Phoenix CityScape Thread [Archive] - Page 49

Vicelord John

Apr 9, 2010, 9:42 PM

It did several things. One was it flashing different colors, one was solid, one was like the colors were chasing each other around, and one way was the colors fading in and out of one another.

It seemed like they have a half dozen or so programs, but they really only showed the red/blue last night with green every so often. Hopefully it is set for purple/orange.

Based on this image, do you think there will be a lit up crown on top of the hotel as well?

http://www.cityscapephoenix.com/hotels.asp

gymratmanaz

Apr 9, 2010, 11:50 PM

Would make a cool look!

Jsmscaleros

Apr 10, 2010, 12:31 AM

We are clearly in the midst of the age of gaudy color-changing light displays.

METRO Town Lake Bridge, Civic Space Park 'light sabers', light features at Tempe Marketplace (how can you miss the roaming green laser?), and now this.

Not to be too critical since the halo is clearly giving most people a boner, but I'd prefer elegant, stationary lighting to all the 'dancing' stuff.

Vicelord John

Apr 10, 2010, 12:40 AM

they can make it stationary if they want.

gymratmanaz

Apr 11, 2010, 3:43 PM

*2 huge temporary cranes were working yesterday putting in one of the escalators and the pedestrian bridge canopy.
*There were also 5 mobile cranes working on tons of other stuff.
*They have now sealed most of the underground stuff for the dancing waters in the center of the courtyard.
*The ramps are in and ready for the steps to go in, leading up to the center courtyard.
*The east side water feature going down the stairs is basically done (Looks cool!)
*Forms are on all the columns west of the parking entrance ramp
*The 2nd story floor is covered in rebar and looks to be ready for pouring cement, unless they are going to connect over the entrance ramp and pour it all at once.
*They added two tree or planting wells on the west side of Central, across from the bus stop
*More window frames, awning supports, windows, and other small details added
*The mesa trees are almost totally leafed out, makes it nicer than I initially thought. Once the south construction and hotel are done, this will be a nice area.

Vicelord John

Apr 11, 2010, 4:27 PM

Did you by chance count how many workers were there and have a breakdown of their shirt colors?

Leo the Dog

Apr 12, 2010, 2:02 AM

Did you by chance count how many workers were there and have a breakdown of their shirt colors?

Lol.

Side note:

I noticed the urban heat island effect for the first time this year. Walking around DT and west facing walls giving off heat (in the shade). Won't be long now until we're all bitching about the intense heat. (Myself included.)

gymratmanaz

Apr 12, 2010, 2:29 AM

No but I did get a listing of all of their astrological signs if you are interested. :)

Tito714

Apr 12, 2010, 7:59 AM

The east parking garage is now open too. The one under the tower.

phoenixwillrise

Apr 12, 2010, 3:50 PM

As I live in San Diego and haven't seen the project since the last week of March, a photo would be great if someone is in the hood. Also wanted remind all of the Suns Fans that I predicted 45-55 wins earlier in the year, when they weren't doing that great. Go Suns!, should be 3rd through 5th seed, hopefully get a few W's in the playoffs to make up for some lost revenue during the season and remain financially competitive and able to resign Amare.

Vicelord John

Apr 12, 2010, 11:12 PM

what do you want a photo of? I posted several a few pages back and nothing has really changed since then.

phoenixwillrise

Apr 13, 2010, 1:23 AM

what do you want a photo of? I posted several a few pages back and nothing has really changed since then.
Well then I will await your next photos when something does change. :)

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 1:33 AM

word... either when they start putting finishings on the mall or start going vertical with the hotel I'll go over there.

glynnjamin

Apr 13, 2010, 2:37 PM

I'll be down there daily by the end of the month (once my gym opens) so I'll take pictures of anything cool.

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 3:31 PM

Speaking of gym. I joined north phx baptist the other day. Talk about fucking awesome. And memberdhip is the same price month to month and i can just pay and quit or join whenever i want.

