Urban Life

CityScape Announces Downtown Phoenix Grocery Store Partner

Mayor Gordon was joined by Mike Ebert (Red Development) and Barbara Henderson to announce the long awaited name of the grocery store that will be going in at CityScape in downtown Phoenix Arizona.

The grocery partner will be… a drum roll please… Oakville Grocery Company, a 100+ year old grocery company based in Napa California. Oakville Grocery recently opened in Scottsdale near Kierland and will branch out to offer their special take on food, wine, cheese and sweet things in downtown Phoenix.

Barbara Henderson, Oakville’s General Manager for Arizona, says the company has a passion for food, wine and a great customer experience. When asked about supporting local food purveyors, Henderson said she met with Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona and shares her passion for supporting the community. Oakville will feature 15 or more local food providers as well as a number of other fine vendors.

The store will be about 9000 sqft and is scheduled to open at CityScape in September 2010.

Now that the wait is over and we’ve found out who will be the second grocery option for downtown Phoenix, we’d love your feedback. I believe it may be a good fit. Certainly, Oakville is not your typical grocery store and may well turn out to embrace the urban/downtown experience with a sense of authenticity.

University of Arizona Buys Land For Expansion in Downtown Phoenix AZ

Good news for the New Year and future of downtown Phoenix as The University of Arizona purchased 2.6 acres of land for future expansion projects.

The property, located across from the existing Phoenix Biomedical Campus, will be used as part of more than three hundred million in planned expansion projects according to a Phoenix Business Journal article.

The land was purchased from the Plaza Companies, a firm known for its development of SkySong, is located on the NE corner of Van Buren and Seventh Street. A sizeable building located on the property was included in the deal.

We are often asked where one should invest in real estate for the future. It is events like this that confirm are advice to buy in the downtown region is a wise one.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Downtown Phoenix... Mayor Gordon Celebrates Historic Building Resuse Projects

Mayor Gordon's monthly breakfast get-together celebrated downtown commercial reuse projects this month. The event featured three distinctive projects where the historic and the modern have merged: The Luhrs Building, Anchor Manufacturing Company and Arizona Hardware Supply.

A group of 80 or so began their adventure at the Luhrs Building at 11 W. Jefferson. The building's roots go back to 1924 when George Luhrs felt a downtown office tower would benefit and celebrate an emerging Phoenix. Today, Hansji Urban owns the building and has spent several million renovating the historic property for commercial and retail use. Our group met on the tenth floor in the offices of the building's first tenant,  Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, LLP .

Next we boarded Olie the Trolley where we met up with Steve and Andi Rosenstein at their emerging business, The Duce. Located in the old Anchor Manufacturing building at 525 S. Central, the duce promises to bring true Urban culture to the area. The Rosensteins, who I'd met through Radiate Phoenix, are converting this one time iron works building into a gathering place with loads activities under one roof. You can shop for clothing, sip a latte, buy a real fountain drink, get a great hot dog, catch a beer or glass of wine, buy a rehabbed cruiser bike, shop for veggies (organic of course) and lots more. The project is under construction and expected to open in late January or perhaps on First Friday in February. We'll tell you more as the grand opening closes in.

Our final stop with the old Arizona Hardware Supply building at 22 E. Jackson. Whereas Duce was funky urban, our last destination was urban modern. The building was purchased by Dudley Ventures and renovated to create office space for the firm. The interesting thing is that Dudley Ventures specializes in community renovation projects. James Howard, the firm's founder, said this project gave the firm an opportunity to walk their talk on a personal level. Howard's long term goal is for the building to be converted to a restaurant as the Jackson Street Entertainment District gains more strength.

Mayor Gordon joined us at Arizona Hardware/Dudley Ventures and talked about the many important urban project going on downtown and how important the investors and visionaries are to a revitalized downtown and Phoenix as a whole.

Historic reuse projects truly help make a downtown work. No only do the projects offer new space, they maintain the history and heritage that makes a city great.

Another good reason to live, work or play in the urban core.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Downtown Phoenix Locals... Your full service grocery store is coming.

Wow... it's really happening; A grocery store for downtown Phoenix residents is soon to be reality. The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is expanding to become the Downtown Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar. We like that our name is part of their name but it's quite a mouthful to say.

