Archive for the ‘Business Development’ Category

The Latest on CityScape

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

CityScape (Downtown’s new entertainment district covering the area of Jefferson N to Washington and 1st Ave E to 1st St) announced a double dose of exciting news this week. First, several opening dates have been written in stone (or at least penciled in). Second, two more retailers, Charming Charlie and Jimmy John’s, have been added to the line-up.

Here’s the CityScape rundown:

Designer District – Forget Scottsdale. This Phoenix-based retailer, opening today, qualifies as our very own slice of fashion heaven. Exclusive lines from around the world and classic brands hang side-by-side in this ultra-cool showroom. Brands include CCDK from Copenhagen, Hugo Boss, Joy Li (a fellow Phoenician), Marc Allison, Salsa Jeans and Black Halo, whose little black dress is well worth coveting.

ST/BOWLINGLucky Strike Lanes – Usually, the words “upscale” and “bowling” go together as well as Mel Gibson and a cell phone. But no more. With its sleek atmosphere, multiple bars, DJ and gourmet menu, this bowling lounge is a highly anticipated addition to CityScape. Opening Friday, Lucky Strike will offer daily Happy Hours and daily lunch/bowl specials for $5.50.

West of SoHo – Set to open late next week, West of SoHo in CityScape will be the flagship store for this fashion retailer. The focus here is modern Bohemian style, using found objects and authentic materials. Check out the fall trends, including art-inspired prints and a return to the 70’s (think Stevie Nicks).

Five Guys – To quote Homer Simpson: “Mmm, burgers.” That tells you everything you need to know about this great burger and fries spot, slated to open on September 6th. These burgers are so good, they’ve been rated by Zagat and voted “best burger” at cities all across the country. Everything is made fresh to order, and the menu sticks with the beloved basics: burgers, hot dogs and fries.

Par Exsalonce – Considered one of the top day spas in Arizona, Par Exsalonce hasn’t set a CityScape date yet, but anyone who loves being pampered will be eager for its opening. Services include a hair and nail salon, facials, body treatments, massage therapies, waxing, makeup, manicures and pedicures. I feel relaxed already.

jimmyjohnJimmy John’s – This eatery says it offers the “world’s greatest gourmet sandwiches.” Jimmy, you had me at “sandwich.” Choose from seven big sub sandwiches and 11 giant club sandwiches, including the Ultimate Porker (start your engines, bacon lovers) and a Gourmet Veggie Club.

Charming Charlie – I could be in trouble here. I have a weakness for fashion accessories like earrings, bracelets, handbags and belts, and that’s what this boutique is all about.  Plus – and I think this is a killer touch – they’ve organized the store by color families to make it easy to find the right accessories. So, even though their items are incredibly affordable, ranging from about $5 to about $50, someone should hide my credit card.

Hance Park In Review; TGEN and ASU Go High-Speed

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

On Aug. 15 the Arizona Republic reported that City of Phoenix officials have organized a task force to look at ways to improve Margaret T. Hance Park, also known as the Deck Park.  Hance Park opened in with an ambitious plan to create a major urban park in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, yet many of the proposed improvements have failed to materialize. 

TGEN-con-mi-trockaThe park is located adjacent to the Burton Barr Library and is home to the Irish Cultural Center and Japanese Friendship Garden and hosts a number of civic and cultural events throughout the year.  For an in-depth look at the history of the park and possible plans for the future, please visit:  Officials taking new look at old plans for Deck Park

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), in partnership with ASU and Cox Business Arizona, recently debuted a high-speed data link designed to transfer DNA data much more efficiently.  The new technology can transfer data from Downtown to ASU’s supercomputer in Tempe up to 100 times faster than previous connections.  The Arizona Republic reports that the new connection will aid researchers in a variety of efforts, notably breast cancer studies which are often lengthy and exhaustive.   For more information on the state-of-the-art technology please visit:  TGen unveils superfast data link

Cartel Launches Food Menu

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Adam Reeder has seen plenty of kitchens in his 26 years. 

cartel_coffee_labA culinary prodigy who graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix at 19, Reeder has kitchen and management experience with several notable Valley restaurants, including La Grande Orange Pizzeria, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Rumbi Island Grill, Delux Burger, and Pei Wei.

