Jan 14

Jane Jacobs, Gentrifier?

By Yuri Artibise urbanism No Comments »

From: Jane’s Walk Phoenix Please check it out for more information on Jane Jacobs and for details of Jane’s Walk 2010 taking place on May 1 & 2, 2010.

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I came across this post on Planetizen. It provides an interesting perspective and touched on an issue that I’ve long wrestled with: authenticity, preservation and organic development. From the article: “just what does authenticity mean, and who is really allowed to claim it?”

Jane Jacobs, Gentrifier?
Posted by: Tim Halbur
11 January 2010 – 9:00am

Prof. Sharon Zukin argues that Jacobs had “a gentrifier’s appreciation of urban authenticity” in her new book, Naked City.

Zukin tackles the issue of gentrification and the people who lay claim to the authenticity of neighborhoods, particularly in New York. She finds no easy answers, but does believe in the quest to preserve authenticity.

In the New York Post: “In the end, New York City development revolves around who successfully claims ownership of a neighborhood. Conflict arises when ‘groups representing the opposing visions claim the same space,’ Zukin says, especially in ‘the conflict over authentic representations of neighborhoods like Red Hook, between old working-class homeowners, public housing project tenants, and gentrifiers.’”

Full Story: Naked City

Source: New York Post, January 10, 2010

suburban city 300x300 Jane Jacobs, Gentrifier?
From my other blog, Jane’s Walk Phoenix

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Jan 13

GOOD.is on Jane Jacobs—’Reading a City’

By Yuri Artibise urbanism No Comments »

From GOOD.is, The Slow Issue. Originally posted by Alissa Walker on January 13, 2010 at 7:00 am PST.  Cross-posted on Jane’s Walk Phoenix.

Reading a City

018 reading arch 1 GOOD.is on Jane Jacobs—’Reading a City’

How the built environment instructs us on how to move through it


Greene Street Jane Jacobs wrote about the “ballet” of the street when describing the rhythm of her Greenwich Village neighborhood, which she viewed as a choreographed exchange between resident and sidewalk, and shopkeeper and stoop. Not too far away, Greene Street in New York’s SoHo neighborhood pulses with the same syncopated footsteps and echoes of Jacobs’s legacy. She prevented this entire neighborhood from becoming the Lower Manhattan Expressway—now cars shudder down the street, forced into submission by century-old cobblestones. The former cast-iron warehouses have been fashioned into frilly storefronts for the well-heeled (and often high-heeled) who stop, gape up at their pillared facades; pause; peer into the jewel-like windows; and are rewarded with detail…

More here

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Dec 30

DPJ Article: Three New ‘R’s: Rezone, Reuse and Revitalize — The City of Phoenix’s Adaptive Reuse Program

By Yuri Artibise Uncategorized No Comments »

Originally posted in the Downtown Phoenix Journal on December 22, 2009.

Over the past two years, amidst all the new buildings popping up, Downtown Phoenix has quietly become a leader in promoting adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse is the process of tailoring old structures for purposes other than those initially intended. As old buildings outlive their original purposes, adaptive reuse offers a process to modify these buildings for new uses while retaining their historic features. As a result, an old warehouse may become an apartment building, or a rundown church may find new life as a restaurant.

10116 164053179049 83815914049 3736777 6036277 n 300x225 DPJ Article: Three New Rs: Rezone, Reuse and Revitalize — The City of Phoenixs Adaptive Reuse Program

A prime candidate for adaptive reuse: the city-owned (ca. 1909) Leighton G. Knipe House at 1025 N. 2nd Street.

By taking buildings that are either historical, dated or in older, established areas of the city and ensuring their presence long into the future, adaptive reuse is one of the ultimate expressions of sustainability. Not only does this take advantage of materials that are already there (which is environmental and economical), but it also respects a city’s history and plays an important role in community revitalization. Adaptive reuse also demonstrates that old buildings make great places for new ideas. As the famous urbanist Jane Jacobs said, “Old ideas can use new buildings, but new ideas need old buildings.”

