Blog Archives
New Magazine To Promote Greater Downtown Phoenix
[Source: Phoenix Community Alliance]
PCA is pleased to announce a partnership with Urban Affair, a modern media company developed to promote Greater Downtown Phoenix’s urban lifestyle. UA generates ongoing awareness in Downtown Phoenix with assets that include DPhxJ.com, and RadiatePHX (monthly networking group).
The first product of the partnership is the Downtown Phoenix Journal Magazine, an exciting 4-color publication which will feature excellent editorial and design, and will effectively spotlight the people, places and happenings of Greater Downtown Phoenix.
The premier issue of Downtown Phoenix Journal Magazine will debut with the help of Mayor Gordon at the State of Downtown event on November 4th at CityScape. Join us that evening to be the first to receive a copy.
Urban farming topic of Radiate Phoenix event at Maizie’s, March 31
[Source: Radiate Phoenix] — Spring has sprung and the desert is in bloom. The perfect time to gather at Maizie’s outside patio to hear Greg Peterson, founder of Urban Farm, talk about community gardens and urban farming. For ideas allowed to grow can sprout into concepts that can change the world…
- Date: Tuesday, March 31
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (program shortly after 6 p.m.)
- Place: Maizie’s Café & Bistro, 4750 N. Central
- Patio is limited to 40 people. Parking is just north of the restaurant after 5 p.m.
- RSVP here.
Radiate Phoenix is a non-traditional networking group that meets once a month to support smart growth in our emerging city. It is intended to be an informal and fun forum for connecting people, ideas, and vision. For more information, click here.
Retailer H&M rumors swirl in downtown Phoenix
[Source: Jahna Berry, Arizona Republic] — H&M, a trendy clothing retailer, could be shopping for a downtown Phoenix location. On Monday, a Phoenix marketing company called Urban Affair emailed an online survey that asks downtown workers and residents about their shopping habits and their feelings about H& M. Currently, there are no H&M stores in Arizona, but the firm plans to open a location at Scottsdale Quarter, $270 million development that will open at the end of March. H&M has not announced an opening date for that store, a spokeswoman for the retailer said.
H&M has a strong following among the budget-conscious, fashionable set because it has low-priced, European-influenced style. The retailer collaborates on product lines with upscale designers, including Stella McCartney and stars, such as Madonna.
An Urban Affair official downplayed the H&M aspect of Monday’s survey. No developer asked the firm to do it, added Catrina Knoebl who co-founded Urban Affair. “We did the survey to gauge support about downtown retail,” Knoebl said.
The survey doesn’t say where a downtown Phoenix H&M could be located. However, an obvious choice would be the $900 million CityScape development, which is under construction in downtown Phoenix. Through a spokeswoman, RED Development LLC declined to comment about H&M. CityScape is bound by First Avenue, Second Street, Washington Street, and Jefferson Street. The project broke ground in 2007 and crews are building a cluster of shops, offices and restaurants.
H&M has had a long flirtation with the Valley. Before the Scottsdale Quarter announcement, there was talk about a possible H&M shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square and at Tempe Marketplace. Neither shopping center has a store. Generally speaking, H&M may decide to open other locations in the future to serve the Valley, H&M communications specialist Shaneika Haskins. Haskins wouldn’t talk about the downtown Phoenix buzz. “We don’t comment on rumors,” she said.
Bevy of downtown Phoenix events coming up this month
[Source: Urban Affair] — Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome at the polls, our urban heart keeps beating and we keep right on celebrating. There’s more good happening downtown than we have time to shout about. For example, we have four incredible parties coming up: PHOENIX FUSION at the Market this Wednesday, the MAYOR’s HAPPY HOUR at Fate, our COE HOUSE party on First Friday, and a ROOSEVELT NEIGHBORHOOD all-out hootenanny on November 15. Details follow…
- PHOENIX FUSION, Wednesday, November 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. October’s Fusion was such a hit, we’ve decided to make this a monthly event. Join ASU Students at the Market for an evening of great music, delicious food, and relaxed, urban ambiance. WHERE: Downtown Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central (southeast corner of Central Ave. & McKinley St.).
- The MAYOR’s HAPPY HOUR at FATE, Friday, November 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. First Friday’s getting a special buzz this week: it’s the 20th anniversary of the nation’s largest artwalk! Mix, mingle, and imbibe with Mayor Phil Gordon at Fate while the sun sets and lights come up in the downtown scene. WHERE: Fate, 905 N. 4th St. (4th Street & Garfield, one block south of Roosevelt). To RSVP, click here.
- FIRST ON 4TH, Friday, November 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. Fourth Avenue is THE place to be on First Friday! Coe House sets the stage; Cibo and Palatte enhance the festive ambiance. Abundant free parking, dining, art, and music — last month’s party was a blast! WHERE: Coe House, 365 N. 4th Ave. (just south of Fillmore). Featuring: Eric Hendrix (paintings and Installation), Robert Denning (paintings), and Rachel Goede (open studio). Edible treats provided by Cibo; music courtesy of o n e Resident DJs, World Famous Rani “g,” and dk.strickler.
- SAVE THE DATE ~ ROOSEVELT ANNIVERSARY BASH, Saturday, November 15 from 5 to 11 p.m. Roosevelt Neighborhood is throwing a huge party on the silver anniversary of its historic designation. Look for updates soon.