HooverDam

Apr 13, 2010, 9:09 PM

^You joined a church?

dtnphx

Apr 13, 2010, 9:34 PM

^You joined a church?

:shrug: I thought I read that, too. The first, F-laden tyrade at someone who forgets to wipe down the equipment will get him 86'd! Good luck, John!

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 9:36 PM

Lol. What are you getting at? :d

and no i dont go to the church its just a great court.

gymratmanaz

Apr 13, 2010, 9:42 PM

Holy _ _ _ _ !!!!!

HooverDam

Apr 13, 2010, 9:44 PM

Lol. What are you getting at? :d

and no i dont go to the church its just a great court.

Ahh I didnt realize you could use their stuff w/ out being a member of the church.

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 9:48 PM

Yeah its $20 for members and $30 for non. 86,000 sq feet. One of the best and least crowded gyms in town. They have bball, raquetball, tennis, fields, a roller rink, indoor running track, ping pong, pool, a restaurant, saunas, steam rooms, lockers, cardio room, free weight room, and hell i dont know a lot of other shit.

I just am weirded out listening to jesus muzak all the time.

PHX31

Apr 13, 2010, 9:56 PM

/\$30/month? The City of Phoenix places are $10/year for residents. Not that they aren't crowded, but I'll be playing bball tonight at Encanto.

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 10:06 PM

/\$30/month? The City of Phoenix places are $10/year for residents. Not that they aren't crowded, but I'll be playing bball tonight at Encanto.

I have a "membership" at city of phoenix as well. It doesnt compare in terms of amenities. there is suns nuggets at 730 when are you gonna play?

PHX31

Apr 13, 2010, 10:36 PM

I have a "membership" at city of phoenix as well. It doesnt compare in terms of amenities. there is suns nuggets at 730 when are you gonna play?

After work (5:00).

Vicelord John

Apr 13, 2010, 11:29 PM

gymratmanaz

Apr 14, 2010, 1:46 AM

I know some of you love this...

*The water feature going down the east stairs is running
*Cement is poured for most of the new second floor
*They have scaffolding going over the parking ramp and past
*Second story rebar columns are going up
*Second story columns are up along the mesa as well!!!
*Water jet wells are in for some of the dancing waters fountains

I went inside Tower #1. LOOKS SHARP!!!!!!

renone

Apr 14, 2010, 3:22 PM

They are testing the water feature(s) on PSP every day now. I park under PSP and the water drips into the garage through the still open holes. Hopefully, they are going to fix that... There is now an escalator installed from the parking garage to the retail portion of PSP, in addition to the previous elevators.

The north portion of the PSP retail is still nowhere close to being done (still no walls) but everything else seems to be progressing.

gymratmanaz

Apr 14, 2010, 4:08 PM

It Sure Looks Like There Will Be A Lot Of Dancing Water Jets In A Few Different Shapes. Cool! :)

PHX31

Apr 14, 2010, 5:03 PM

damn if i didn't already play for 2 hours and wear myself out today i'd have joined. you run with the brown people? I got my ass kicked last week running 10 full court. I pulled down a bunch of good boards and blocked a few shots but every time I had the ball I either got it stolen or blocked. I'm not athletic enough to play with brown people yet.

I played 2 on 2 with my friends, then one of my friends left and the 3 of us played 21. I'm still getting back into playing shape after hurting my ankle last year, so I didn't really feel like running full court, especially not outside.

PhxPavilion

Apr 15, 2010, 1:30 AM

They are testing the water feature(s) on PSP every day now. I park under PSP and the water drips into the garage through the still open holes.

Have they cleaned up/improved the old PSP garage?

Oh and the south tower (hotel) is officially underway. The place is looking very nice, it's just too bad it's been scaled back so much.

HooverDam

Apr 15, 2010, 1:32 AM

Oh and the south tower (hotel) is officially underway.

Thats big news and you just sorta threw it away, source?

PhxPavilion

Apr 15, 2010, 1:37 AM

Thats big news and you just sorta threw it away, source?

