population that considered living in Downtown Phoenix, but could just not afford it.  The downturn of our local and national economy over the last few years has changed all of that.  For those people who [...]

Downtown Phoenix on International Stage this week(full article)

2/09/09

Just a few weeks ago, Arizona captured the international sports spotlight with the Cardinals Superbowl appearance and now this coming week we get to be in the spotlight again, this time by hosting the NBA All-Star Game and associated events.