His latest challenge is developing a breakfast and lunch menu at Cartel Coffee Lab (1st Street / Washington).

Beginning Monday (8/23), Cartel’s Downtown location will offer these Reeder creations:

BREAKFAST (served all day)

What’s a Burrito? – Onion, red bell pepper, potato, spinach, jalapeno, shredded cheese (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

Digby Sandwich – Toasted MJ*** flatbread, hot house tomato, bacon, spinach, arugula, herb aioli, two sunny side up eggs (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

Tart - Goat cheese creme fraiche, spinach, arugula, roasted red pepper (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

SANDWICHES (served with chips or fruit)

Tuna – Toasted MJ flatbread, spinach, arugula, hot house tomato, artichoke heart

Turkey – MJ levain bread, spring mix greens, hot house tomato, havarti cheese, herb aioli

Ham - MJ levain bread, spring mix greens, hot house tomato, whole grain mustard, havarti cheese

SALADS

Beet – Spring mix greens, arugula, roasted red and yellow beets, candied walnuts, goat cheese, red onion, creamy balsamic dressing

In addition, Cartel will continue to offer take-and-go scones, MJ bagels and new yogurt parfaits.

***MJ Bread is a big, big deal. MJ is MJ Coe, husband of cake master Tammie Coe.

 

Cartel is open Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hyatt Gets a Makeover; Actors Theater Awarded $150k

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

hyatt_phoenixThe Hyatt Regency Phoenix has recently completed an extensive renovation including upgrades to all guestrooms and a new lobby.  As reported by OldWestNewWest.com, the $15 million renovation also involved improvements to the fitness center, meeting space and the hotel’s iconic rooftop restaurant the Compass Arizona Grill. The Hyatt is located across from the West Entrance to the Phoenix Convention Center at 2nd Street & Adams.  For more information please visit Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel Completes $15 Million Renovation or take the time to stroll over and see the fantastic new Gensler-designed lobby.  It’s quite a sight.

HTC-prerenovationContinuing their long tradition of charitable giving to the state of Arizona and Downtown Phoenix interests, the Virgina G. Piper Charitable Trust recently awarded the Arizona Theatre Company and Actors Theatre of Phoenix a $150,000 grant.  The Arizona Theatre Company in Phoenix is based at the Herberger Theater Center between 2nd and 3rdStreets on Monroe.  The Herberger is currently undergoing an extensive renovation in celebration of its 20th birthday in October.  For more information on the Piper Grant please visit ATC and Actors Theatre of Phoenix Awarded $150,000. The Arizona Republic recently published a “Viewpoint” highlighting the influence of the Herberger Theater Center on the region over the past 20 years. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is quoted as saying “All that came later to enliven and refresh Downtown Phoenix – theaters, museums, sports arenas, bars, restaurants, galleries – sprang from the inspiration and example of the Herberger Theater.”  To read the entire story, please visit:  Herberger Theater Influence Spreads Throughout Region.

CityScape Retailers Eye Aug. 26 Opening

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

H-U-G-E news coming out of CityScape this week.

At a Wednesday afternoon meeting it was confirmed that five CityScape tenants will open their doors to the public on Thursday, Aug. 26:

Lucky Strike Lanes

luckystrikeBAs seen on Entourage, this high-end alley, restaurant and lounge was birthed in Hollywood and offers a one-of-a-kind bowling experience. With a slogan like, “Eat, drink, and knock down some pins,” the bar for good times is set pretty high.

Par Exsalonce

Par Exsalonce, which has operated in Scottsdale for 22 years, will open a 4,000-square-foot lifestyle salon/spa offering hair and nail salon services, facials, body treatments, waxing, and massages

West of SoHo

Catering to “The Modern Bohemian,” West of SoHo offers a wide array of fashion articles–ranging from a study of Stevie Nicks’ style to breaking down The Sensual 70’s–on its style-rich Facebook Fan Page

FiveGuysFive Guys Burgers

Five Guys Burgers & Fries, one of the nation’s fastest-growing “fast-casual” burger joints, is set to open its third mouth-watering Arizona location. (I’ve been to the Five Guys on Mill Avenue in Tempe and what the menu lacks in diversity it more than makes up for in awesomeness; trust me, if you like In-N-Out Burger you’ll dig what Five Guys is throwing down.)

