Exploding Downtown
Exploding Downtown
Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country, but it doesn't look like it, particularly its dead-after-dark downtown. Why hasn't a vibrant core city happened? We've got interesting people: artists, tycoons, celebrities cultural and ethnic diversity. Why are we saddled with vacant lots and Soviet-style architecture in our core city? Downtown dwellers can't even rent a video in the neighborhood, and forget about it if you're looking for more than a handful of decent restaurants and bars. Among the few good things downtown are sports venues like Bank One Ballpark and America West Arena. But they aren't enough. The First Friday art walks, which bring thousands downtown each month, give us a taste of what downtown could be. But that isn't enough either. In a New Times special project, we examine how downtown got this way and what must be done if Phoenix is to become a world-class city.
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Big Scam TheoryNewsDowntown Phoenix has always had its high points, but the Civic Center boondoggle isn't one of themBy: Michael Lacey -Published: December 18, 2003
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Dark ImpulsesFeatureAt night, downtown Phoenix is a ghost town -- except for a few bright spotsBy: Jimmy Magahern -Published: December 11, 2003
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Clan of the Bike MenFeatureAs downtown pedicabbers battle for turf and tips, major operators say city regs would end the mayhemBy: Susy Buchanan -Published: December 04, 2003
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Who's CoolSidebarA list-in-progress of who's living, working, creating in downtown PhoenixBy: -Published: December 04, 2003
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The Cool IndexFeaturePhoenix has always been hot. But can it ever be cool?By: Amy Silverman -Published: December 04, 2003
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Downtown BrownSidebarBarrio businesses are flourishing, but not in downtown PhoenixBy: Susy Buchanan
additional reporting by Dan Cortez -Published: November 20, 2003 -
Operation Mickey MouseFeatureCould downtown Phoenix get more soulless? Yep! Check out Jerry Colangelo's secret planBy: John Dougherty -Published: November 20, 2003
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Sorry, We're ClosedFeatureDowntown businesses are struggling to stay afloatBy: Paul Kix -Published: November 06, 2003
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Speech TherapyNewsRichard Florida jump-starts downtown dialogueBy: Michele Laudig -Published: October 30, 2003
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Jerry's WorldFeatureJerry Colangelo and his pals have gobbled up the lion's share of public development dollars. If downtown's to be saved, City Hall's got to share the wealthBy: John Dougherty -Published: October 16, 2003
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Us vs. ThemFeatureMake downtown attractive to locals, not to outsiders wearing knee socks and nametags. It only makes senseBy: Michael Lacey -Published: October 02, 2003
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Creative Class ActSidebarRichard Florida knows exactly what's wrong with PhoenixBy: Michele Laudig -Published: October 02, 2003
From the Print Edition
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Flip-Flopping John McCain Is No Political Profile in Courage
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Jodi Arias Could Be Executed in Just Four Years — if Her Death Wish Isn’t Another Lie
In an exclusive post-conviction interview, boyfriend-killer Jodi Arias insisted that she didn't plan to kill 30-year-old Travis Alexander in 2008. But now that she's been convicted of premeditated murder, she'd… More >>
Where did the notion of adding an -o to the end of an English word and assuming it makes it a Spanish word come from? Juanito "Anglos have long held power in… More >>
Dead or Alive? Paul Babeu's Wilderness-Rescue Unit Once Again Proves Inept
Is Daddy living in the mountains now?" It's a heartbreaking question that 5-year-old Alexa has been asking her mom, Tonya Hensley, since her father went missing on April 15. It's been three… More >>
Why is it that people from Chihuahua and Monterrey are such jackasses? They come from pinches ranchitos and talk about their haciendas, They cross the border and act as if… More >>
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