by bryan | Oct 24, 2011 | Light Rail Business, light rail corridor, News & Information
by Kellie Hwang – Oct. 20, 2011 Courtesy of The Arizona Republic [Editors Note: LightRailConnect endorses downtown Phoenix venues and expects the activity to increase each month as the economy improves] Although about 6 million people come to downtown Phoenix each year to watch sporting events, concerts and theater productions, the streets usually feel empty after 9 p.m. For years, the masses have not been sticking around after the buzzer sounds, the encore ends or the curtain falls. Out-of-towners are often asking Kathy Cline, co-owner of Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, if “this” is downtown Phoenix, she said. “People go to events, buy their food and drinks there, then get in the car and go home. There’s just not that downtown vibe yet.” But with the recent efforts of downtown business owners, entrepreneurs and developers, that is slowly changing. Through better promotion of late-night venues and a new smartphone application that tells users what’s open and what’s hip, downtown leaders are encouraging visitors to linger longer. “Five years ago . . . I would literally watch the wave of people leaving the ballpark, head straight to the parking garages, get into their cars and leave,” said Derrick Hall, president and CEO of the Diamondbacks. “Now, the walking patterns are changing. People are going to Stand Up Live or bowling after, and that’s the way downtown should be.” Within a comfortable walking distance of downtown’s biggest venues, about 15 late-night restaurants and bars cater to postevent crowds, staying open past 10, according to the Downtown Phoenix Partnership. The change has come in increments. Some downtown advocates say they still see too many restaurants closing early, and...
by bryan | Jun 4, 2011 | Light Rail Business, light rail corridor, light rail expansion, News & Information
by Jim Walsh – Jun. 3, 2011 The Arizona Republic A new $20 million investment fund to jump-start transit-oriented development along the Metro light-rail line couldn’t come at a better time for Mesa as it prepares for an extension to Mesa Drive. Although the new Sustainable Communities Development Fund probably won’t be tapped until sometime this fall, four developers already have approached the Local Initiatives Support Corp. with potential projects, said Teresa Brice, executive director of LISC’s Phoenix office. “The timing is perfect for us,” Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said about the fund. “It’s what I call a statement investment. When they invest, others will follow.” Smith also said the city is completing the Central Main Street Plan, which will chart redevelopment along the light-rail extension scheduled to open in 2016. The plan calls for higher-density development to capitalize on light rail. Mike James, Mesa’s transit services director, said the fund could be used to help build affordable housing along the First Avenue corridor near downtown Mesa, or to replace trailer parks in poor condition along Main Street with better housing. “It provides opportunities for a whole range of people to live and work with transportation,” he said. “They don’t need to have a car.” Although light rail has generated plenty of ridership in Mesa, the economic impact has been muted. The line opened during the recession and extends only about a mile into the city. In contrast, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said the light-rail line has lured $2.5 billion in investment and helped the city redevelop Apache Boulevard, a longtime trouble spot. LISC and the Raza Development Fund, with...
by bryan | May 29, 2011 | Light Rail Business, light rail corridor, News & Information, Real Estate Development
by Emily Gersema – May. 22, 2011 The Arizona Republic It’s been about a year since the first tenant opened in downtown development CityScape, and if all goes as planned, RED Development expects its 1.8 million-square-foot office and retail project to be completely leased by this fall. Gold’s Gym was the first business to move into the development that is bounded by First Street and First Avenue and by Washington and Jefferson streets. It was followed by a series of monthly openings by stores such as CVS/pharmacy, entertainment venues such as Lucky Strike Lanes, and new offices for five Phoenix law firms. About a half-dozen other retailers, restaurants and bars are expected to open by September. To name some: Oakville Grocery, Breakfast Club, Chipotle, Strand, Silk Sushi and Tilted Kilt. UnitedHealthcare also will move in this summer, consolidating about 600 workers from other Phoenix offices into about 107,000 square feet of space at CityScape’s office tower. A sixth law firm, Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck, will move about 15 workers into CityScape sometime in late July. Marty Shultz is the law firm’s senior policy director in the Phoenix office and chairman of the Phoenix Community Alliance, a non-profit organization made up of business and non-profit officials who have largely supported CityScape. Shultz is credited with persuading the firm to become a tenant. “It’s very strategically located,” he said. “You’ve got City Hall downtown, you’ve got the courts, and you’ve got the state Capitol down the street. It’s also near the (Metro) light rail and next to major streets.” City officials estimate that 83,000 people work in downtown offices. RED Development’s development manager Jeff...
