I was invited to attend the topping out ceremony for Phase One of CityScape, the 27 story office tower and retail center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
A topping out ceremony celebrates the completion of the upper-most construction elements of a building such as the final beam. Its origin is believed to be Scandinavian. The ceremony brings together the people who made the project happen, a feast for the workers and a raising of a tree to the top of the structure. Today's ceremony in downtown Phoenix honored this tradition.
The morning began with a mingling of excited people. I had a chance to talk with Mike Gausten who heads up the local Hunt Construction Group. He was truly proud of the project and for good reason. OSHA recently presented Hunt with VPP (Voluntary Protection Program) status for their flawless safety record on the project. As I listened to several contractors it was clear that excellence was not an option. One long time building inspector said that this was the best built project he had seen during his 35 year career.
Speakers for the event included Mike Ebert of RED Development, Bob Aylewsorth with Hunt Construction, Governor Jan Brewer, Mayor Phil Gordon and Councilman Michael Johnson. Each spoke to the importance of the project, the incredible cooperation of City, State and private industry, and the hope the project brings to the both Phoenix and the State of Arizona.
When one considers the state of the economy, CityScape is a wonder. The banks financing the project have held firm in their support and tenants seeking space continue to apprear. In fact, RED Development announced 9 new tenants. Below is a list of the tenants who have committed themselves to be part of CityScape:
- Oakville Grocery Company
- Fox Restaurants
- CVS Pharmancy
- Fidelity National Title
- RED Development
- Kimpton Palomar Hotel
- Urban Outfitters
- Gold's Gym
- Squires, Sanders & Dempsey
- Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll
- Jennings, Struss & Solmon
the new additions....
- The Breakfast Club (locally owned)
- Aaron May (noted local chef coming in with 2 restaurants)
- Blu Burger Grill
- Press Coffee (locally owned)
- Mojo Yogurt
- Desinger District (locally owned)
- Republic of Couture
- Gust Rosenfeld
We first talked about CityScape in an article in late 2007. At that time we considered the project key to the future of downtown Phoenix. Today, this can't be any more clear. It sits at the vortex of downtown Phoenix providing a powerbase for furture development of the region. It brings much needed retail opportunities, valuable commercial space and another hotel to the city core.
My only concern is the retail side of the project. From a residential standpoint, the downtown region is still in its infancy. Many residents and employees have modest to mid-level incomes, requiring retail opportunities that match their buying power. I beleive it is a mistake to bring AJ's into the mix as downtown's first major grocery store. Its pricepoint is simply too high. A much better choice would be Trader Joe's whose brand is well suited to an Urban/Campus culture while offering great value. As additional tenants are secured, I hope RED Development considers the downtown demographic carefully.
All in all, today's Topping Out event marked a significant moment for Phoenix. As most cities battle to survive, we are rising like the celebrated bird that brands us.
Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777