The market has a planned opening date in late September and will offer expanded operating hours and a lot more merchandise. Shoppers will still enjoy the highly successful farmers market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus they will be able to food shop five days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Speaking of shopping, patrons will find a fine selection of food stuffs from local farmers, ranchers and suppliers. Buy Local First is not just a statement, but a way of doing business at this downtown market. Some non-local items will be brought in where regional products are not available.

Adding to the excitement will be some very sweet additions to the market:

• Royal Coffee Bar will be opening a place in the market.
• Take out foods will be offered at the deli counter including yummy sandwiches, fresh salads and special soups.
• Wine, Wine, Wine... in back where the parking lots is (soon to be was) will be the new patio/wine hang out. Patrons can enjoy an appetizer, glass of wine and friend time.

We are both excited and proud of the hard working people who for five years have fought to make the Phoenix Public Market happen. We can't wait to experience the next chapter in your food book.

The Phoenix Public Market is located at 1st Street & McKinley. We urge you to visit them soon and often.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Where Is The Top Job Growth County in America... you'll just have to read.

What do Florence, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Maricopa and Dudleyville have in common. They all reside in Pinal County, Arizona. "So what", you say... to be honest that's pretty much what I thought until I read an article on CNN Money.com.

It would seem that Pinal county has been declared the top spot in America for job growth during the past 8 years. So all you people who live in Gold Camp, Casa Grande, Florence, Arizona City, Coolidge, Eloy, Dudleyville and Sacaton stand up and give a big cheer... you are number one. 

According to the article, the area best known for copper and prisons has made huge enrodes in the the retail sector, adventure sports, medical research and, if all goes well, a new copper mine in the future.

Yeah for Pinal County... you make our State proud.

Have a great weekend all.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Exeuctives
602-234-5777

CityScape Topping Out Ceremony Brings More Hope to Downtown Phoenix

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

Postino Central... A New & Old Restaurant Tradition In Phoenix

I wanted to wait for the excitement to cool down before going to/writing about Postino Central. Not surprisingly, the excitement hasn't dropped a degree.

Postino Central has to be good... it took over the location of a true landmark, Katz Deli. It is not easy filling the shoes of a legend, yet Postino has done just that. Although nothing like it's predecessor, I believe Howard Welcher would be happy knowing the vibrancy Postino has created. Some of the neighbors are probably not so happy with the overflow parking Postino's popularity has created, yet the vibrancy likely offers more positives than negatives.

I arrived at lunch time to a packed place with several excited patrons waiting for a table on the patio. Yes, it does have a nice covered patio, with misters, where guests can enjoy themselves and the outdoors.

Inside is an open, lively dining room with a modern interpretation of "Deli." I clicked off a few pictures and soon met Tory, his name, not political affiliation. Tory showed me the menu and we briefly talked about what makes Postino work. He proved to be a great multi-tasker as we chatted, he took care of guests and we chatted some more.

Many things came together making the Postino experience. Atmosphere, value, community and humanity. The place offers many climates to dine... covered-misted patio, inside space with low tables, high tables, counter-style, busy areas and even a few intimate spots. I don't think they missed anything here.

The menu offers great variety without being indulgent...plus the prices won't wipeout your wallet. A variety of Bruchetta, served on a small wood plank, are a local favorite. Plus, a mix of healthy, creative salads and panini style sandwiches give variety and choice; They even have a kid's menu.

The wine and beer offerings are surprisingly European with several exclusive selections. I was happy to see Arizona's Four Peaks and Old Creek products on the list... buy local first. A nice touch is their to-go bottle discount... take $9.00 off the price.

Postino Central is getting rave reviews on Yelp and many other sites. Am I surprised? Not really, the Arcadia store set the tone and the new location simply offers us Central Phoenix folks a close-in option. A big thanks to the DeMarco's for giving us a sweet place to hang out and satisfy our cravings.

Postino Central
5144 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ
602-274-5144

Postino is located a couple blocks north of the Central & Camelback Metro Light Rail. See Raillife.com for all your light rail news.

Urban Team & MetLife Home Loans Announce Real Estate Seminar

Some of our readers know about our new blog site, Real Estate Investing 101. If not, here is a quick overview of why we launched the site and what the seminars are about.

