Buildings and Streets
The area that includes Jackson Street and the immediate blocks surrounding it were the center of commerce in turn-of-the-century Phoenix. Its character was defined by use and building type: to the north, office and entertainment uses, and to the south, warehouse and industrial uses. As in other cities, the gritty and eclectic nature of Phoenix's warehouse district has attracted artists and design professionals, who have transformed the commercial district into a vibrant creative community. Many of its historic buildings have been imaginatively adapted to new uses such as clubs and restaurants, art galleries and other businesses.
The Jackson Street Master Plan acknowledges that this juxtaposition of historic buildings and new uses will define the character of this emerging neighborhood for years to come. A priority of the Master Plan is to approach eight of the district's historic buildings in a respectful and sensitive manner, preserving the historic roots while enhancing the charm and realizing their undeveloped potential. A mix of building types, architectural styles, materials and textures will stimulate visual interest within the district. New buildings will be positioned to infill empty lots, create a consistent street frontage, and provide an intimate, continuous street scale. New structures, side-by-side with the old, will merge radically different uses, scales and styles into a uniquely identifiable neighborhood context.
The Jackson Street Master Plan retains the established historic urban grid and enhances the district's connection to all adjacent neighborhoods. Roadways in the district will be narrowed to allow for a populated, two-sided street, while still maintaining two lanes of traffic and parallel street parking. A concentration of new ground-level retail and entertainment spaces on both sides of the street will activate the planned pedestrian network of generous sidewalks, paseos, and alleyways. The Jackson Street Master Plan re-imagines urban streetscapes and planting. Bosques of trees, grouped to provide shade for street furniture and public amenities, will be placed at frequent intervals along the streets. Arcaded walkways, canopies and courtyards will create small, casual public gathering spots, provide continuous shade and encourage street activity.
