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Adaptive Reuse -- Our Past is our Future
Sep 14, 2012 Todd B4 Forwarded to PlanPHX Leadership Committee and appropriate city department
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Forwarded to PlanPHX Leadership Committee and appropriate city department
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We need to continue to work to ease the process of adaptive reuse in our central city. Easing of parking and sign regulations, encouraging patio and outdoor dining at venues and in general making the process of reusing an existing, often historical, building for a new and creative use should be encouraged, not discouraged. These buildings, and the businesses that want to locate in them enrich the very fabric of our city and neighborhoods.

8 Comments
  • comment icon

    by Ardyce E Interesting article, Jim, but I have no ideas at $16/sq ft for a big box.

    I do have an idea for rundown motels - maybe a hospital could rehab a nearby motel for a family member to stay while they're visiting an inpatient

    Sep 14, 2012 at 11:47 PM  
  • Jim M18

    by Jim M18 In September 2010, the editorial staff of Phoenix Magazine issued a challenge to developers and local governments to take the myriad of empty buildings around the Valley and "do something bold, beautiful, and unexpected." Historic, vintage, and yes big boxes were included. Since the article was published, it's interesting to note that several of the featured buildings have undergone a positive adaptive reuse. But others still languish.

    The article – "Adapt-a-Building" – is online here: http://www.phoenixmag.com/lifestyle/valley-news/201009/adapt-a-building/1/

    Sep 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM  
  • comment icon

    by Ardyce E Does this include vacant big boxes?

    Sep 14, 2012 at 7:29 PM  
  • comment icon

    by Ardyce E Jim , we can now build above parking lots despite the fact that there is no zoning for it.The benefits would be shaded parking, cooler asphalt, and the benefit of whatever is built. So is this adaptive re-use?

    Oct 01, 2012 at 12:29 PM  
  • Jim M18

    by Jim M18 Yes Ardyce E, the article includes vacant big boxes in Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, and Phoenix. And regarding your excellent idea about rundown motels, here's a recently-completed adaptive reuse of one on Grand Avenue in Phoenix: http://www.oasisongrand.com/

    Sep 15, 2012 at 11:25 PM  
  • Patrick B4

    by Patrick B4 It should! In addition, we should encourage redevelopment of those parking lots.

    Sep 15, 2012 at 1:26 PM  
  • Patrick B4

    by Patrick B4 I would support expanding this beyond the central city.

    Sep 14, 2012 at 5:17 PM  
  • Jim M18

    by Jim M18 Agreed Patrick B4... there are benefits for a city-wide effort. To learn more about the city's Adaptive Reuse Program, visit http://phoenix.gov/pdd/services/permitservices/arp.html

    Sep 25, 2012 at 12:07 AM  
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