Tuesday, May 01, 2007

More Offices, Condos & Shops, Oh My!

So the Summit Bank building is a done deal. I guess it's an OK building; doesn't particularly excite me, though. However, it appears to be the first in a new wave of downtown Prescott construction. I know, lots of stuff going on out at the periphery -- but, hey, that's not my turf; I walk and concentrate on the city part of the city.

Here's the site of new action: shops topped by condos at not one, but both corners (above and below) of Goodwin and Montezuma. After I don't know how many years of interminable "mitigation" of the one-time service station property abutting the Chamber of Commerce building, it's ready for the new age. The big question is how many flush metrosexuals we have in town who can afford a new, modern, $$$$ loftish downtown condo.

Already well underway -- new shops and offices at the Old Firehouse Plaza. Take note of the intimate scale; no edifice complex here.

This phalanx of equipment parked at the Middle School bus parking lot just off Goodwin Street is ready to pounce of an evening to mend various street problems.

And, while West Gurley, over by Casa Sanchez and the vacant shopping center isn't downtown exactly, it's still within my perimeter. No idea of what's going up -- probably one more office for a medico or financial planner. Yes, it's still a pity that Trader Joe's can't see fit to fill that beckoning commercial space that Fry's emptied so many years ago.

In closing, here's an object lesson the city faces with any new construction -- the question of scale ... of proportion. Look at how the Dinner Bell is dwarfed by the modern condo building. (Look also at how two of those $million condos are still on the market.)

Other Notes: Today a very good friend showed me her new blog, The One Acre Wood; you'll enjoy reading about the problem presented by the full moon. Spring is already sprung down in the desert; Arizona Babylon has three posts of cactus and other flowers, plus critters. And if you're interested in blogs, bloggers or blogging, Coyote Radio is hosting a BlogFest this coming Saturday; particulars here. While there, click on the "blog" link; I was amazed at how many locals are listed.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lotsd of constrction. Money must be around or else they are betting on the demand. Which, I wonder?

Granny J said...

Both-- money & demand. Fine for the shops, but a big question mark about whether there are city dweller types in a town of our size who would spend Big Bucks on a downtown condo...

Linda G. said...

All over town-the story's the same-You can't get there from here. We went to the store the other day and trying to come home, found they had closed Iron Springs Rd. We found a way, but wonder about others as there was no detour pointed out.

Thanks for mentioning my blog, GJ.

Catalyst said...

Years and years ago, I took my sister-in-law and her husband on a drive around the Valley (Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, etc). He kept saying where do these people get all their money? I was stuck for an answer then and even more so now. Same in this area.

Granny J said...

linda g-- it's great that we can now link to you! BTW, I have a few pix of the Iron Springs mess that I might post Real Soon Now.

Mr. Cat-A, you know the old saying -- build it and they will come. That's our problem -- we keep on building & they keep coming.

Anonymous said...

flush metrosexuals???!!! I love it! What in the world is the Funk and Wagnall definition???

Granny J said...

Lane -- It's one of those voguish words the hip social commentators have invented. Generally speaking, it means those sensitive, cool, attractive young men making Big Bucks who live in the big cities.

quilteddogs said...

I enjoy reading and seeing the photos on your blog. We have a cabin in Ponderosa Park so I particularly enjoyed that story

Soul said...

the other sign that is missing going towards the houses said "now lies in waste" leaving it said "cut your brush"

 
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