For a city that experienced much of its growth with the advent of cars and A/C, Phoenix's truly 'historic' building stock was quite limited until recently. Extremely restrictive zoning, rigorous reuse codes, and a constant insistence at reinvention have then done few favors to a city reticent to engage with its own history. How do we now get in touch with our historic bones and build a culture of preservation?
Phoenix's historic preservation history has been checkered at best, with remarkable buildings by world-renowned architects, as well as local gems, equally considered ready for the bulldozer. Until recently, hyper-restrictive zoning and planning, the primacy of the automobile, and downtown construction schemes all took primacy over preserving historic buildings and culture. For(u)m brings together a journalist, an artist/academic, an architect, a government official, and a developer to discuss how we got to this point, and how we turn around.
Featuring:
*Active For(u)m members receive discounted admission
**Unmetered street parking N of Roosevelt Third-Seventh streets; Metered street parking on Roosevelt and south, Fourth-Seventh streets