Volunteers worked Saturday to add new artistic elements to Grand Avenue in a larger effort to beautify the district and attract more people to the area.
Laurie Carmody, chairman of the Streetscape Committee, said a group of volunteers implemented ribbon murals, additional landscaping and a new patio. The cleanup was part of a larger effort through the nonprofit HandsOn Greater Phoenix initiative to engage residents in improving their communities.
Laura Dragon owns {9} the Gallery on Grand, where the new patio will be. Volunteers dug up the existing dirt lot and set recycled bricks in its place. She said she hopes the improvements will draw more people to Grand Avenue for its different events.
“We like sustainability and reusable products,” Dragon said. “I hope it will make them feel like staying.”
Dragon said the new patio only costed $30, which was for 1.5 tons of sand, thanks to the generosity of the community and the volunteers at the work event.
Freedom Crump, co-owner of SEVEN13SK8, said the ultimate goal is for more people to visit Grand.
“It’s a work in progress, and we know that,” Crump added. “Maybe it’ll be the next Roosevelt Row. Maybe we could connect all the areas around here and get people to come out.”
Crump’s business partner Kristine Brambilla created all the designs for the ribbon murals. The murals were created for specific businesses, with relevant images, like farm animals for the Sterling Meat Packing Company.
Dragon said Grand Avenue has improved drastically in the last decade, noting that additions like bike lanes, retail space and more residential areas have helped to add to the area’s aesthetic.
“I want both Grand Avenue and Roosevelt Row to grow,” Dragon said. “Phoenix has an arts community that we should all take an interest in.”
Volunteer Tim Sparks said Grand Avenue’s eclectic art and activities makes the area unique and worthwhile.
“It’s made quite a comeback because of people and volunteers,” he said.
Grand Avenue Members Association board member Patrick Morgan said during a GAMA board meeting Thursday that his biggest obstacle in community involvement is getting Grand Avenue businesses involved in the Grand Cleanup that happens every other month.
“It’s frustrating to have only the same businesses participating,” Morgan said. “I want to ask businesses if they will sponsor the event.”
GAMA board members said the aesthetic of Grand Avenue is an important part of revitalizing the area, but making the area more pedestrian friendly will also help visitors and security in the long run.
GAMA President Bob Graham said as Grand Avenue’s future as an arts district is expected to grow, pedestrian lighting and the possibility of a new streetcar system will be some of the major focuses in revitalizing the area.
Contact the reporter at ntyau@asu.edu
Correction: April 28, 2015: Correction: A previous version of this article misattributed a quote to GAMA board member Jim McPherson. It has been modified to the correct person.
