Some random updates on things happening in downtown Phoenix:
* Gateway on Grand. The Grand Avenue neighbors have reached a compromise with the developer/investor who proposed a nine-story building on the parcel where the old Desert Sun Hotel sits. The compromise gives the developer/investor the midrise zoning originally sought, but puts a deed restriction on the parcel that would limit the site to a maximum height of 56 feet (four-five stories). This is a great solution as it allows more height than what was originally on the site and makes it more likely that the property will be developed-- it keeps the land's value from being artificially inflated by midrise zoning and makes realistic the construction of a cheaper, wood-frame building (which can still look pretty nice-- see Artisan Lofts on Central). It's great to see a divisive battle avoided and see everyone get something.
* Lido on Roosevelt. Supposedly the parcel at Fourth Street and Roosevelt, once targeted for a 19-story apartment tower, was flipped again. The sign advertising "Lido" has been removed and the property is fenced off. Unfortunately the fence is probably just a deterrent to overflow parking from Modified Arts and not a sign of any impending development.
* Restaurants. Fate's new tapas bar, Next Door, headlines the recent openings downtown. I haven't had a chance to check out the new place-- and I leave the restaurant reviews to Silverbear on his excellent Railfood blog-- but it was mobbed during the November First Fridays. Other openings include Thai Hut on First Street and McDowell (an upgrade from the truck-stop-esque Marvin's Garden that used to occupy that building), middle eastern restaurant Nile Cafe (at Artisan Village near Seventh Street), and a wine bar called Silver at Second Street and Washington. Silver's appearance is especially promising for downtown Phoenix as the upscale wine bar replaces an adult bookstore.
* Coming Soon. A coffee shop is slated to open in the corner storefront at the recently restored Bragg's Pies factory building at Grand Avenue and approximately Thirteenth Avenue. One of the vendors from the Downtown Phoenix Public Market is going to open a full-time enterprise in the spot, which has very cool floor-to-ceiling windows that face toward the downtown skyline. I hope it has wireless...
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1 comment:
Thanks for mentioning my site. I agree that all of these projects sound exciting. I stopped in at the Bragg Pie Factory during the most recent First Friday and was pleased so see the cafe on the way. As for Next Door, I don't think it's serving food yet. At this point, what I've heard is that it's a combination of a gallery and a bar. I think the "Tapanese" menu will come later.
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