They have built out the second floor with steel columns extending into the third. It looked like more rebar has also been added to the core and the tower crane was busy.

plinko

Apr 15, 2010, 1:56 AM

^Isn't there 2-3 stories of retail around the base of the hotel? I would think somebody (hint, hint HX) would have noted that RED pulled a building permit for the hotel.

Until then, it's probably just wishful thinking...

gymratmanaz

Apr 15, 2010, 3:02 AM

So far they are starting to add rebar for the second story. No 3rd story stuff yet. Nothing added to the elevator core yet. No permit yet for hotel, but they do seem to be approaching the hotel with scaffolding for the 2nd floor. Not sure if they will continue west. If they do, they would have to add to the elevator core i would think.

PhxPavilion

Apr 15, 2010, 4:22 AM

Well, there is definitely a lot more activity on the south portion, I'll have to go look at it again tomorrow.

HX_Guy

Apr 15, 2010, 6:55 AM

There are still no permits for the hotel that I've come across, and I check on a daily basis. Unless they started a whole new permit (not under the name "Cityscape" as has been so far, and I see no reason why they would start another permit).

From their rendering, the hotel portion basically started immediately east of the parking garage entrance.

http://nitnelav.com/DavisCityscapeBig2.jpg

The "cutout" here is where the parking garage entrance is, so this is where the hotel would start if going by the rendering.
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/6.jpg

The rebar that is up for the next story seem to stop short of where the hotel would go up. If Im correct on this, the rebar that has the tops "flattened out" means that there will be nothing added on top of those and that is basically the "ceiling" (Plinko, is this correct?) I should have taken a better picture from the side to see exactly how much they span east to west.
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/9.jpg

I think the Urban Outfitters came out pretty well, looks good to me.
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/1.jpg

http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/2.jpg

They did a crappy job here...this is the area along 1st Ave, right in front of the light rail station, between the CVS and the entrance to the whole "park"...couldn't they have done some windows or something to make it more friendly when you walk by?
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/4.jpg

Pedestrian bridge...
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/7.jpg

I thought they were going to enclose the bridge but it looks like there is just a shade awning..and it's on the north side?! How does that make sense? Maybe they will put up a mirror image of it and make it unto a sort of tunnel.
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/10.jpg
Retail "park"...
http://nitnelav.com/DTApril142010/8.jpg

HX_Guy

Apr 15, 2010, 5:59 PM

From Hunt's website...

http://huntconstructiongroup.com/landmarks/project-news/cityscape-p1-complete/

"
The second phase of the project is currently in the preconstruction phase by Hunt with a targeted start date in mid 2010. This tower is a mixed use development featuring a 250-room luxury boutique Hotel Palomar by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants of San Francisco. The tower will also add approximately 50,000 square feet of retail space and topped by either condominiums or office space. Various options are currently being examined which range from a 20 to 28 story building."

Leo the Dog

Apr 15, 2010, 9:17 PM

^^^ So tower 2 (the office/condo portion) is still a go?

PHX31

Apr 15, 2010, 10:11 PM

/\Good question... my first thought was "at what point (during their millions of downscaling or plans changes) was this put up on their website... and where did they get the information from?"

AZScraper

Apr 15, 2010, 11:56 PM

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k121/ndnwotah/IMG00453-20100415-1340.jpg

wow, is it a little low? :skyscraper:

HX_Guy

Apr 15, 2010, 11:59 PM

Probably no lower than the underpasses for the railroad further south on Central.

PhxPavilion

Apr 16, 2010, 12:37 AM

They could be merely constructing the retail podium of the south tower but I think the hotel will follow, call it a hunch.

glynnjamin

Apr 16, 2010, 9:03 PM

Vicelord John

Apr 16, 2010, 9:55 PM

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

phxbyrd

Apr 16, 2010, 10:20 PM

sounds to me like they are going to build the minimum amount on the tower 2 site so that the pad can be capped and not mess up the flow from the rest of the project. hopefully they don't mess it up for the construction down the road.