Take a tour of Phoenix’s SoDo District, Sept. 27
[Source: Lyle Plo
cher] — One building and one business at at time, Phoenix’s Warehouse District on the south side of downtown is “coming to life.” On Saturday, September 27 from 1 to 5 p.m., owners of SoDo (South Downtown Phoenix) restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, loft condos, etc. will open their doors, so visitors can get a “first hand look.”
The Explore SoDo Tour is being held in conjunction with the week-long Urban Affair which encourages Phoenix residents to explore downtown Phoenix. To take the tour, drop by the 1928 Anchor Building at 525 S. Central on the afternoon of the 27th to pick up your tour program and “go explore.”
Phoenix Art Museum hosts 2008-09 art season kick-off, Sept. 26
Celebrate the downtown Phoenix lifestyle during Urban Affair, billed by promoters as the Valley’s premier urban living event, on Friday, September 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. The Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., will host a cocktail reception highlighted by several local, live arts performances. Guests will experience a spirited atmosphere that will serve as a kick-off to the arts season. The schedule includes:
- Live Performing Arts — by local artists and representatives of performing arts organizations.
- Culinary Arts — iconic downtown restaurants and chefs serving a “progressive tasting menu” throughout the evening.
- Visual Arts — professional and amateur photographers and filmmakers will document daytime scenes and nightlife.
Tickets are $30, $75 VIP (VIP includes host bar and access to the Champagne & Dessert Gallery). A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, produced by the non-profit Community Food Connections. Tickets are available online. For more information, call 602-252-2642, send an e-mail, or go online.
Making Phoenix weird (which is a good thing)
A geographer and a graphic designer who are passionate about life in downtown Phoenix invite you to help them “make Phoenix weird.” “Weird” in the sense of “having extraordinary character.” Adam Iten and Quinn Murphy of www.makephoenixweird.com will launch their interactive online map on September 26 to showcase all that is available and happening in downtown Phoenix, bounded by Encanto Boulevard to the north, Buckeye Road to the south, 16th Street to the east, and 15th Avenue to the west. The launch will be in conjunction with Urban Affair, a week-long series of events and performances to kick off Phoenix’s 2008-09 arts season. Maps will be provided throughout the week, inviting residents to “Explore Your Core.”
Adam and Quinn want your ideas of what makes Phoenix weird. Help them by taking an 8.5 x 11 inch white piece of paper and drawing a map of your favorite downtown Phoenix places and attractions. They’ll take everyone’s input and incorporate into a special page on their website. Several maps will also be on display at the Urban Affair Opening Night on September 26. Click here to e-mail your submission; or fax to 602-252-2649. All maps should be submitted by Friday, September 19 to be considered for the event.
“Town & gown” work together to benefit ASU Downtown Phoenix students
A two-year effort to create access from local downtown businesses and cultural interests to ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus achieved its first positive step on Wednesday, August 13. A team of volunteers and business owners spent three hours at Roosevelt Commons at a “stuffing party” to make over 1,500 “Welcome Bags” of information and special savings for faculty, staff, and incoming ASU downtown campus dorm residents and commuting students.
The effort was a culmination of a meeting with ASU Downtown’s Associate Dean of the College of Public Programs Deb Gullett; Local First Arizona Executive Director Kimber Lanning; Grand Avenue business owner Anna Marie Gutierrez; and Downtown Voices Coalition Steering Committee Chair Steve Weiss. The discussion focused on the limited ability for local business to interact with the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. The traditional “flier rack” information kiosks and bulletin boards normally found on college campuses have for two years been left out of the downtown campus, and the meeting was held to discuss options.
It was Ms. Gullett who suggested the info bag giveaway, and the three local participants rallied downtown troops to create the overflowing Welcome Bag with Artlink First Friday, Local First Arizona’s Small Wonders brochure, and Roosevelt Row maps as well as fliers for downtown and midtown restaurants, service providers, and entertainments. Also included among others were cultural centers such as Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum and Urban Affairs publication, “You Are Here.” Bags were obtained by Eric Gudiño, ASU Downtown’s Director of Community Relations/Office of Public Affairs, from both the ASU Bookstore and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. DPP donated their soon-to-be-replaced “Copper Square” branded bags, and extra packages were filled using Devious Wig’s tote-bags.
The promise from ASU Downtown’s representatives is that this is the first of many coming innovations, including access to the electronic “bulletin boards” of the Taylor Place dorms and a flier rack for printed materials in the Administrative Building and other locations. Upcoming meetings with ASU Downtown Dean Debra Friedman and Community Engagement Liaison Malissa Geer will focus on these and other efforts for the campus and the downtown to commingle. Stay tuned.
Mark your calendar for Urban Affair, Sept. 26 – Oct. 3
“Urban Affair” begins at the Phoenix Art Museum on Friday, September 26, 2008. The goal of the week-long series of events is to showcase:
- Phoenix’s arts community conveying the energy and vitality of urban life;
- Downtown development projects that are reshaping the urban core;
- Design elements and amenities highlighted in revitalized historic neighborhoods; and
- The creative businesses and individuals for whom downtown is inspiration and home.
For more information, click here.
