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| - It takes growing up in Phoenix to truly appreciate a place like the Biltmore Fashion Park.
It's a Phoenix gem, it is definitely not "mediocre." Aesthetically, places like the Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, Desert Ridge, etc., are technically more mediocre, and generic. But still, retail-wise, since when are establishments like Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, Betsey Johnson, Apple, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Haus, Oceanaire, Christopher's Fermier, etc., such bland retail/ dining?
Though I personally think the Biltmore's recent re-do by Westcor compromised some of the it's original charm and "mid-century" appeal, it's still the classiest shopping center in the city. I like the Scottsdale Fashion Square, but comparing it to the Biltmore is a case of apples and oranges. It's like comparing a major department store with an independent specialty boutique. Both are different, and both can exist in unison. In a city where mammoth indoor malls like Scottsdale's can be built overnight, it's places like the Biltmore that provide a welcome alternative experience.
I like to go the Scottsdale Fashion Square to strictly shop, while I like to go to Biltmore Fashion Park to hang out, as well.
Scottsdale Fashion Square evolved into what it is today because of the area around it. On the other hand, the area around the Biltmore Fashion Park (with the Arizona Biltmore Resort), evolved into what it is today, because of it's existence. There's something to be said about that.
Oh, and ps. Two little pet-peeves of mine--
1. People calling it "Biltmore Fashion Square."
2. And, people saying/ thinking the Biltmore is in Scottsdale.
(* you'd be surprised how common these things happen...)
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