Evil Empire

Apr 17, 2010, 12:10 AM

I haven't been reading the Suns/NBA thread so I'm not sure if this has been posted already but...

Sunday night, the crown of CityScape will be orange for the Suns game. Everyone go outside and look.
http://ktar.com/index.php?nid=6&sid=1284876

Hopefully when they broadcast the game, they'll have some updated shots...I hate watching games when they show shots of downtown from the air or from the distance that are like 10 years old.

They usually do take new shots when something bigger is going on in a city, like the playoffs so hopefully they'll do that.

kingofleos

Apr 17, 2010, 1:24 AM

Evil Empire, I couldn't agree with you more.

Lately the TNT/ESPN games have been driving me insane because they use the same tired footage. And it's always that same shot where it pans directly over Patriots Square, still intact.

UGGH.

Leo the Dog

Apr 17, 2010, 1:57 PM

On TNT during playoffs, sometimes they drive a car down from Sq. Pk. park to USAC.

phoenixboi08

Apr 17, 2010, 6:01 PM

I don't know...it kind of bugs me that they refuse to alter the renderings/project information.
http://huntconstructiongroup.com/images/stories/projects/corporate/cityscape.jpg

I mean, the least they could do is be honest...or is that asking too much?

Either way, I interpret it this way:
1. They're either convinced that at SOME point they will finish the second tower (and are confident that it will be much sooner than later).
2. They're just trying to avoid our wrath! :)

(I have a strong inkling that it is the latter...)

Vicelord John

Apr 17, 2010, 7:23 PM

shits goin down over there

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3552.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3551.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3550.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3549.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3548.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3547.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3546.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3545.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3544.jpg

HX_Guy

Apr 17, 2010, 9:02 PM

John, when were you down there? Chris and I were down there today too around 10am or so.

We brought some rendering with us to compare what is going on at the site and looking at the renderings, they have definitely started building a portion of what will be the hotel. In the picture you took here, the rebar "wall" as well as the first pair of rebar pillars to the east (the two that are fatter then the rest) are part of the structure that will have a hotel above. Now I don't know if that will possible be retail in that section and hotel above or if that is actually part of the hotel, but those rebar structures are beefed up to supported it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_3550.jpg

Heres a panoramic shot taken with my cell...its a pretty cool view from up on the mesa and even though we have compared this to AZ Center and Colliers...it is much much more open and inviting I think.

http://nitnelav.com/DTApril172010/1.jpg

gymratmanaz

Apr 18, 2010, 12:01 AM

HX and I got a good judgement of the schematic. Another cool thing is that it looks like the pedestrian bridge will have uplighting that will make the covered bridge light up at night. A workman told me that the whole thing will be glassed in, which would make the uplights make it glow. HX and I are hoping they will add another half to the canopy over the bridge.

Nice pics, by the way John. You can really see more of the courtyard details!!!

TAZ4ate0

Apr 18, 2010, 4:09 AM

Another cool thing is that it looks like the pedestrian bridge will have uplighting that will make the covered bridge light up at night. A workman told me that the whole thing will be glassed in, which would make the uplights make it glow. HX and I are hoping they will add another half to the canopy over the bridge.

Nice. Thanks for the info on the bridge. One of the questions I had, was as to, if the pedestrian bridge would be enclosed in glass. It should look cool with the lighting.

Leo the Dog

Apr 18, 2010, 12:09 PM

So if the bridge is glassed in, is it going to be air conditioned?

gymratmanaz

Apr 18, 2010, 12:47 PM

Nope. open as well. Can you see a bridge being air conditioned????

Leo the Dog

Apr 19, 2010, 12:18 AM

Nope. open as well. Can you see a bridge being air conditioned????

Yeah. Phoenix convention center for one. Not to mention numerous other cities that have climate control bridged throughout their DTs.

