[Upward]

I was back in Phoenix over Thanksgiving, and on Friday, I walked around a bit in downtown and took some photos. I'm just now getting around to posting them. I am glad to see all the construction going on!


It's amazing this crappy old motel still existed downtown. I guess it's good that it's integrated into ASU now, but this is one building I wouldn't have minded seeing torn down for something new.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4451.jpg

One of the statues outside the Herberger. The last time I was in this location, the convention center in the background was nothing but a huge hold.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4454.jpg

I don't hate the Hyatt as much as some do. It's alright at street level, at least on the side facing the convention center. I don't think it's much worse than the Sheraton will be.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4456.jpg

Chase looms
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4457.jpg

Well, there were a few people around
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4459.jpg

I like the new convention center additions :tup:
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4460.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4462.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4464.jpg

The light rail construction is quite a mess
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4468.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4472.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4473.jpg

It's sad how not-that-different the Sheraton will be from the other big downtown hotels.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4474.jpg

This is an old building being restored, right?
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4475.jpg

I like this view
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4476.jpg

Another good street view. On the right is the infamous Starbucks that disrupted a forum meet in 2004 by being unexpectedly closed at something like 5 PM
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4478.jpg

I've always liked 101 North Central. As boxes go, it's great, and the pointed corners give it a little something distinctive. I think of it as Phoenix mini version of Chicago's AON Center
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4479.jpg

Where the Orpheum Lofts sign is was my mom's office at Transamerica in the 70s
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4480.jpg

It's too bad this place was closed. I went by it again the next day, in the evening, and it was hoppin'
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4482.jpg

Rehab
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4483.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4485.jpg

Crappy shot of the 44 Monroe construction
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4487_2.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4489.jpg

http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4490.jpg

This is one of the cliched views of Chase, but it sucks. From this angle, it looks like the windowless concrete portion comprises half of the building.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4492.jpg

Looking into the Security Building (now part of ASU downtown, right?)
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4494.jpg

The best "streetwall" in Phoenix. Previous attempts to get this shot were thwarted by then-BankOne security guards who prevent photography "on the property", even when the subject of the photo is the buildings across the street.
http://webfiles.uci.edu/cfagan/ssp/phx/IMG_4496.jpg

Well, that's all. I wasn't in town long enough to try to meet up with anyone, but I will be be back again for two weeks surrounding Christmas, so we should try to put together a meet!

[Azndragon837]

Chris, once again you amazed me with your stellar work of photography! I will be home during Christmas, although I will be out-of-town December 17th-21st, and during the New Year's weekend. I'll give you a call, and we can all meet up. I'll give Don a call, and ask those who went to the forum meet on top of the Optima Biltmore Towers (thanks again for that Joel) to meet, plus a few newbies that joined this year! Whohoo!

-Andrew

[JimInCal]

Upward,

Very nice indeed! I agree with you on several counts, that the Hyatt isn't too bad for what it is, an aging convention hotel. The view from the street makes it a rather interesting building. The views from the elevator are spectacular, especially at night. Also, I used to draw the 101 Central building a lot as a kid, when I was a skyscraper geek in-the-making. :haha: I like the strong vertical lines and the pointed corners. It makes it seem taller than 31 stories. The convention center is a great addition and the bigger phase is under construction. The sandstone and glass skins are very appealing at street level and the angular sun screen projections at the roof line add a nice visual dimension to the otherwise boxy design.

You found the same alley between the Hyatt and Marjerle's that I did during my Thanksgiving photo shoot. It shows the Phelps Dodge Tower, the Renaissance sky bridge and city hall...cool shot. The building wall shot is a unique one...nice to see a different view.

Wish I could be there at Christmas to meet up with some of the forum but we are staying home and having friends visiting from Phoenix this year (for a change). THANKS FOR THE TOUR!!!

[Sekkle]

Great photos, man. Thanks for posting them.

[Vicelord John]

I see my home in one of those pictures... if I can reach an agreement with the seller.

[HX_Guy]

What camera and lens are you using? I'm guessing some sort of wide angle from some of the shots you took?

[HX_Guy]

I see my home in one of those pictures... if I can reach an agreement with the seller.

Orpheum Lofts?

[Vicelord John]

Orpheum Lofts?

better, but I don't want to jinx anything so I'll let the cat out of the bag when time is due.

[soleri]

great pictures. Downtown is photogenic in its way. Now to find its pulse!

[PHX31]

44 monroe....?

Nice crisp pictures... a lot of construction downtown since you've been gone, huh.

[WesTheAngelino]

Nice ghost town you guys got there in downtown Phoenix

[Buckeye Native 001]

Fanky shots, Chris :tup:

I also was in Downtown Phoenix on the Friday in question, and driving on Washington/Jefferson is an absolute nightmare with all the light rail construction.

[loftlovr]

Upward- these may be the best Downtown Phx pics I've ever seen...
Thanks!

-especially the "wall"- I have to recreate that one next time I'm in the area!

[James Bond Agent 007]

Some hot stuff there.

[JonnyBoy]

As always, you make Phoenix look great, Upward. I really like that picture of the Bistro... definitely one of the best ways to enjoy a city: outside eating it up!

[oliveurban]

Great pictures once again, Upward. You definitely made the rounds, nice to have your camera prowess back in town for a while :tup:.