Tag Archives: First Friday

Metro Phoenix’s Hottest Intersections to Live, Work and Play

Metro Phoenix’s Hottest Intersections to Live, Work and Play

Uptown Phoenix was a hot spot for restaurants, shops and clubs in the 1970’s and ’80’s.

Then the cachet fizzled a bit as the Valley’s suburbs boomed.

But Camelback Road and Central Avenue, the heart of Phoenix’s uptown area, as well as Phoenix’s Midtown area, are back as a thriving hub for popular restaurants, cool boutiques, office space, light rail and historic neighborhoods and their homes.

Downtown Phoenix, AZ Historic District

Central Avenue Corridor

It’s now the Valley’s most popular intersection, according to a new poll among real-estate and growth experts.

Urban Land Institute Arizona members recently voted the central Phoenix spot the “hottest intersection” in metro Phoenix. It beat out Phoenix’s Camelback and 24th Street, an area that garnered the title the last time the group voted a decade ago.

“Camelback and Central has old buildings with great design, diversity and very supportive neighbors,” said Craig DeMarco, restaurateur and a founder of Upward Projects, at the Urban Land contest last week. “It’s the only intersection in the entire Valley with four historic neighborhoods surrounding it.”

Camelback and Central didn’t even make Urban Land’s top 10 list for hottest intersections in 2007.

A lot has changed since then. A boom and bust, light rail and a move toward an urban lifestyle by more Valley residents have shifted our growth.

Plus, DeMarco’s group has opened five restaurants, including a Postino, Windsor and Federal Pizza, around Camelback and Central over the past decade.

Other rankings on Urban Land’s top 10 list:

  • Downtown Tempe’s Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway was voted No. 2 in the hot-intersection contest. The popular urban hub moved from third a decade ago. Matt Mooney, managing director of Cousins Properties, pointed out that Tempe led the nation for filling existing office space with tech firms from 2014-16.
  • Scottsdale and Camelback roads came in at No. 3, after hitting No. 2 the last time. Real-estate attorney Jordan Rose, who has an office at this Scottsdale intersection, said people can shop, eat, work, vacation, get their hair done and even buy a Tesla at Camelback and Scottsdale.
  • Chandler’s bustling Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard tied for fourth. Danny Plapp of LGE Design Build pitched the area for its $70,000 median household income, office space, new apartments and jobs. “A younger, richer and hipper generation wants to live in new suburbs like Chandler,” he told the crowd. “Just look at San Tan Brewery’s sales at this intersection.”
  • Phoenix’s 24th Street and Camelback intersection and the Camelback Corridor tied for fourth. The area is still a hot spot of offices, hotels, shopping and eateries but has a lot more competition now.
  • At No. 5 is the Scottsdale Road and Greenway Hayden Loop area, near the city’s popular airport. Danielle Casey, Scottsdale economic-development director, said there are often “celebrity sightings” at the airport and in the area. The intersection didn’t make the list the last time.
  • Downtown Phoenix’s Central Avenue and Roosevelt near Roosevelt Historic District ranked No. 6 after not making the list a decade ago. The area, known as Roosevelt Row, has recently emerged as a hub for new apartments, condos, cool restaurants, historic renovations and light rail.
  • Washington Street and Central Avenue in the heart of downtown Phoenix ranked No. 7, down from No. 5. The city’s many new high-rises are attracting more residents and offices. ASU’s downtown Phoenix expansion near Garfield Historic District is helping.
  • Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue in restaurant-rich downtown Gilbert came in at No. 8. The Gilbert intersection didn’t make the previous list.
  • Phoenix’s 44th Street and Camelback in Arcadia’s prime intersection made the list at No. 9, another new Valley area for the ranking.

Because of the tie, there was no No. 10.

Four intersections that made the top 10 in 2007 didn’t make the new ranking: Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard; 95th and Glendale avenues; 99th Avenue and McDowell Road; and Price and Willis roads.

I thought DeMarco summed up the test for ranking metro Phoenix hot spots really well.

“We have restaurants around most of the intersections on this list,” he said.

“I don’t look at numbers. I just drive around looking for the coolest neighborhoods.”

To buy or sell a historic Phoenix Home, contact Historic Homes Specialist, Laura B. today at 602-400-0008. Read about Laura B. here from her client testimonials.

Tuft & Needle Buys Historic Paper Heart Building on Grand Avenue

Mattress retail startup and Phoenix cheerleaders Tuft & Needle have purchased an historic and iconic building on Grand Avenue.

Owners JT Marino and Daehee Park bought a 6,000-square-foot building at 750 Grand Avenue, most recently known as the Paper Heart, a performance space, music venue, gallery, coffee shop and bar.

The building opened in the 1960s as a Quebedeaux Chevrolet, and was designed by Victor Gruen, the Austrian architect known as “the father of the American shopping mall.”

The Paper Heart was opened by Scott Sanders in 2000 and ran until the end of 2007. The space was one of the early participants of downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays art walk.