I'm not in favor of it because it reduces the urban experience.

plinko

Apr 19, 2010, 12:55 AM

I'm not in favor of overhead pedestrian bridges in general because it reduces the urban experience.

corrected :cheers:

gymratmanaz

Apr 19, 2010, 2:02 AM

TAZ4ate0

Apr 19, 2010, 2:47 AM

Yes the convention center bridge is obviously air conditioned because it connects air conditioned buildings on both sides. The pedestrian bridge is open air, so of course it would not have AC. Come on people??????

You sort of, at first, worded it as the whole pedestrian bridge would be enclosed in glass. A misinterpretation, on my part. Of course, what you were saying was, that only the entire covering for the bridge, would be enclosed in glass and up-lighted.

Yes?

Vicelord John

Apr 19, 2010, 2:59 AM

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_35551.jpg

gymratmanaz

Apr 19, 2010, 3:25 AM

Yes. :) ----Though a temperature controlled bridge to cool off with AC in the summer and heat in the winter might be unique, but defeating to the shopping idea. LOL!!!! :):) :)

gymratmanaz

Apr 19, 2010, 3:26 AM

Nice pic John. I just drove down to check out the crown. Pretty cool. I can't wait to see it go through what it will do regularly!!!

Vicelord John

Apr 19, 2010, 3:38 AM

Wait... You were driving during a playoff game? What the fuck!?

gymratmanaz

Apr 19, 2010, 3:45 AM

Just before. Got home within 30 seconds of tippoff!!!!!!

HooverDam

Apr 19, 2010, 5:12 AM

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_35551.jpg

I didn't know the Suns colors were pink and yellow-orange.

Vicelord John

Apr 19, 2010, 5:14 AM

Well according to RED they are. Looking at it now and it could go lakers or suns.

glynnjamin

Apr 19, 2010, 6:20 AM

it was cycling between purple and orange before the game started...then i just went out back 10 minutes ago and it looked like john's picture. i liked it better before.

azliam

Apr 19, 2010, 7:03 AM

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/DSC_35551.jpg

Nice photo. I'd like to see what the crown looks like lit up at night from a distance with the entire skyline.

gymratmanaz

Apr 20, 2010, 4:10 AM

Driving home tonight the crown sure looks awesome. It was light blue tonight. Can see it bigtime from the east!!!

Vicelord John

Apr 20, 2010, 5:49 AM

fucking straight dope. Downtown looks so cool right now.

gymratmanaz

Apr 20, 2010, 12:36 PM

It really did look cool, cause OCPE was lit up, Cityscape crown, and the ballpark was cool with the roof open and lit, plus all the others. It did really look amazing!

Leo the Dog

Apr 20, 2010, 2:16 PM

There is a building in Boston, the Old John Hancock Building that uses it's steeple at a weather beacon. It has just two colors, red and blue but is pretty cool. Here's the poem. I'd say if Phoenix had major weather changes CS could do this too.

Poem:

"Steady blue, clear view.
Flashing blue, clouds due.
Steady red, rain ahead.
Flashing red, snow instead."

Vicelord John

Apr 20, 2010, 3:37 PM

Ps, tomorrow night i should have something new to report.

And fuck boston. I dont trust anyone who cant speak english. Only two colors? Pathetic.

HX_Guy

Apr 21, 2010, 12:29 AM

They have started to put up the 3rd story...and Im still not sure if the 3rd story is retail or if this is actually part of the hotel. There is obviously connections for rebar to continue higher.

Shade structures have also been installed for the escalator on the east side, pretty massive.

http://www.nitnelav.com/DTApril202010/4.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DTApril202010/5.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DTApril202010/2.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DTApril202010/3.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DTApril202010/6.jpg

Vicelord John

Apr 21, 2010, 12:43 AM

Tower 2 will be on the west side of the block so wake me up when there is movement over there.

HX_Guy

Apr 21, 2010, 12:45 AM

Tower 2 will be on the west side of the block so wake me up when there is movement over there.

Yea...and what sucks is that they have started working on floor #3 of the retail but nothing is going on with the elevator core or anything surrounding it.

