[HooverDam]

Originally Posted by Leo the Dog

I agree Hoover, but I understand why the Cubs would flee Mesa. Look what has happened to that city? Besides, fans could stay at Wild Horse Pass and walk to the games....I like it.

Mesa stinks but the area around HoHoKam park is fine, and just a short shuttle ride away from Downtown Mesa which during the day is a nice little downtown and good place to hang out and grab a bite. Personally Id rather hang out there than in the casino anyday.

EDIT: In more East Valley news it looks like Chandlers trying to fix their downtown up now too. Its good to hear places like Mesa, Chandler, Goodyear, etc all start making plans for creating walkable urban downtown cores while the economy is down. Hopefully they can get their code in place by the next upswing in the market and see some changes:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/c...azave1010.html

Chandler leaders have plans to spruce up Arizona Avenue
4 comments by Edythe Jensen - Oct. 12, 2009 07:55 AM
The Arizona Republic
As construction of the six-story Chandler City Hall changes the downtown skyline, city leaders are taking another step toward shaping the area around it: new design guidelines for buildings and streetscapes along Arizona Avenue.

If the guidelines take effect, future downtown visitors will likely walk among buildings that are four stories or taller, dine in outdoor cafes and visit friends in high-rise condominiums. The picture is in stark contrast to the one-story businesses, vacant lots and older homes that dot most of the street today.

A lengthy draft proposal goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission at a special meeting Tuesday night and could get a City Council vote before the end of the year.

Behind the push is a desire to transform downtown into an urban mixed-use environment that encourages pedestrian activity with clusters of tall buildings, interesting architecture, shaded walkways and a place that lures new businesses and residents, planner David DeLaTorre said. The guidelines also heavily promote "green" buildings and sustainable design that favors solar energy and shade.

He stressed that they are separate from Arizona Avenue improvements that have already been approved by the City Council. Those will include narrowing a portion of the road from six lanes to four, widening sidewalks and adding signs, landscaping and crosswalks. Work is expected to start early next year.

The new design guidelines would require developers to follow a long list of rules governing the appearance of future buildings, shade, walkways and setbacks. But they will be able to get more use out of smaller parcels because the plan encourages multiple-story structures with commercial operations on ground floors and apartments or condos above, DeLaTorre said.

Recent news that Arizona State University is considering a branch campus downtown "is very exciting" and could jump-start development in the area, he said. The proposed design guidelines fit a campus' needs with plenty of housing for students and places within walking distance for dining and shopping, he said.

The city is set to help with redevelopment by upgrading water and sewer lines and making street improvements. The biggest stumbling block will be one facing developers: They must buy clusters of small parcels from private owners and assembling them for larger projects, DeLaTorre said. The area currently contains an eclectic mix of older residences and businesses.

At the special meeting, commissioners will see examples of recommended building styles, including photos of Roosevelt Square in downtown Phoenix at 121 W. Portland St. DeLaTorre said the square exemplifies what would be good for downtown Chandler: interesting architecture, a pedestrian-friendly frontage close to the street and apartments over shops and restaurants.

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, a non-profit that advances downtown development, has not yet weighed in on the proposal. Partnership board member and former City Councilwoman Patti Bruno said she had not yet seen the plan but plans to attend the 6 p.m. meeting Tuesday. The group is supporting the city's efforts to improve Arizona Avenue through downtown.

I dont think I had heard about a ASU branch campus in downtown Chandler until this article. I assume its part of the "Colleges @" plan.