The city’s Adaptive Reuse Program began as a pilot program in April 2008 to streamline the process of modifying older buildings for new business uses. In addition to adopting the International Existing Building Code, the city offers guidance, expedited time frames and reduced costs to individuals and companies looking to “recycle” older buildings for new business uses. Program participants can save between two weeks to three months time and $2,000 to $40,000 during the development process. In September 2009, the program won a “Crescordia” in the “Livable Communities” category at Valley Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards. The Crescordia, named for a Greek term meaning “to grow in harmony,” is the highest honor awarded in each category.

This issue is important to the city, because as Mark Leonard, Director of the Phoenix Development Services Department explains, “Adaptive reuse preserves our history, helps small business owners be successful, creates unique restaurant and business settings for all of us to experience and it’s environmentally friendly.” Mayor Gordon concurs, noting in a 2008 speech, “Historic buildings are a critical part of what makes the Phoenix skyline truly our own, truly unique.”

The interior of the Lost Leaf:

The interior of The Lost Leaf

One example of adaptive reuse that will be familiar to many DPJ readers is modifying a historic, single-family residence for use as a restaurant or business. Some notable participants in the program include Tuck Shop (2245 N. 12th St. in Coronado), The Lost Leaf (914 N. 5th St. in Evans Churchill), The Paisley Violin (1030 NW Grand Ave.) and Hula’s Modern Tiki (4700 N. Central Ave. in Uptown). In total, the program has supported 30 total adaptive reuse projects in the past 18 months, although a few of them did not proceed past plan review due to the economy.

Earlier this month, based on the recommendations of a Development Services Ad Hoc Task Force, council unanimously approved expanding the Adaptive Reuse Program. During its deliberations, the task force looked at the existing program’s experience to date, as well as best practices from other cities, and came up with what may be the most comprehensive adaptive reuse plan in the country.

The expanded plan now includes buildings constructed prior to the year 2000, increases the size limits from 5,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet and allows for occupancy change flexibility. This expansion of the program provided increased opportunities to rezone, reuse and revitalize vacant strip malls, big box centers and other blighted community areas and keep them out of the landfill.

Special thanks to Jim McPherson (Arizona Preservation Foundation), Kimber Lanning (Local First AZ) and Denee McKinley (City of Phoenix Office of Customer Advocacy) for their assistance in researching this article.

DPJ Article: Three New Rs: Rezone, Reuse and Revitalize — The City of Phoenixs Adaptive Reuse Program

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Dec 28

DPJ Article: An Unexpected Connection: Jeff Moriarty & the Phoenix Community Alliance

By Yuri Artibise Uncategorized No Comments »

Originally posted in the Downtown Phoenix Journal on December 21, 2009

On Thursday, December 17, the Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) held its annual membership meeting at the recently renovated Phoenix Country Club. The PCA is a private sector, not-for-profit organization launched in 1983 by local business leaders to create a dynamic Downtown Phoenix. This year, it has 145 corporate members and 70 adjunct members representing a variety of stakeholder organizations.

DPJ Article: An Unexpected Connection: Jeff Moriarty & the Phoenix Community AllianceThe PCA advocates for solutions to the critical needs of Central Phoenix and provides technical assistance and support to parties interested in developing in and around Downtown Phoenix. It is involved in several projects, including supporting the Downtown Phoenix Urban Form Project, incubating the Discovery Triangle Corporation and championing the emerging health and bioscience sector. The PCA also helps businesses of all sizes interested in locating in Central Phoenix.

The guest speaker at the luncheon was Jeff Moriarty. Among his many other hats, Moriarty is the President of the Phoenix Innovation Foundation (PIF). The PIF’s mission is to educate and promote the Phoenix metro community through community-based art, science and technology events. It sponsors free, public and community-run events — those whose missions parallel its own — through the donation of logistical and legal support, as well as with some charitable funds.

Jeff Moriarty

Jeff Moriarty

During his comments, Moriarty focused on what community means to him and the implications for Phoenix. He discussed his experiences with Ignite Phoenix, and ImprovAZ and his passion for uncovering Phoenix’s “unique personality.” Moriarty also talked about how social media can get around both the “Dilbertarian controls” of traditional corporations and the sprawling geography of Phoenix. Another thread of his discussion was connecting people in unexpected ways to increase community and innovation throughout the Valley. His presentation before the mainly corporate crowd, many of whom had little exposure to social media, was a great example of creating these unconventional connections.