Designer District

Designer District operates locations in North Phoenix and Chandler and offers up its own unique take on contemporary style, carrying its own line of premium art house T-shirts called D|D, not to mention hot brands like 7 for All Mankind, Rock Revival, Black Halo, The Furies, Mek Denim, Nanette Lepore, BB Dakota, CCDK, Mark Allison Jeans, Rockstar, Anama, and Emma Jordan.

Read about more restaurants coming CityScape in the 2010 Downtown Dining Guide

Biomedical Campus, Hotel Monroe Updates

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

The Phoenix Business Journal reported the City of Phoenix has issued an RFP for a developer to construct a 100,000 square-foot biomedical facility.  The TGENbuilding will be located on the parcel directly south of the existing Translational Genomics Institute (TGEN) and will join the Arizona Biomedical Collaborative (ABC1) and University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix.

The 268,000 square foot Health Sciences Education Building is currently under construction to the east and will be completed in 2012. For more information please visit:  City of Phoenix seeking developer for new biomedical building.

In other development news, on Friday Aug. 6 it was announced that ML Managers, LLC, has taken possession of the unfinished Hotel Monroe Project located at Central Avenue and Monroe.  The iconic professional building was being developed as a boutique hotel until the downfall of Mortgages Limited in 2008 brought work to a halt. ML Managers has acquired a number of properties in recent months including Los Arcos Crossing and Ten Wine Lofts.  For more information please visit:  ML Managers takes over Ten Wine Lofts, Hotel Monroe.

Mass Transit Service Cuts in Downtown Phoenix

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Starting this week, there will be numerous changes to public transportation schedules in Phoenix. Besides changes to the bus schedule, light rail will run at 12 minute intervals from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 20 minute intervals at all other times (source). The service cuts are the result of  an ongoing decline of sales tax revenue, as well as the state legislature using lottery funds earmarked for public transportation in order to balance the budget.

dashIn addition to the bus and light rail changes, the Downtown Area Shuttle Bus (DASH) will also see a significant decrease in service. Terry Madeksza, Director of Operations for the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, explains what’s happening with the service and what are some other transportation options in our urban core.

DASH service is actually provided by the City of Phoenix and operated by the Public Transit Department as a business circulator connecting workers to businesses during the day. Madeksza says for the last few years, the Partnership contributed only a small amount towards the operation of DASH – about $22,500 per year out of an annual operating budget of over $850,000.

DASH had two loops: The Downtown Loop and the Government Loop. The Downtown Loop, which had a north/south orientation, has been eliminated. The Government Loop  that connects Central Station and the State Capitol, continues to run as it always has, as a business circulator with the same route and schedule.

“Since the route no longer serves the broader Downtown core, the Partnership decided to discontinue our contribution, and instead apply it towards the free evening trolley service currently in operation and provided by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership,” said Madeksza.

Even with DASH cuts there are still plenty of other transportation options to help you get around Downtown Phoenix.

“Light Rail is, of course, an affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around Central Phoenix,” says Madeksza. “There are plenty of Park and Ride lots located along the route, and wonderful, unique businesses and restaurants for riders to experience.”

trolleyDowntown Phoenix is also very walkable. Visitors to the Downtown core will find more than 100 restaurants and bars to try, plenty of public art displays to see and architectural landmarks to visit.

Medeksza points out that If you would rather ride in style, there are other options like pedicabs and a FREE evening trolley funded by the Partnership.  You can catch the trolley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The trolley stops at most sports venues, theaters, restaurants and bars.  For more information on light rail, pedicabs or the free trolley, contact the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors at 602-495-1500 or www.downtownphoenix.com.

For a supplement to the Valley Metro Transit Book, click here.

Editor’s Note: Marie Chapple, Public Information Officer for the Phoenix Public Transit Department, was a source for this blog post.

