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.

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