The Phoenix Community Alliance offices are in the historic Security Building at 234 N. Central Ave. in Copper Square. The alliance can be reached at 602.254.7477 or through President Don Keuth. Jeff Moriarty can be found on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. He blogs here, here and sometimes here.

DPJ Article: An Unexpected Connection: Jeff Moriarty & the Phoenix Community Alliance

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Dec 22

Walk this Way: Jane’s Walk Phoenix is profiled in Sunset

By Yuri Artibise Who am I?, articles, events 4 Comments »

What started with a Twitter conversation with a somewhat incredulous magazine editor (you mean people actually WALK in Phoenix?!?) almost six months ago has finally become a reality. The current (January 2010) issues of Sunset magazine includes a feature on a Jane’s Walk Phoenix. The article covers why I brought the walk to Phoenix as well as some of the encouraging developments in out downtown core. It also mentions Artlink Phoenix’s First Friday Art Walk, the Morin House, Modified Arts; features a photograph of cycling ‘bodega’ HoodRide in Roosevelt Row; and highlights comments from my friends (and walk participants)  Catrina Knoebl and Jeremy Mudd.

sunset%20cover%20small Walk this Way: Janes Walk Phoenix is profiled in Sunset

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Jane’s Walk is an international “street-level celebration” of Jacobs’ legacy and ideas. The walks honor the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. They do so by combining the simple act of walking with personal observations, urban history and local lore. It is a means of knitting people together into strong and resourceful communities through bottom-up approaches and neighborhood involvement. All Jane’s Walk tours are given and taken for free. Anyone who has an interest in the neighborhoods where they live, work or hang out can lead one of these walks.

I hosted the inaugural Jane’s Walk in Phoenix last May (2009). During the walk, about 35 people joined me as we explored and rediscovered the core of downtown Phoenix, including the historic Roosevelt neighborhood, Roosevelt Row and the arts district, ASU’s Downtown Phoenix Campus, the new Civic Space Park and other key areas of downtown Phoenix. For more information, including background on Jane’s Jacobs, photos from the walk, local coverage of the walk, and various other details, you can visit my Jane’s Walk Phoenix website.

Special thanks go to editor-at-large Allison Arieff for writing the great article, and photographer David Fenton for the amazing photographs. I would also like to thank all of those who participated in the Jane’s Walk event in May 2009 as well as those who came out for the photo shoot in September; the event and the article would not have been a success without you. Plans are already under way for Jane’s Walk 2010, with an expanded slate of events, including a ‘Jane’s Ride.’

You can check out some scanned pages of the article below, but I strongly suggest you make a trip down to the local magazine rack and pick up a copy for yourself. Sunset is a great publication deserving of your support. Besides, in addition to the feature on Jane’s Walk, this month’s issue has a lot of cool content, including a short profile of Helen and Jan of Sweet Republic ice cream.

sunset1%20small Walk this Way: Janes Walk Phoenix is profiled in Sunset

sunset2%20small Walk this Way: Janes Walk Phoenix is profiled in Sunset

Cross posted on the Jane’s Walk Phoenix website.
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Dec 21

The Evolution of the Gold Spot

By Yuri Artibise Places, urbanism 4 Comments »

The Evolution of the Gold SpotWith the recent opening of Lola Coffee’s second cafe in the Gold Spot, I wanted to share a bit of history that I dug up on the building during my planning for Jane’s Walk Phoenix. Gold Spot is my favorite building in downtown Phoenix. It incorporates many key ‘urbanist principles’, such as, authenticity, adaptive reuse, street presence, mixed use and (relative) density. In addition, it caters to the realities of Phoenix by offered parking (in the back) and plenty of shade, both along the street and in the courtyard behind the building.

First opening for business in September 1925, The ‘Gold Spot Marketing Center’ is significant because it is one of the first (and few remaining) residential shopping centers in the Valle.  In the early 1980’s the building finally feel victim to suburban sprawl and inner-city neglect and was shuttered in 1983.

The buildiong before its rennovations. Source: Desert Viking Companies

The building before it's renovations. Source: Desert Viking Companies

The Gold Spot sat empty for more than 20 years until Desert Viking Companies bought the property and began redevelopment with an eye toward preservation.  Desert Viking carefully restoration the building’s mixture of Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival architectural styles.  They restored the masonry to its original condition and reconstructed the storefront based on historic articles and a single old photo.  Matches were found for original roof trusses, and a custom glass storefront was designed to include a new recessed corner entry based on the photograph.  The original courtyard was also restored.

