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I've traveled to 35 countries, and not too many people in the world have never heard of Phoenix, Arizona.
I've found that many know Phoenix as an American Southwestern hub that plays host to everything from pivotal tourist points and exquisite Mexican cuisine, to artistry and Native American-inspired wares.
Also known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures, Phoenix anchors a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the "Valley of the Sun."
I personally enjoy the high-end spa resorts, vibrant art galleries/museums, and golf courses that I've heard many talk about around the world.
As a nature-lover, I love the Desert Botanical Garden and surrounding hiking trails that wander quickly off the beaten path and into the pristine immersion.
However, being that grandeur, I've seen Downtown Phoenix has its fair share of struggles.
Gentrification has always been a difficult process for the capital, and as an "us versus them" mentality continues to develop in the hipster community of Downtown Phoenix, including Roosevelt Row, the question of successful gentrification remains in the air.
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX (THEN)
First occupied by the Hohokam people, creating miles of irrigation channels and bringing water to the arid land, Phoenix is undoubtedly a Native American-settled city.
Home to the Akimel O'odham, Tohono O'oodham, and Maricopa tribes, as well as segments of the Yavapai and Apache, influences of art, pottery, building, and so forth was passed down through generations to what is modern day Phoenix.
By the 1800s, the Mexican-American War ceded the region of Arizona to the United States, upon which those living there were immediately granted U.S. citizenship. L
Mining, trading, and development began, with the U.S. Army creating Fort McDowell on the Verde River in 1865 to forestall Native American unrest.
During the Civil War, Jack Swilling, a Confederate Veteran, saw potential in the region, forming a small community a few miles out of what is present day Phoenix.
One of his comrades suggested naming the settlement Phoenix as it was a town born from the ashes. In 1868, the town was officially recognized, and Phoenix was founded.
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX (NOW)
Naturally, as a city that was built on a variety of cultures and peoples, including Native American tribes, Mexican heritage, and newfound American settlements in the 1800s, Phoenix is no stranger to clashing classes.
As the city becomes more lucrative for residents, with great food, bars, entertainment, hiking, and taxes, gentrification is rampant among the individual Phoenix enclaves.
In the most notorious community, Roosevelt Row, we see a pushback to keep the community "authentic" to its roots.
Residents do not want fancy hotels, new chain restaurants, or upscale shopping.
They want to keep the area run-down but charismatic - the very place they have called home for so many years.
Downtown Phoenix is attempting to find common ground between the class warfare, pushing gentrification at an aggressive rate.
Playing into the arts and appreciation for innovation, I see many city officials and locals constantly pushing their agenda. I like their enthusiasm; it benefits us all.
CONCLUSION
I'm an Arizona Native. I want Downtown Phoenix to succeed. In all fairness, it's really improving, but it's more like a place to go "see what they're up to now" versus a "can't live without" place to go.
Downtown Phoenix is cool, especially for fun photography, but it's just still not to the point that it's my first choice for dining and hanging out.
4/5 RECOMMEND
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