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Capital Mall
Improvement District
 Downtown
Phoenix is separated from the Arizona State capitol complex by a pair
of four-lane streets running one way in each direction. While
streets typically serve to connect places, these function in much the
opposite way. The vastness of the space, the distance from
one
side to the other, and the lack of protection from the Arizona sun make
the Capitol Mall uninviting to pedestrians.
The area is dotted with government office buildings, historic
structures, monuments, and memorials, but the predominant impression is
of neglected, abandoned property and a forgotten community.
When
public employees return home at the end of the work day, the area is
deserted except for the homeless.
The City of Phoenix is working to develop and reenergize the downtown
core. AIA
Arizona,
in conjunction with the Governor’s office, the City, business
and
community groups, AIA architects and citizens around the state are
working to link the Capitol to downtown and make the Mall attractive to
Phoenix residents and visitors. They believe the Capitol
should
reflect the concept of self-government and the pride that Arizonans
take in their state. They want the area to be ready to host
the
state’s centennial celebration in 2012.
Several town hall meetings in Phoenix and around the state will tackle
the issue of homelessness, and discuss creating pedestrian-friendly
environments, mixed-use development, sustainable design, climate
control, affordable housing, and lively public spaces. In
consultation with landscape architects, architecture students, and
others, AIA Arizona
will
develop proposals to address the issues raised in these community
planning meetings. The town hall meetings and workshops will
include the participation of the Governors’ office, the Mayor
of
Phoenix, and the Arizona Capitol Mall Commission.
This initiative is designed to give the people of Arizona a greater
feeling of ownership and participation in their government, a sense of
connection to their Capitol, and a lively public space surrounding it.
View
all Blueprint Initiatives |
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