While 25 percent of CityScape’s frontage in downtown Phoenix is still under construction, new establishments will open this spring, including Silk Sushi and Hotel Palomar, according to CityScape general manager Jeff Moloznik.
New additions also help support businesses that have already opened in CityScape. Michel Benharbon, owner of retailer West of SoHo, said his store was the third to open.
Benharbon said he had challenges in the beginning — business was slow because people simply didn’t know the store was there.
“But I stuck it out because I’ve been an entrepreneur for 25 years, and you don’t do this unless you know what you’re doing,” Benharbon said. “We have a lot of businesses here now and it’s important we stick together and continue promoting this area.”
Without revealing any bottom line numbers, Benharbon said they are now doing “phenomenal” and that his revenue has increased.
The Hotel Palomar is expected to be the biggest evolution of the $500 million development.
“We will give the public the first glimpse of CityScape in its nearly complete fashion,” Moloznik said.
Moloznik said although CityScape’s 30 restaurants and retailers that have opened in the past 18 months probably wish the hotel could open sooner, they couldn’t deliver it fast enough.
“However, it’s a lot of energy and good buzz that we as a company love being a part of,” Moloznik said.
The wait for the approximately $90 million Hotel Palomar will be over in May, though an exact date of the opening has not been released. Moloznik said it would be an amenity to downtown residents, workers and tourists alike.
“You don’t have to stay at the hotel to come up to the pool deck and enjoy a drink or a meal,” Moloznik said. “And there’s a great new restaurant that will be associated with the hotel that hopefully becomes a point of pride for everyone.”
City of Phoenix Economic and Development Program M,anager Eric Johnson said they are happy with what’s been built.
“We are hoping that this will spur additional economic development in the downtown community,” Johnson said.
Additionally, Chloe’s Corner eatery opened in mid-January and already has regulars like Gavin Collier, a second-semester Phoenix Law College student. Collier moved to Arizona from Utah a little less than a year ago and thinks CityScape is a nice place to dine and relax with the family.
“We’re here all week because we really enjoy the atmosphere,” Collier said. “Sometimes we go to the Pop Up Park as well but they could really use a better fountain display for my daughter to watch.”
Terry Madekfza, vice president of operations at Downtown Phoenix Partnership, said they are trying to create an outdoor living room.
“We’re filling office and retail space but at the same time we are developing programs and activities, such as the Pop Up Park, where people can socialize,” Madekfza said.
Madekfza said the Downtown Phoenix Partnership’s main goal in this is to give residents, business owners, workers and visitors a good experience.
Arizona native Latoya French, a cashier at U.S. Airways Center, said the development has become a place to get away for a little while.
“I remember when there was nothing to see in downtown,” she said. “And now my favorite place to take a break from work is here, relaxing by the water fountains.”
Contact the reporter at byanez1@asu.edu
