ASH ALLEY

The Mill District in downtown Tempe is unique in that it is poised to accommodate both the bohemian and knowledge intensive members of the creative class. Several new mixed use and multi-family developments are transforming the Mill District into a vital home for this rising population. The Mill District in downtown Tempe has a rich and authentic history. Preserving the stories and artifacts of the Mill District is essential to the vitality of the District. The discovered artifacts can be collected and displayed in the Mill District.

Ash Alley is a vibrant new street with an authentic sense of place, re-defined by two distinct edges; the existing edge of Hayden Square and the new dynamic edge comprised of Artisan Live Work Shop Lofts. Reflecting the core Community Design Principles for the Mill District, Ash Alley has a distinctive character in function and form that not only renders it a destination but an extension of the street that separates tower three and tower four of the Centerpoint Condominium project to the south. Ash Alley is a connector and link between multiple developments, punctuated by slender, elegant towers forming an interesting and dynamic skyline. Ash Alley is a design center, it is a destination. It is unique in form and function.

Art Galleries and Cafes similar to SOHO in New York on a Sunday afternoon, residents of Ash Alley and Hayden Square along with people from neighboring homes can walk down Ash Alley and have a coffee and a baguette from a patisserie right next to a gallery. The residents always feel part of the buzz of the activities on Ash Alley without having to participate in them if they so choose. The galleries and Ash Alley are open to the public. Several square feet of the ground level of Ash Alley is dedicated to art retail, galleries and rehearsal space for the theatrical and musical performances to promote and enhance public art and cultural amenities for the community of Tempe. These serve as incubators for establishing a vibrant permanent Arts District in Tempe. The remainder of the ground floor level is designated as design retail and office space. Ash Alley will attract design focused retail shops like an Architectural and Arts Bookstore or Vintage Modern Furniture Gallery. The Mill District has emerged as a vibrant Urban Center that respects and values small eclectic businesses. Store featuring shops focused on cabinetry, lighting, unique furnishings. Ceramics and glass work could be coupled with graphic design studios, landscape design studios, architects and Live Work units to serve and create a design and arts district similar to SOHO in New York.

Ash Alley is both a vehicular and pedestrian street that connects 3rd Street and 5th Street. It is truly an urban condition and the design of it's edges is not only unique but innovative. Imagine living in a flat - but parking your car on the same floor! CarLoft&areg; is a European pioneering modular loft scheme with a garden and a garage on every floor. Replicated on the west edge of Ash Alley by employing car lifts from the KATOPARK, you can parallel park onto the lift and drive your car to your balcony. Plug your ipod into your car sound system and crank up the base, OR plug in that guitar you got when you purchased your 2007 VW and play.