HooverDam

Apr 21, 2010, 1:54 AM

I noticed those east side shade structures as well. I wonder if they plan to do a pedestrian bridge to the Easternmost block in the future if it ever becomes condo towers like they have between the 2 other blocks.

Though at this point I think Id rather see the City somehow convince RED to do a joint venture with them and turn that Easternmost block into a great city square/park. As much as I love Civic Space Park its more of ASUs park than Downtowns, its too far North for most Downtown workers. Having something right in front of the arena, all those office towers, etc. would be great. And the small open area in the middle of CityScapes retail pad doesn't really qualify. Though Im sure itll never happen as RED probably thinks they can still build condos their someday.

gymratmanaz

Apr 21, 2010, 3:02 AM

I'll take condos over a park any day. Bodies downtown are more important. I just went to the Civic Space Park today with my entire 5th grade class. I took them on a Light Rail trip, stopping at 3 destinations, teaching them how to use the light rail. They loved it and the park. ASU's park, so you don't want to go there? Why would you not want to go to a park with lots of young people? Remember when people didn't want to go to parks with homeless people?????!!!!!!! Make up your mind. Who do you want a park for?????

By the way, there were tons of business poeple, two school groups, ASU students, a few neighborhood residents with their families, 2 homeless people, and a mess of people walking through on their way to places. IT WAS AWESOME TO SEE THE PARK VIBRANT AND OCUPIED!!!

HooverDam

Apr 21, 2010, 3:29 AM

I'll take condos over a park any day.

I might be inclined to agree. But Id take a park over a surface lot, which is what I think we'll have for the next decade. We have to be realistic, 44 Monroe and Summit are mostly empty along with smaller condo projects through out the Central core. Those will all likely have to fill up before there's a demand for 2 new condo towers on that block.

ASU's park, so you don't want to go there?

Where did I say I don't wanna go there or even imply that? I walk through that park almost every time Im downtown and show it to people who are unfamiliar with downtown.

ASU's park, so you don't want to go there?
Why would you not want to go to a park with lots of young people? Remember when people didn't want to go to parks with homeless people?????!!!!!!! Make up your mind. Who do you want a park for?????

I have no idea where you're getting any of this.

By the way, there were tons of business poeple, two school groups, ASU students, a few neighborhood residents with their families, 2 homeless people, and a mess of people walking through on their way to places. IT WAS AWESOME TO SEE THE PARK VIBRANT AND OCUPIED!!!

Im glad the park has a diverse mix but like I said, as of now, its a bit too far north for most people working in the CBD to take their lunches there like they could've with Patriots Square (had it not sucked dick). PSP used to have lunch time concerts and such, if we had a well planned park on the block Im talking about, something like that could be brought back.

Its bounded by eateries on its North and East sides, will have the hotel on the West & the office plus more retail. To the South is the Arena and thousands of people would likely spend time in the park on event days, so I think it would be a highly used spot.

Even with Civic Space Park we have far too little green/open space downtown and the CBD could use a park/square. Look at this (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=180839) thread and tell me you're not jealous we don't have more cool parks like some of those. Look how many places like Savannah and Portland have in their downtowns.

E: You may also check out the "Project For Public Spaces" Great Spaces index: http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/

Phoenix desperately needs more great spaces. Civic Space Park is one, but a thriving Downtown needs more than that.

gymratmanaz

Apr 21, 2010, 3:42 AM

-only you made it sound like it was "ASU's park" and therefore not for others. I guess I misunderstood.

HooverDam

Apr 21, 2010, 3:57 AM

^no Im just saying its primary users are ASU students. If you worked at the BofA building, the Renaissance Center, the County Complex, etc. are you going to walk the 3+ blocks to Civic Space for lunch? You may some days but usually you likely wouldn't. But the block bounded by Wash/Jeff, 1st/2nd is a lot more proximate for a wider variety of users and I imagine would be quite busy during the day and also during evenings when there's events at USAC, Chase or Symphony hall.