by bryan | Apr 14, 2011 | Light Rail Business, Restaurant
By: John Kelly, ASU Intern Upon first glance, one would not expect Cityscape’s newest resident The Arrogant Butcher to tantalize the taste buds with some of the most delicious fare known to man*. But, true to its name, this place certainly has a right to call its food delicious. The Arrogant Butcher is the newest brainchild of Sam Fox of Fox Restaurant Concepts. The very same company responsible for such gastrointestinal phenomena as Olive & Ivy, Modern Steak, Culinary Dropout, North, and Sauce to name a few. This younger brother certainly has a bit of a Napoleon Complex, what with the oversized lampshades and unabashed name, but it is well-deserved. Upon entering the restaurant, the thought crosses one’s mind that the Butcher received most of its older sibling’s hand-me-downs with rather bare walls, a casual atmosphere and some mismatched furniture but those thoughts are soon swayed by the smell of raw animal flesh searing on the grill and enormous crap legs sitting on ice right in front of the kitchen. The food itself was out-of-this-world delicious. For appetizers, they offer a range of fresh meats and cheeses as well as a warm pretzel with provolone fondue that warmed the cockles like no pretzel ever has. The drink list was extensive, especially the wines and were served at an ostensible price for the quality of food. Being such a strict red meat critic, the most expensive bone-in ribeye was ordered ($35). Weighing in at 18 ounces, this was certainly worth every penny and the medium-rare taste did not disappoint. Cityscape is located on the corner of 1st St. and Jefferson...
by bryan | Feb 26, 2011 | Light Rail Business, Restaurant
John Kelly LightRailConnect Intern The Best Mex in Tempe Moreno’s Mexican Grill in Tempe is located on the Southeast corner of Rural Rd. and University Dr. right across from the light rail station located on the west side of Rural Rd. It has a fantastic selection of relatively inexpensive but purely authentic Mexican cuisine. While admittedly, there is not much room for expansion or innovation with Mexican food, Moreno’s Grill does a great job of using only the freshest ingredients to create dishes, tacos and burritos that will make you believe you are in the heart of Central America. Moreno’s has 3 locations, the original location being on Home Rd. and Broadway Rd. in Mesa, with another arriving in Chandler a few years later and their newest location in Tempe. As soon as you walk in the door, you are exposed to a sensory overload of nostalgic sights, sounds and smells. You are greeted enthusiastically by one of the employees with the familiar “hola amigos” as your ears pick up the uniquely Latin American music coming from the jukebox in the corner; the constant grilling of carne asada, chicken, and seafood overload your olfactory system and whisk you away to that last vacation you took to the Mexican Riviera. The bar and drink selection is equally as impressive and will leave you singing Latin love songs and shaking maracas just like a Mariachi band (disclaimer: the previously described actions may or may not have been induced by a margarita and tequila-filled stupor; but either way, patrons are sure to enjoy themselves). As a personal favorite, the chicken fajita burrito,...
by bryan | Feb 15, 2011 | Light Rail Business, Restaurant
Dave’s Electric Brewpub in Tempe is the newest addition to the infamous brand that has caressed the hearts and palates of Arizonans for the past 23 years. Its claim to fame is the fact that it is the oldest microbrewery in Arizona. 23 years may not seem like a long time when compared to the likes of Anheiser-Busch or Samuel Adams, however, microbreweries were just legalized in the past quarter-century. “Electric” Dave was the founder and started honing his craft in the historic town of Bisbee, AZ. The historic town was the site of the first microbrewery with the rugged and Western feel of the region influencing such libations as: OK Ale (a creative take on the OK Corral), Industrial Pale Ale, and Old Frog Grog. “Electric” Dave, possibly as an ode to himself, also created a lager; aptly named Dave’s Electric Lager. These four brews have been the backbone of Dave’s brewing operation since its inception, however, new beers are being experimented with as we speak. The pricing is as follows: $4 pints, $11 pitchers, $21 tower (a wonder to behold), and a $4 beer sampler (recommended for first-timers). Happy hour is from 4-7pm and 10:30-midnight weekdays plus all day Sunday. The gastronomic wonders produced in Dave’s kitchen are equally as authentic and feature everything from the Copper Mine BBQ Chicken Pizza to classic hamburgers to the Gotta Love St Elmo’s Mac ‘n Cheese all priced for under $10. The culinary creations often feature a touch of Southwestern swagger and compliment the beer on tap perfectly. The Tempe location is nestled snuggly around the infamous Mill Ave., Tempe...