The single Reamining Phom. Source: Desert Viking companies.

The single remaining photograph. Source: Desert Viking Companies

For these efforts, the redevelopment received the 2004 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor (nominated by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office), and Arizona’s Environmental Architectural Award.  The building was also nominated under the Historic Preservation category for the 2004 Environmental Excellence Awards. In addition, then Governor Napolitano declared  July 27 2003 ‘Historic Gold Spot Marketing Center Day.” It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Restored Building

The restored building. Source: Desert Viking Companies

Until recently, it was home to home to Calabria Italian Grocery & Deli. The deli was run by a sister and brother, Maria and Carlo, who learned the ins and outs from their parents, Domenic and Teresa Capogreco who operated an authentic Italian grocery store in Boston where they settled after emigrating from Calabria, Italy.

As an Italian-o-phile I was sad to see Calabria close; however, I’m excited by the opening of a great coffee shop in its place, as well as the announced Pita Jungle and the rumored Ace Hardware. Throw in the existing Trini Salon, and a nearby dry cleaners and you have a dynamic mix of urban uses—exactly what downtown Phoenix needs if it is to continue to attract (and retain) residences.

I would like to give special credit to Desert Viking Companies for the excellent website that provided me with many of the photographs and historic information on the building.

The Proclanation of Gold Spit Day. Source: Desert Viking Companies

The Proclamation of 'Historic Gold Spot Marketing Day'. Source: Desert Viking Companies

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Dec 19

Saturday 6: a special edition of what I’ve been reading this week

By Yuri Artibise Friday 5, articles No Comments »

Sorry I missed my weekly Friday 5 feature yesterday. Several Christmas parties made less time for posts this past week. Nevertheless, I still managed to read my usual level of articles.  To make up for being a day late, I’ll include a bonus article this week. So here is the ‘Saturday 6’; a selection of articles I found interesting over the past week.

  • We define ourselves by our neighbourhoods. An interesting article about the importance of neighborhoods to a city’s urban fabric. The article focuses on Toronto, but the lessons are applicable to any city, including (especially?) Phoenix.
  • Reclaiming Urban Spaces. (Youtube Video) Paul White relates how cities like New York have reclaimed urban spaces from the car- and how the battle for clean, livable cities can be waged- and won. Recorded at TEDxEast on November 6, 2009 in New York City.

Hope you have a great holidays.  I’ll be spending much of the next two weeks with friends and family, so my blogging will be even more erratic than normal. One of my New Years Resolutions is to blog more regularly and with more original content.  Hope it sticks!

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Dec 17

CenPho Camp

By Yuri Artibise Phoenix, Social Media, Uncategorized, events 1 Comment »

Yesterday, Tyler Hurst announced that the PodCamp concept is coming to downtown Phoenix on the afternoon of January 23, 2010.

This is an opportunity for downtown and central Phoenix residents, community organizations and businesses to get together and share information about social media and how it can help improve our community; whether it be through fostering relationships, sharing information or improving business sales.

“The characteristics of all successful communities: broadly shared, accessible set of opportunities, a shared sense of responsibility for the success of the common enterprise, and a genuine sense of belonging.” – Former President Bill Clinton, TED2007

For those of you unfamilair with the PodCamp concept, it is basically an ‘unconference‘—that is, an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos and interaction from participants who are the main actors of the event. People of all skill levels and experiences are encouraged to participate..

Basically If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, or if you are a business owner, non-profit manager, artist, musician, desiogner or other creative type looking to expand your customer base, or a resident or downtown denizen who is curious about social media or somebody who is just looking for ways to get more involved in your community, this event is for you.

CenPhoCamp will be an afternoon of one-hour presentations about specific issues facing local businesses and the community at large. Presentations are open to any business owner, customer or resident. The application process will be announced very shortly.

ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism

ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism

The event will be held at ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. form 2-8 pm on January 23rd.  Alas the Cronkite building isn’t free, but it’s cheap. So if you’re an interested business or individual willing to help sponsor the event, please let me know.