Go on Google Maps and go to the "Map" view, look at how many parks and the size of parks in cities with Downtowns that are considered good like Chicago or Portland, they've got a lot more than just one 2 two block long park on the edge of their CBD.

EDIT: Speaking of "Her Secret is Patience" I found a video on youtube about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rwy6IS0cHo

Kinda funny when they ask Will Bruder about it around the 3 minute mark, he's not shot in the park like everyone else. He's shot standing in front of his library :P

glynnjamin

Apr 21, 2010, 3:58 AM

Ive noticed most people use that park that is north of the court building at like 2nd ave between Monroe and Washington... nice and busy during lunch time.

Leo the Dog

Apr 21, 2010, 10:59 AM

And fuck boston. I dont trust anyone who cant speak english. Only two colors? Pathetic.

Considering the building was built in the 1940's and is 495 feet, I'd say it was ahead of its time.

TAZ4ate0

Apr 21, 2010, 3:27 PM

Though at this point I think Id rather see the City somehow convince RED to do a joint venture with them and turn that Easternmost block into a great city square/park. As much as I love Civic Space Park its more of ASUs park than Downtowns, its too far North for most Downtown workers. Having something right in front of the arena, all those office towers, etc. would be great. And the small open area in the middle of CityScapes retail pad doesn't really qualify. Though Im sure itll never happen as RED probably thinks they can still build condos their someday.

That is a good idea. I like it.

However, I think that that block might make a good location for a W Hotel, if they ever decide to make another attempt to build one downtown. Red could jump on a deal like that couldn't they?

Of course, the hotel wouldn't take the whole block, but maybe some other mixed use project could be put on the remainder of the block. Or, it could be reserved for condos at a future date, but in the meantime they could turn it into a park-like area until the condos are built. Just my 2 cents.

Don B.

Apr 21, 2010, 4:33 PM

What about apartments on that vacant block? Mixed-use development? Even three-story townhomes are better than a parking lot...see downtown Tempe for several examples of this.

--don

gymratmanaz

Apr 21, 2010, 5:23 PM

Temporary park, yes. Long term park, no. Have a skyscraper for condos and or apartments there with a small park with it, YES!!! We need to central core to grow with people. Get creative and have park aspects with development. You could even fit two tall buildings and surround them with all grass areas for R&R. I am not against parks. I love Civic Space Park. Cityscape and the blocks closeby are making a core of activity. I think there is a happy medium that can be achieved.

HooverDam

Apr 21, 2010, 9:58 PM

I think the problem with a 'temporary park' now that I think of it would be quality. If it was thought of to be temporary from the get go Id worry it would get run over by bums and not get used because of poor design and lack of amenities.

I just can't see the need for what RED has originally proposed any time soon so Id rather such a key block be put to good use. I always hated how we had 2 surface lots in the center of our core, like a hole in our heart, and Im glad its down to just 1 now but I still want it to go away.

Maybe something like this would be best:
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/2158/downtownblock.png

The blue would be some sort of residential and the green a park. I made the Blue building that L shape to account for the underground garage entrance that exists facing 2nd St.

With a shape like that you could even do a building that was sort of two parts and included both apartments and condos. The part fronting 2nd St could be 10 stories of apartments and the longer part fronting Jefferson could be 15-20 stories of condos with the condos amenities (pool, workout room) on top of the apartment section.

Whatever gets built along Jefferson I hope it uses the streets curvature. We have so few curved blocks like that in Central Phoenix, our buildings should be unique and follow them when it happens. If you look at this old siteplan from Red their original plans were too dopey to keep that in mind:
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4868/cityscapenew1jpg.jpg

Vicelord John

Apr 22, 2010, 3:29 AM

I have a ton of updates.

gymratmanaz

Apr 22, 2010, 4:49 AM

Can't wait to hear your updates!!!!!!! Got some good news?

Vicelord John

Apr 22, 2010, 4:58 AM

ok.... here goes:

The east portion of the "hotel" that has been creeping up higher is NOT the hotel. That is a retail portion that will top out at 3 stories. The rebar there is as high as it will be. Sam Fox's restaurant will be there.