Steph Carrico and JRC, owners of the Trunk Space — a long-standing Grand Ave. music venue that has since moved— were involved in the Paper Heart as well.

Park and Marino heard about the space and its history from the Grand Avenue community, and decided to purchase it to preserve the building and the lower Grand Avenue corridor, according to representatives.

The T&N headquarters is across the street on Grand Avenue.

Marino and Park then established Grand Paper Heart, LLC in fall 2016 to purchase the building, which has a full cash value of $512,200, according to Maricopa County records.

T&N declined to disclose the purchase amount, and are not sure what they plan to do with the building.

“We just want to make sure while we’re investing in this area that the other buildings are preserved,” said company representatives.

Marino and Park were runners-up in the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2016 Businessperson of the Year.

historic,phoenix,homes,real,estate,buy,sellReal estate around Grand Avenue is soaring and many believe it’s the next Roosevelt Row where all cool things happen as part of Garfield Historic District and Roosevelt Historic District. Districts near Grand Avenue like Woodland Historic District and Oakland Historic DIstrict are still hidden gems with values increasing more rapidly than other districts. These districts border the core of downtown Phoenix and are walking distance to the State Capitol and other government buildings.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in any of these districts or surrounding historic districts, call Laura Boyajian at (602) 400-0008, a Historic Phoenix Real Estate Specialist.

Are You Ready For A Big First Friday, 100 Years in Phoenix, and Final Four Fun October First Friday?!

That’s right – it’s October, it’s fall and it’s beautiful outside. With so many exhibits going on for First Friday, it might be difficult to decide which shows to see, so here are a few we think you will enjoy. Rides and more info can always be found on Artlink’s website.

Chaos Theory 17

Legend City Studios is proud to present the 17th installment of Chaos Theory, hosted by Randy Slack. This ever-popular group show will feature 80 local artists working in a variety of styles and medium, a well as music and light appetizers. Doors will be open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., located at 521 W. Van Buren. 

Soul Escape

This multi-faceted exhibit will feature works from several local artists such as Bill Hemphill, Joe Holdren and Scott Wood. Each specializes in a different form of creativity from painting, to furniture, to music and more! Taking place in the historic Ice House, it has been nearly a year since the last show was hosted in this location and Phoenix is happy to see its doors open once again.  Door from 6-10 p.m., located at 429 W. Jackson Street.

Viglietta & Voellmer

 7th St/Coronado, Artists, Arts, Arts & Culture, Downtown District, First Fridays, Grand Ave, Roosevelt

First Friday in Downtown Phoenix

Grand Art Haus is proud to present local artists Onna Voellmer and Michael Viglietta.  This show will display two contemporary styles of work that range in media. This highly anticipated show will not only blend their styles, but allow for each piece to shine and breathe on its own. If you haven’t made it out the Art Haus yet, this is your reason!  Open from 6-10 p.m. and located at 1501 Grand Ave near Woodland Historic District.

Warbird Press

Join local artists and print masters Jacob Meders and Chelsi Rossi for an exhibition of prints and print making. This show will reflect on the homogenization of indigenous people as well as the selective, alarmist qualities of the violence-addled news media. With political undertones, it won’t be a show for everyone, but I encourage you to attend. You just might feel something. Open from 6-10 p.m. and located at The Hive Gallery at 2222 N 16th Street near Coronado Historic DIstrict.

CRASH

Colton Brock is a name that synonymous with local art. His contemporary street style captures the city sunsets skyward details of an ever pondering mind. His color choices are superbly brilliant and truly harness the essence of what it means to live in such a colorful world. Don’t miss this show.  Treeo will open its doors from 6-10 p.m. and is located at 906 N. 6th Avenue near FQ Story Historic DIstrict.

Bonus: Cact-Us

Yours truly will have his first solo show at the MonOrchid for the month of October. The show will feature a variety of contemporary, pop-art style paintings of the Southwest that capture the idea of what it means to live, work and grow together here in Phoenix. I hope you will join for a colorful night of reflection. Doors will be open from 6-10 p.m. and is located at 3rd st. and Roosevelt

TOP THINGS TO DO FIRST FRIDAY IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE

First Friday In the Historic Downtown Phoenix Core

APRIL 28, 2016 BY FARA ILLICH

downtown phoenix,first friday

Roosevelt Row is the epicenter of all things First Friday, but sometimes venturing off the beaten path woven through Phoenix Historic Districts such as the Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood, can pay off in fun and unexpected ways. From free admission at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to shopping in a shipping container, the Downtown Core offers some artsy, quirky and educational experiences Friday, May 6.

Skip out of work a little early or indulge in some retail therapy during your lunch break — it’s Friday after all. Stark James, the architecture and development firm behind Containers on Grand, have partnered with local t-shirt makers State Forty Eight to create a mobile, custom-made pop-up shop out of a shipping container, debuting for the first time 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Space Park.