There are a lot of people teaching folks how to get rich-quick in real estate. They put on seminars, sell books, CD's, software and "stuff". When the seminars are happening in Phoenix we, as Realtors, know because of the calls we get. Seminar attendees call real estate agents and brokers asking us to make offers on their behalf... lots of offers. They do not want our advise or counsel, only our access to ARMLS and the ability to write contracts. Ron and I have gotten to know a few of these people and some of what they are taught is misleading or outright dangerous.

One example were two brothers from the the southeast. We asked them lot of questions and the answers were either vague such as' "oh they have that handled for us" or the response was simply bad information. The bottom line was last summer, when the market was really tanking, these two brothers were being taught that flipping properties was a great way to make a killing. Those of us in the business knew this was a risky proposition and probably a great way to lose a fortune rather than make one. We tried to caution them and were met with deaf ears.

In response, Ron and I decided to create a web site dedicated to providing new or would be residential real estate investors quality information and advice. To supplement the web site we've created a series of seminars designed to educate people about the ins and outs, dos and don'ts, and nuts and bolts of becoming an owner of residential rental property.

Our first seminar is being co-hosted by the good people at MetLife Home Loans. Ron Urban, who was the designated broker of a mid-size property management firm for several years, will be leading the discussion. His experience at buying and/or managing over 150 investment properties provides the foundation for the class and Judy Giel with MetLife Home Loans will discuss several loan options. A Q & A session will be part of the evening.

To learn more, get time and dates, or sign up for this fun event, go to our investment web site... Real Estate Investing 101. You can sign up for the workshop via a Meet-Up.com link provided on the site or by sending us an email. Naturally, if you have a friend or know someone at work who has an interest, pass on the link to them. The more the merrier is what we say.

Have a great Friday and we hope to see you at one of our events.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

BUNKY BOUTIQUE... clothing, hats, jewelry shopping in downtown Phoenix, AZ

You ever have that person you want to buy something sweet, not too expensive and kind of unique for? You try the mall but everything looks so mallish. There is an alternative... Bunky Boutique in downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt District.

Rachel Richards, the owner, has taken a historic home and made it a wonderful clothing space. Three rooms from the original home now house a remarkable assortment of men's, woman's, kid's cloths plus a selection of classically modern hats from Brixton and affordable, yet distinctive jewelry. This is a classic Urban Life experience.

Rachel has an eye for merchandising in small spaces. Everything is easy to see, cozy yet not cramped with surprises in every space.

We had a chance to chat about the place, her take on downtown and what Bunky means. 

What are you most proud of in creating Bunky Boutique?  Being able to contribute to the neighborhood and be a part of creating the Roosevelt and downtown Phoenix experience.

What's the best thing about living downtown?The people and real sence of community. It's a place where one person can still make a difference.

What's a Bunky? It's not a what but a who. Bunky is my grandmother's name and she is alive and well. I say that because people think when you name something after someone they are probably dead.

Bunky Boutique is worth a trip downtown for many reasons besides its mix of light weight cotton woman's clothing, fun hats, unusual T's, and jewelry. Its a real store where the owner greets you, cares about your experience and the city she lives in. You know I am a BIG supporter of locally owned businesses and the members of Local First Arizona. I hope you are too.

Bunky Boutique
Rachel Richards... proprietor
812 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
www.bunkyboutique.com
602-252-1323

One thing I love about my little Flip Video cam is the ability to show what words often can't. Below is a look at Bunky Boutique.

HOUSE OF CARDS DEMONSTRATES THE INTENSE GREED OF THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY

A fine friend emailed me a heads-up about a CNBC piece of investigative journalism entitled House of Cards.

House of Cards in a look at the corruption in the mortgage industry and wall street that led to its collapse and ruin.

CNBC Journalist Dave Faber captures both the dream of the buyers who saw a chance at home ownership and a mortgage industry filled with greed and indifference to the safety of their clients. Some of Farber's interviews are nothing less than chilling.

Many of us in real estate have extensively read about the sub-prime market collapse and the role of mortgage backed securities. I've found the analysis presented on House of Cards is the clearest and most easily understood presentation.

I invite you to check out your channel guide and find this show being rerun all week long. Perhaps in the viewing, you will be protected from the next to-good-to-be-true scam.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Exeuctives
Your Real Estate Information Source
602-234-5777