By Terry Stewart

Phoenix, Arizona

Some sixty years ago my family built what became a beloved building in downtown Phoenix along Central Avenue.  First, as the Stewart Motor Company and later the Circles Records. Its design stood out in a city as one of its’ first Modern architecture. 

When the record store closed over six years ago, the building sat vacant and its future was in jeopardy.

Now, there is a chance to preserve much of the important parts of the original iconic structure, the rotating neon spiral, the revolving display floor and the spiral staircases. In addition, this new plan will add to the unique display of art/architecture by tapping local artists and continue downtown Phoenix’s impactful resurgence.  In a tribute to my family’s history with the property, this new, dynamic project will be known as “The Stewart”. 

The developers’ plans include a major sculpture by renowned Phoenix sculptor Pete Deise along with work from local muralist and rising arts star Ashley Macias.  Additionally, Phoenix Art Museum Director Emeritus James Ballinger has been engaged to help with The Stewart’s extensive art program including at least three outdoor murals ranging from two to five stories in size, Deise’s iconic sculpture, as well as extensive indoor art from local artists and museum-like tribute to the building’s and downtown Phoenix’s history.  Moreover, at the suggestion of downtown gallery owner, Wayne Rainey, some of The Stewart’s residential units will be set aside for artists at reduced rents.

The $70+ million, high-rise project is an outstanding commitment to urban renewal, local arts, preservation of Phoenix history. 

Yet, some in downtown Phoenix believe this is not enough. That their friends who proposed projects far less valuable and far less impactful to a growing downtown community than this one deserve big tax breaks but The Stewart deserves no incentives for this landmark project? 

This isn’t just favoritism, it’s bad for downtown Phoenix. Tax incentives such as GPLETs have been a helpful tool in downtown's resurgence and are necessary for this project.

Downtown Phoenix is just starting to emerge. In order for businesses to survive downtown people need to live downtown.  Those opposing the Stewart threaten the viability of a downtown they purport to embrace.

This is an extremely shortsighted position.  Would they rather a $70+ million investment to keep downtown Phoenix’s momentum vanish?  Would they prefer this unprecedented chance for local artists go away?  Would they prefer the building be razed entirely? That bringing as many as 450 more people to downtown via an unprecedented project design incorporating the key elements of the Stewart Motor Company/Circles Records building see the scrap heap?

It’s time for Mayor Stanton and the Phoenix City Council to show their leadership and bring all sides together so we don’t lose this terrific opportunity for the arts, economic vitality and the preservation of history in downtown Phoenix. 

Sign My Petition Today!