Phoenix City Living

Melrose Point receives unanimous approval

Melrose Point, the multi-use project that has been a flashpoint for residents and local business owners intent on change and other residents wary of the size and height of the proposal and the changes to traffic that it would bring, has been approved.  The city approval includes minor requirements for developer Rai Bhandari including paying for efforts to keep traffic from cutting into neighborhoods and that the final site plan approval must occur within 48 months, but effectively this is the greenlight to initiate radical change to the area.  Although 7th Avenue between Indian School and Camelback is slowly gentrifying with retail and office storefronts receiving long-overdue facelifts, the area still shouted for some respect as many of the city's residents who ever visited the area did so at 40 m/hr on a morning or afternoon commute on high-volume 7th Avenue.  Well, with towers up to 120 feet and introducing a range of new retail options for the area, perhaps Melrose Point will cause some of these commuters to hit the brake, check things out, and join up with some of the many new residents that will inevitably move into to the project and the surrounding area.  We'll keep you informed on the changes and the progress as this project moves from renderings to reality.

China Chili: Glad to see you back

China Chili is quickly building momentum at its new location at the corner of Flower (just south of Osborn Rd.) and 3rd St.  After vacating its Central Ave. location after an 8-year stint (the light rail needed their original location) the new location is much bigger with seating up to 200, and after my recent takeout order I'd say that the food remains terrific.  I find it fresher than most local Chinese food with the vegetables done near perfectly and the meats moist and well-seasoned.  Also, you'll not be playing "let's find the meat in the batter".  Their Orange Chicken and House Special Chicken have huge pieces of white meat and the light batter and sauces are well-proportioned.  And you just have to check out the Garlic String Beans and the curry Singapore Noodles.  Ah, reminds me of that time in '55 I took that route up the Yangtze River.............oh, sorry, forget it...........that was in a movie.

China Chili:   open: wk 11a-3p/4:30p-9p, Sat 12p-10p, Sun 4:30p-9.  tel: 602-266-4463  map  302 E. Flower St., 85012

Bodyworlds 3 is more than just buzz

This line would indicate: A) a crowd of hungry volunteers eager to try a new freeze-dried synthesized meat burger developed by NASA and now being served by the Atomic Cafe, or B) a clear testament to the success of the Bodyworlds 3 exhibit now running at the Arizona Science Center.  The controversial exhibit by Gunther Von Hagen contains 200 authentic organs and bodies preserved by the use of Plastination.  Not for the faint of heart but an eye-opener for those eager to see an unknown part of our self.  Check it out but be aware that going prime-time may have you waiting patiently(?) for the opportunity.

Also last weekend, the "Motoring Thru Time" show was in full swing with a range of antique and classic vehicles and the coolest vintage campers this side of Yellowstone.  Park yourself inside one of those funky "airstreamed", interior wood-paneled wonders and you'll be yelling out for Wally and Beaver to come back from the lake for dinner.  A blast from the past and my son thought it was all tres cool!  With all this posing at the car I think he was checking out the action as well.  A future 007?

Remember to check out the events schedule for Heritage Square.  There's always something interesting planned and events occur throughout the year.  Additionally, while the Arizona Science Center is a big pull, the park also has the Phoenix Museum of History, Rosson House Museum, Arizona Doll & Toy Museum, Teeter House Tea Room, and for a great drink or food destination (call first - they're always busy and for good reason) Pizzeria Bianco and Bar Bianco.

Phoenix is one of the top cities for singles

Phoenix has long moved on from the perception as a repository for retirees, snowbirds, and the sick in search of the dry desert air.  The two recent building booms in the 80's and the most recent push from 1992 forward has brought significant changes to the demographics, age profile, and business infrastructure which hires the residents that live here.  We are now seeded with a new generation which is not only younger than the US Median Age (by 4 years!) but Forbes has now pegged Phoenix as 3rd in the Top 10 Cities for SIngles.  Ok, so we have the population growth....check.  We have an outstanding singles environment ripe for nuturing ....check.  Now....let's work on developing the venues downtown.  Do I need to yell any louder?  Hello, is anybody listening?

