[Source: Jessica VanZalen, ASU Web Devil] — A half-eaten sucker rests on the edge of a wall outside the Chase building. Dirty, plastic news distribution boxes line the street corner. Hordes of people crowd the bus stop. To an untrained eye, downtown Phoenix appears as a juxtaposition of oddities and buildings in the middle of a desert. Here is a city with huge sports venues, art districts, and unique small businesses that is determined to gain attention not only on a national scale, but also from local residents.
Yes, the fifth largest city in the United States is struggling to gain recognition and establish itself as a noteworthy attraction of the valley that surrounds it. Simply venturing to the city for a sporting event may only give the appearance of closed-down storefronts and warehouses, palm tree-spattered streets, and a few tall buildings — less than enticing visual attractions.
With a desire to gain appreciation from Valley residents and visitors from afar, the city is taking the steps to educate people on all downtown has to offer, to encourage people to look beneath the surface and see the shops and restaurants hidden in the crevices. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
Downtown Voices Coalition 