November 2014

elevation-chandler-demolition

Elevation Chandler Becoming Chandler Viridian

“What doesn’t go up, must come down.” The unfinished Elevation Chandler project is now proof of it. But unlike gravity, this was painfully slow. The shell of a structure was just demolished after more than 8 years in limbo at a high profile location on the southeast side of the Chandler Fashion Center.

Elevation Chandler barely got off the ground when construction was halted in Spring 2006. The concrete skeleton by developer Jeff Cline was haunted by financial problems which morphed into legal issues. The property went through years of lawsuits, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and more lawsuits.

If you were a resident of Chandler or just passing through on the Loop 101/Loop 202 Freeways, you saw one of Arizona’s biggest eyesores. What you didn’t see was the heartache felt by well-intended investors who lost millions of dollars. What you didn’t see were the headaches felt by all of the well-intended people at the City of Chandler and in private industry who tried to fix the problem.

Eventually Hines Had the Solution

Thank goodness the international real estate firm, Hines, has an office in Phoenix. Thank goodness their managing director Chris Anderson isn’t a quitter. Through plenty of trials and tribulations, patience and perseverance, Hines efforts got them to being able to purchase the property.

You can see in the video below, the Elevation Chandler demolition was in itself cause for major celebration.

mayor-tibshraeny-elevation-chandler-demolition

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, all of the members of City Council, and many interested members of the community were on hand to watch the razing of the Elevation Chandler structure in ruins. The mayor got to take the first swipe at it. This was well-deserved since he couldn’t go anywhere in public without folks lashing out at him about the eyesore.

Today, there is more cause for celebration. Hines is kicking off its new project called, Chandler Viridian. The mixed-use development will feature luxury apartments, a six-story hotel, office space, and retail options promoting walkability to and from the Chandler Fashion Center.

Construction of the family living is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2015. The commercial properties are scheduled to begin in the second quarter, while the hotel, office, and retail construction starts later in 2015 and 2016.

Hallelujah Hines.

By Thomas Baldrick

Thomas Baldrick is an Emmy Award-winning on-camera talent and producer/writer based in Arizona. From script to screen in video production services, he helps companies, organizations, and individuals across the country to achieve the success they and their target audience want.

Linkedin

Twitter

YouTube

Google +

Facebook

Read more
world-war-II-veteran-Herb-Weatherwax

2014 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Stars World War II Veterans

PHOTO: Thomas Baldrick behind Denis Parry, Pearl Harbor Survivor Herb Weatherwax, and Lovely Lehua Weatherwax at home in Oahu after doing an interview at Pearl Harbor. March 2014.

C’mon now. Wouldn’t you like to actually see live World War II Veterans? Trust me Arizona, there’s no DVR for this one. There is no Netflix, no must see TV. If you want to see and salute real World War II Veterans it must be done in person. They’ll be live and in living color right in the heart of the 2014 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

This year’s parade theme is “Duty, Honor, Sacrifice: Celebrating Our World War II Veterans.” God willing, this special event won’t be your last chance to see these Great American Heroes. But tomorrow is promised to no one. So, it sure will be your best chance.

Think about it. The legendary Invasion of Normandy is having its 70th anniversary in 2014. You’ve heard and learned about the Attack on Pearl Harbor. You’ve heard and learned about December 7, 1941 – “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.” Keep in mind, there’s not too many men left who heard it and experienced it…THAT DAY!”

There’s not too many soldiers remaining who answered President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Declaration of War, and who fought and suffered in World War II…and survived. The odds say the World War II Veterans who still live in the Valley of the Sun or other parts of Arizona are marching closer to their final sunset.

“We feel it is so important to recognize our World War II Veterans this year,” said Katherine Brooks, President of Honoring Arizona’s Veterans. “We know they are aging. It is our hope to give them another joyous event in their lifetime through the 2014 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.”

This is not a time for procrastination. This is your time for participation.

Ask yourself: How many opportunities will you have to see these World War II Heroes?

Ask yourself: How many opportunities will they have to see you appreciate the tremendous sacrifices they made for you and your loved ones?

The saying is “History Repeats Itself.” But this time, “History is Predicting Itself…for YOU.” Take advantage of experiencing this fleeting moment in history. Bring your family, especially children. Bring a friend. We’ll look for you at the 2014 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade next Tuesday, 11-11 at 11. For more info visit: http://www.HonoringArizonasVeterans.org/parade.

By Thomas Baldrick

AZ STRONG is proud to support the 2014 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

Thomas Baldrick is an Emmy Award-winning on-camera talent and producer/writer based in Arizona. From script to screen in video production services, he helps companies, organizations, and individuals across the country to achieve the success they and their target audience want.

Linkedin

Twitter

YouTube

Google +

Facebook

 

 

Read more