Here a shot, there a shot, everywhere a ......

Too much is happening in Phoenix!  My camera sizzles from the action afoot.  My legs are tired, and my heart aches from the many mornings and afternoons spent trolling Phoenix in search of the perfect shot yet leaving my family desperate for attention.  Ok, but throw me a bone here.  I've been putting together a better pictorial representation of the dynamic changes now underway in Phoenix and, like everything in life, it takes so long to get things just the way you want them.  Add to that the road construction, the traffic, and just trying to take a good picture can seem like a Herculean feat.  First, I had to contend with the "Ok, what happened? This looked sssoooooo good when I took the shot".  Did the building move?  Did the sun flare at that exact moment?  And then the jockeying.  Drivers honking and puzzled pedestrians wondering, "Just who is this silly woman jumping out of the car on medians, construction sites, and at railroad crossings (hey I saw the perfect opportunity to take another series of The Summit at Copper Square and the train was taking foreverrrrrrrr)".  The tear-up of Central Avenue has become my personal playground as I weave through the signage looking for the perfect setup angle.  So, did it work out?

Keep your eyes peeled.  This week I'll be starting with slideshow blogs and an enhanced album of all that is going on.  I'll keep the albums updated on a regular basis so sane people can observe from the safety of their own computers.  And yes, I'll get back to blogging as well.  Thanks for the wait, and remember, send me an email anytime if you have something to add.

Palm Lane. A great tool for helping kids learn to count

This is a shot from Central Avenue looking east towards 3rd St.  My 3-year old son loves numbers and a slow drive along Palm Lane makes his little counting heart race.  And it has a trippy vibe when the sun gets low and the shadows dance off to the east.

CityScape and Patriot's Square - Public Meeting - February 8

The City of Phoenix and the RED Development team will host a public meeting on February 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Phoenix City Council Chambers, to discuss the proposed conceptual master plan for the redesign of Patriots Square and the two blocks to the east.

The meeting agenda will include a presentation on progress to date, presentation of the proposed conceptual master plan, a verbal public comment period, and the opportunity for residents and stakeholders to provide written input to the city and the development team on this crucial project for the future of downtown Phoenix.

Parking is available for free at parking meters after 5:00 p.m. and at reduced rate in the Parking Garage at 305 West Washington Street, located to the west and across the street from the Phoenix City Council Chambers.

If you have questions, contact Chris Ewell at (602) 534-2161 or Cynthia Aguilar at (602) 495-5486.

Phoenix AM Breakfast Series - Affordable Housing

Looking to learn more about affordable and sustainable housing potential?  The Phoenix AM Breakfast Discussion Series is hosting Michael Pyatok, director of the ASU Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family.

The Phoenix area continues to grow at an incredible rate and, in recent years, the housing market has changed dramatically.  At the rate home values have increased, buying a home is less affordable for the average consumer than in the past. In order to make our communities more affordable and sustainable, we will need to live in more compact arrangements. We also need to be much more conscious of climatic conditions.  Michael Pyatok will discuss these concerns and provide examples of low-rise, high density affordable housing that use sustainable practices.

Michael Pyatok is currently on leave from the University of Washington where he is a professor of architecture and urban design.  Principal of his own firm in the Bay Area and Seattle, he is a specialist in affordable housing design and neighborhood development.  He has designed more than 30,000 affordable multi-family dwellings and won more than 100 design awards and design competitions.

where:  Tom's Restaurant & Tavern, 1 Renaissance Square
when:  Tuesday, February 13
time:  7am Breakfast, 7:30-8:30am Program
cost:  Program is Free (breakfast additional).  Seating is limited.  RSVP to asulectures@asu.edu
parking:  Patriot's Park garage - bring receipt for validation

Read more about Michael Pyatok:
Affordable Housing: Michale Pyatok
HousingZone.com
Common Ground
Whole Earth Magazine - An interview with Michael Pyatok