The hotel is "going to open fall '11"

Businesses at patriot's square are going to start opening in June, with Five Guys Burgers as one of the first. Also, a yogurt place called Cherry on Top.

All of the businesses on the Jefferson side of the hotel block will have street facing entrances.

The water feature in the block is in the process of being re-engineered so in the winter it can be turned into an ice rink a la rockefeller center. This is 85% she said.

Urban Outfitters will be two stories just like Mill Avenue.

The 13 story hotel will be built so when the market comes back, they can shut down the west side of the hotel and replace the crane to build residential on top.

Oh and the part of the mesa that has loose rocks is going
to be a mall directory. It just isnt done yet.

I drilled her about some of these optimistic restaurant plans. She confirmed that all places announced have leases signed and are locked in.

There is going to be "a world class chain salon/spa" she wouldnt tell me which one but said they will announce soon.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/haulasshyena/Scan.jpg

HX_Guy

Apr 22, 2010, 5:15 AM

Ok...question time...

The west portion of the "hotel" that has been creeping up higher is NOT the hotel. That is a retail portion that will top out at 3 stories. The rebar there is as high as it will be. Sam Fox's restaurant will be there.

You mean the east portion? So are you saying that they scrapped the idea of the "L" shape for the hotel?

http://nitnelav.com/CityscapeDavis.jpg

You may be referring to the 3 story portion seen in the rendering, but the 10-ish story "_" part of the L shape goes right to the eastern edge of the parking garage entrance that they are already building above that portion too.

The hotel is "going to open fall '11"

Sounds like optimistic BS but it would be great. I understood from them that it would take 18 months to complete, so if they started today, that would mean it would open October 2010. Of course they can't start today because there are no permits and that usually takes 4-6 months from what I've seen in the past.

Businesses at patriot's square are going to start opening in June, with Five Guys Burgers as one of the first. Also, a yogurt place called Cherry on Top.

All of the businesses on the Jefferson side of the hotel block will have street facing entrances.

Good stuff there, especially the entrances off Jefferson.

The water feature in the block is in the process of being re-engineered so in the winter it can be turned into an ice rink a la rockefeller center. This is 85% she said.

Cool idea but do our winters get cold enough during the day to support this?

The 13 story hotel will be built so when the market comes back, they can shut down the west side of the hotel and replace the crane to build residential on top.

Maybe that explains the hole they left in the ground that we couldn't figure out what it was there fore.

Vicelord John

Apr 22, 2010, 5:16 AM

HX look up at the picture I posted. Looks like the changed the design greatly to the hotel.

hrivas

Apr 22, 2010, 6:16 AM

the only thing different about the rendering is the western most building where cvs and lucky strike will be. everything else from the rendering is the same as a rendering I downloaded from somewhere long ago. theres even still a shadow from the 65 apartments on the psp side included in the rendering you've posted.

HX_Guy

Apr 22, 2010, 6:29 AM

HX look up at the picture I posted. Looks like the changed the design greatly to the hotel.

That rendering is old, look at where the escalator is positioned on the eastern side of Block 22. Plus the Patriot's Square courtyard isnt going to be full of trees/grass like they are showing in the rendering. It looks like they just used that to show where the retailers will be placed but it's not a true representation of the buildings themselves.

Oh...and the super secret salon is Par Exsalonce http://www.parexsalonceaz.com
They signed a lease on 01/07/2010.

HooverDam

Apr 22, 2010, 6:40 AM

Interesting stuff but I too wonder about the ice rink. I can't imagine that being sustainable or sensible, sure maybe at night it dips into the 40s or 50s, but during the day it seems like that things going to become a pool, but what do I know.

Im a bit concerned about the fate of the retailers if they're having to deal with a Center that looks half complete with rebar sticking up everywhere as we wait for the hotel. Downtown cant afford to half ass things, or give people any excuse to not like it or go somewhere else thats easier. Are people really going to want to go up onto the mesa portion if it looks incomplete?