Gentrification of Phoenix neighborhoods? (Mesa, Glendale: hotels, luxury, universities)

[Java Jolt]

I got thinking about a few major cities that had some of their blighted areas reformed into active affluent neighborhoods.

I think I heard something about Phoenix's Roosevelt area and a few other neighborhoods near downtown being gentrified, but are there other older areas that might be revitalized in the future?

Maybe Sunnyslope, Maryvale, or some westside areas?

[Ponderosa]

Some of the outlying towns like Glendale and Chandler, Mesa, maybe Avondale, had sizable residential areas many years ago. Maybe they are candidates. I can't see Maryvale improving - there is little that is endearing there about the architecture, location, etc. Overall, I think many more acres will turn to ghetto than be "gentrified" in the valley.

[azdr0710]

I do see Sunnyslope as a gentrification candidate and that's been discussed a bit here on CD before....may have already started in a few areas there....

to some, it may still look a bit tired...but the location is ideal and very convenient.....

the historic 'hoods in central Phx are already discovered to an extent.....some more than others, though....

[Finger Laker]

I could see Sunnyslope & Avondale - I work near sunnyslope and there is a lot I like about that area and there is definitely a diverse mix to the neighborhood ....... however, it's got a long way to go and I don't know if there is a "need" for gentrification

I know in Avondale they are trying and there are some good bones to work with - they have put together a commission to try and figure out how to improve the area around Old Town .... basically it's the poorest residential area in the entire city and it's going to be really difficult to change that

There are some decent spots along the Old Town area though and it has a lot of potential ... they also have a lot of open land that they can develop ... if they execute their plans along avondale blvd it could help stabilize those eastern neighborhoods on both sides of I-10 .... the areas that hug goodyear & LP are already pretty nice and they could develop some nice new land as well

I'm hoping they can get it done

[khuntrevor]

Maryvale is possibly hopeless. Sunnyslope would be behind several other, closer in neighborhoods that are close to the Light Rail, where I think you will see revitalization first.

[_Charles_]

Maryvale represents the worst of the planning mistakes made mid century.
The only way to revitalize Maryvale would be to bulldoze everything in site and replace with something nicer.

[Bondurant]

Other cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia had the luxury of established culture, history and decaying neighborhoods where people still wanted to be. I don't think a residential are like Maryvale has much to offer. Areas closer to downtown make more sense. I saw a lot of nice newer structures around the downtown area when I explored this past Sunday night. When this economy turns around and if more companies can be lured here, I think Phoenix will have a lot to offer. Success and revitalization spreads. Could work wonders for other areas.

[Finger Laker]

Yeah - the areas closer in are probably the best bets - however, they also are a bit more pricey to start with

When living in Philly I've seen a lot of change - University City has gotten a lot better as the universities and students have helped focus on the change and want to live there, even after graduating

Places like Northern Liberties tapped into that warehouse/artistic type vibe

Even a place like Fishtown is a lot better than it once was

That doesn't mean that Chester & Kensington are any more desireable though

I think Maryvale has a lot going against it

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

I could see Sunnyslope & Avondale - I work near sunnyslope and there is a lot I like about that area and there is definitely a diverse mix to the neighborhood ....... however, it's got a long way to go and I don't know if there is a "need" for gentrification

I know in Avondale they are trying and there are some good bones to work with - they have put together a commission to try and figure out how to improve the area around Old Town .... basically it's the poorest residential area in the entire city and it's going to be really difficult to change that

There are some decent spots along the Old Town area though and it has a lot of potential ... they also have a lot of open land that they can develop ... if they execute their plans along avondale blvd it could help stabilize those eastern neighborhoods on both sides of I-10 .... the areas that hug goodyear & LP are already pretty nice and they could develop some nice new land as well

I'm hoping they can get it done

I was thinking Sunnyslope would be a good target for eventual gentrification.

Avondale is a whole different ballgame, it's separate from Phoenix and there has always been a good side and not-so-good side for as long as I have lived there.

I know they're trying to improve the old town area in Avondale but most anything south of I-10 is older and not as nice.

Northern Avondale is the newer, nicer part. I guess that is a suburban-style gentrification, abandon the old parts and expand the city limits for the new and improved.

[Finger Laker]

Not all of northern avondale is nicer than southern though ... the north definitely gets better as you move west and a long way from avondale blvd

that's why I think their execution there is the key for most of the city - the sports complex is a good start, the hotels are fine, getting childrens hospital is a good plus ..... but they need to fill in that corridor with high quality, smart and desired development .... if they can do that then the open land around there can be developed as higher desireability residential and that should trickle a little bit towards the river

it's definitely a long term play though