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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News
Big Scam Theory Downtown Phoenix has always had its high points, but the Civic Center boondoggle isn't one of them
By: Michael Lacey -
Published: December 18, 2003
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Feature
Dark Impulses At night, downtown Phoenix is a ghost town — except for a few bright spots
By: Jimmy Magahern -
Published: December 11, 2003
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Feature
Clan of the Bike Men As downtown pedicabbers battle for turf and tips, major operators say city regs would end the mayhem
By: Susy Buchanan -
Published: December 04, 2003
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Feature
Cool Tips
By: Amy Silverman -
Published: December 04, 2003
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Sidebar
Who's Cool A list-in-progress of who's living, working, creating in downtown Phoenix
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Published: December 04, 2003
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Feature
The Cool Index Phoenix has always been hot. But can it ever be cool?
By: Amy Silverman -
Published: December 04, 2003
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Sidebar
Downtown Brown Barrio businesses are flourishing, but not in downtown Phoenix
By: Susy Buchanan
additional reporting by Dan Cortez -
Published: November 20, 2003
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Feature
Operation Mickey Mouse Could downtown Phoenix get more soulless? Yep! Check out Jerry Colangelo's secret plan
By: John Dougherty -
Published: November 20, 2003
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Feature
Sorry, We're Closed Downtown businesses are struggling to stay afloat
By: Paul Kix -
Published: November 06, 2003
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News
Speech Therapy Richard Florida jump-starts downtown dialogue
By: Michele Laudig -
Published: October 30, 2003
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Feature
Jerry's World Jerry 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 wealth
By: John Dougherty -
Published: October 16, 2003
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Feature
Us vs. Them Make downtown attractive to locals, not to outsiders wearing knee socks and nametags. It only makes sense
By: Michael Lacey -
Published: October 02, 2003
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Sidebar
Creative Class Act Richard Florida knows exactly what's wrong with Phoenix
By: Michele Laudig -
Published: October 02, 2003