As Tyler noted in his post, planning is just getting under way so stay tuned for more details.  in the meantime if you want to be involved in any way shape or form, whether it be as a planners, presenter, sponsor or volunteer, please contact me or Tyler.

Thanks and see you on January 23.

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Dec 16

DPJ Article: Santa is ‘Swingin’ into Town on December 17

By Yuri Artibise Downtown Phoenix Journal, articles No Comments »

Originally posted in the Downtown Phoenix Journal on December 15, 2009

Get Your Phx Mas 212x300 DPJ Article: Santa is Swingin into Town on December 17

Tis the season for friends, family and fun (and a little shopping). Come and experience all these and more at Get-Your Phx-Mas, the swingingest Christmas event this side of Vegas! The event, part of the monthly Get Your PHX events, will be held on December 17 at Phoenix Metro Retro from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

This special holiday installment of Get Your PHX will feature catered food and drinks, plus live music from special guests Surfside IV, a local band that plays swingin’ surf guitar sounds, circa 1965. To help offset the costs of the food, drinks and band, guests are asked to bring a $5 or $10 donation.

The goal of Get Your PHX is to highlight and support those who pioneer new restaurants, stores, bars and event spaces in Central Phoenix. Organizer Ken Clark wants to provide a boost to business owners who “put their sweat, tears and wealth on the line to make life great Downtown.” It is also a chance to meet others who want to get the most out of Phoenix.

Phoenix Metro Retro is an amazing mid-century modern furniture store that is owned and operated by Heidi and Doug Abrahamson. The store offers a wide selection of vintage mid-century modern furniture and home furnishings at affordable prices. Heidi is also an accomplished silversmith, whose modern-style jewelry can be found at select stores throughout the Valley. She operates a studio inside the Metro Retro building.

Phoenix Metro Retro is located at 708 W. Hazelwood St. in 7th Ave./Melrose — 602.279.0702. For more information about the event (and to RSVP), please check out the event’s Facebook page.

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Dec 15

DPJ Article: Forty Years of Moving the Valley Forward

By Yuri Artibise Downtown Phoenix Journal, Phoenix, articles No Comments »

Orginally published in the Downtown Phoenix Journal on December14, 2009:

n43076293986 1168771 58941 300x137 DPJ Article: Forty Years of Moving the Valley ForwardLast Friday, Valley Forward Association held its 40th annual luncheon at the Phoenix Convention Center. Valley Forward is a nonprofit public interest organization that brings business and civic leaders together to discuss important regional issues and promotes cooperative efforts to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities. With over 400 members and counting, Valley Forward is composed of some of Arizona’s largest employers and some of its smallest businesses. Its members represent a range of interests, including industrial and manufacturing sectors, municipalities and governmental agencies, educators, nonprofit organizations and Valley citizens.

During the luncheon, Roger Baele of engineering firm David Evans and Associates and Laurel Kimball of Phoenix Philanthropy Group were honored with Valley Forward’s 2009 Leadership Awards for their outstanding contributions to the organization and community over the past year. In addition, the 2010 board of directors was elected, and Jay Hick from EDAW/AECOMM was named as Chair-Elect for 2010 Chair for the Valley Leadership Association.

Ricahrd Louv

Ricahrd Louv

The keynote speaker at the luncheon was Richard Louv, a futurist and journalist focusing on nature, family and community. Louv chairs the Children & Nature Network, an organization helping to build an international movement to connect children with nature. He coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his national bestseller Last Child in the Woods to describe what happens to young people who become disconnected from their natural world.

Louv was a fitting speaker for the 40th anniversary of Valley Forward, as his message complements the Valley Forward’s long-running advocacy of land use and open space planning, desert preservation, parks, trails and connections with the natural environment and received the 2008 Audubon Medal for his work. During his address, Louv identified a clear link between the lack of nature in children’s lives to some of disturbing childhood trends, such as rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression. He then discussed some simple ways to heal the broken bond between children and nature, emphasizing the positive impact unstructured play outdoors has on healthy child development, and offered some practical suggestions for parents, teachers, urban planners and kids at heart.

The Valley Forward Association offices are located at 3800 N. Central Ave., Suite 220 in Midtown. The association can be reached at 602.240.2408 or info@valleyforward.org. Valley Forward can also be followed on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact information for Richard Louv can be found here.

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