Load up the kiddos and head to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, which is open to the public free of charge every First Friday. Explore 48,000 square feet of hands-on learning, art displays and play areas fit for the whole family, including specific zones geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.

Exploring the Arizona Science Center after dark already feels special. Add in the fact that it’s adults-only and there’s booze — and you’ve got the perfect date-night adventure. Enjoy access to four-floors of science fun, signature cocktails and discounted access to Popnology, a special exhibition focused on pop culture-inspired technology. The lecture series “The Future of Transportation: An inside look on how future cars are designed, built and operated” starts promptly at 7 p.m., followed by a discussion on transportation innovation.

It’s an evening of art, creativity and neon lights hosted by “Walter,” the world’s largest Volkswagen bus. Located on the beautiful Herberger Theater patio, enjoy happy hour drink specials, snacks and kid-friendly options. Bring the whole family to explore this 1960’s-era converted firetruck, and learn about Walter Productions, the collaborative and whimsical maker group behind the Walter “art car.”

Located on the corner of Monroe Street and Third Avenue, the beautiful Grace Chapel (which is rarely open First Fridays) is home to Release the Fear, an arts-centered nonprofit working with at-risk youth. Not only does the organization teach art, music and communication skills to kids in detention, treatment centers and schools, but some of their fantastic artwork is featured on the gallery walls and historic alter.

The Step Gallery at Grant Street Studios is really an artistic marvel in and of itself. In a converted warehouse just south of the Downtown Core, this exhibit explores modern Americana through ceramic sculpture and video installations. “For Closure” addresses issues of income inequality, predatory financiers and oligarchical policymakers in a thought-provoking series by Jonah Amadeus. This is his MFA thesis work for the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and the show runs through May 8.

In a nearly 100-year-old former commercial laundry in the Warehouse District, the Bentley Gallery features gorgeous museum-quality exhibits in a variety of mediums. Whether it’s work on paper, metal or wood, the nine artists featured in “Off the Wall,” explore the relationships between color, form, the viewer, the wall, and the space in between. The exhibition, which runs through May 31, is all about the interplay of positive and negative space and the power of three-dimensional art.

No Joke, It’s First Friday!

First Friday Art Walk In Downtown Phoenix Arizona- April 1st, 2016

Jesse Perry April 1st, 2016

Arts Walk Phoenix,Roosevelt,historic,central,districts,roosevelt

Courtesy of Shade Projects

It’s no time to be an April Fool – join the festivities in downtown Phoenix for this month’s Art Walk and see what everyone is talking about. There is always something new and exciting to discover around every corner, even for you frequent-frequenters of First Friday.

Alley Cats

You’ve heard of street art, but have you heard of alley art?  Take a peep tonight from 7-10 p.m. “… and maybe watch your step”, in the alleyway between Roosevelt and Garfield and 5th & 6th street for the first feature exhibit of Alley Art, a DIY style art show series brought to you by Kharli Mandeville. Behind Lawn Gnome Publishing, located at 905 N. 5th Street.

Inspired Soles

First Friday,arts walk,phoenix,historic,real estate

Courtesy of Kharli Mandeville

Join over 70 artists for this years 5th Annual Inspired Soles show, which features a host of stiletto-shaped canvases that have been transformed into unique works of art, ranging from paintings to sculptures to wearable designs. Come out and see if you can find your “sole mate” in Warehouse 215 at Bentley Projects, located at 215 E. Grant Street, from 6-10 p.m.

The Naturalness of Strange Things

Award winning artists, Bill Dambrova and Abbey Messmer are known for their, “inspired by strange things” style of artwork, so it was natural that they would want to exhibit together. Shade Project is proud to present this mind-altering combo displaying a tapestry of, “vibrant, bold and diverse paintings and mixed media sculpture.” Come connect with these artists and find out what their focus is all about, tonight from 6-10 p.m. in the MonOrchid, located at 214 E. Roosevelt St.

We Can All Be Free

There are moments in history that ripple with creativity and are eternally inspirational.  One such moment took place in post-war Hungary in the 1950’s with people painting entire villages with bright, colorful, thematic images that reflected their culture and beliefs. This is where artist Lara Plecas draws her inspiration. Join her to see how it all comes together, tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Practical Art, located at 5070 N. Central Ave.

PSYCHOPOMP

Don’t expect this exhibit to be filled the ‘usual’ pomp and circumstance. In fact, it will be any thing but. Featuring the work of Constance McBride and Dean Reynolds, this show promises to deliver a fierce display of traditional skills and techniques in a juxtaposed flurry of graphite drawings, oil paintings and breath-taking sculpture depicting the human form in ways that can only be described as deeply reflective.  Join the artists tonight from 6-10 p.m. at 9 the Gallery, located at 1229 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

This is one of many events occurring in Historic Phoenix. Subscribe to our blog to keep up to date on fun events in and around Phoenix.