Best Mexican Food Downtown

Monday, July 26th, 2010

There are many benefits to living in Phoenix and one of them is easy access to some of the best Mexican food on the planet. (I lived in Russia for 2.5 years and went through Mexican food withdrawal. Once I got my hopes up when I found a restaurant called Ла Кукарача, La Cucaracha, but was bitterly disappointed when every dish turned out to be just lavash covered in melted Russian cheese. For this Arizonan boy, those were the longest 2.5 years of my life.)

verdeWhat’s the point to all this you ask? The point is, my dear friends, that excellent Mexican food is heaven on earth and Verde on Garfield and 2nd Street serves up some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Possibly the best Mexican food ever served up in this city. Ever.

First of all, they make their own tortillas on site and they are served warm and full of buttery goodness. I can easily eat, and I’m not exaggerating, 30 billion tortillas in one sitting. I love those tortillas and if I could marry them I would and we’d live happily as man and tortilla.

The red chili beef and green chili pork are my favorite dishes, each one bursting with spice and flavor and when wrapped in one of my beloved tortillas with some fluffy rice and beans, it becomes the food of the gods. The guacamole is also divine.

Verde does not yet have a liquor license, but I’ve been told it’s in the works.

Bottom line Verde is consistent in their quality, they are local, and the food is fresh and affordable. Another major win for Downtown Phoenix.

(Editor’s Note: Learn more about Downtown’s awesome Mexican food destinations in the 2010 Downtown Dining Guide.)

Cartel Coffee Lab

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Cartel Coffee Lab’s Downtown location is a lot like the hipster bar du jour–your cool quotient spikes just knowing it exists.

CartelTucked between a military entrance and processing office and Burger King on 1st Street near the Washington intersection, Cartel makes little attempt to introduce itself to the masses. In fact, for months there was no signage at all lest a piece of hand-torn cardboard taped to the door that simply read “OPEN.” Management’s casual approach to marketing has made the haunt all the more attractive to Downtown’s coffee elitists and fringe crowd, similar to Cartel’s sister coffee klatch, Conspire. 

Once you do find the place, Cartel is more than comfortable; it’s dang-near homey. There are quiet conversation spaces, local artists’ work displayed throughout, friendly chatter from regulars (the bar area , and a staff-sponsored playlist full of old favorites and new surprises. (I recently heard a set comprised of Led Zeppelin, Passion Pit, Velvet Underground, Arcade Fire, Fiona Apple, and The Muppets’ seminal work, “Mahna Mahna.”)

Cartel_MichaelAnd the coffee, well, that’s where Cartel really sinks its hooks into you. They roast their own beans in Tempe–exquisite beans hailing from Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Brazil and Mexico–and every cup is prepared with the utmost care (see photo, above) In fact, if you ask manager Michael Terlisner (Cartel’s ever-present Sam Malone, pictured left) for some help in selecting the perfect brew, he’ll match you with your dream bean e-Harmony-style. Seriously, these guys don’t mess around when it comes to coffee.

Cartel is slowly expanding its food menu, too, graduating from scones and breakfast burritos to tarts and light lunch plates. They also sell their precious beans by the pound and will tailor-grind them to meet your specifications.

And if you can’t locate Cartel on your own, don’t fret.  Simply flag down one of our Downtown Ambasssadors patroling the streets; many of them are professed Cartel junkies.

CVS To Make Grand Opening July 26

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

CVSFor years, Downtown Phoenix employees and residents have been clamoring for a full-service pharmacy within walking distance of their homes and offices. 

Next Monday, July 26, those requests will be fulfilled with the opening of the CVS Pharmacy in the retail portion of CityScape. 

Local dignitaries, including Mayor Phil Gordon, will commemorate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 a.m.  CVS follows the recent opening of Gold’s Gym and marks the first opening in the retail section located between Central and First Avenues.  The pharmacy will occupy the northeast corner of 1st Avenue and Jefferson, directly opposite the METRO Light Rail stop and one block from the Maricopa County Court Complex.

The Downtown Phoenix CVS will feature all of the amenities of a full-service pharmacy/convenience store including a photo department, full liquor selection, ready-to-eat sandwiches, expanded grocery set and a souvenir section.  The store will be open Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The pharmacy will be open on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

CVS the first pharmacy in the area in more than 30 years and is a welcome addition to the growing variety of shopping and retail in Downtown Phoenix.