More of Downtown Phoenix

Palm trees and contemporary architecture, Phoenix, AZ

There are some challenges in taking an architectural tour of downtown Phoenix. First, Phoenix does not possess the same kind of iconic architecture that you would find in Chicago, New York City, Seattle, or San Francisco. Phoenix is also a relatively young city, and so much of the architecture is contemporary in style, with few buildings possessing longstanding history. Still, downtown Phoenix possesses a number of architectural gems, and my walk around downtown Phoenix today gave me the chance to photograph a few of them. Here they are.

The Orpheum Theater, Phoenix, AZ

If I recall correctly, I once saw Kathy Griffin perform live in this theater. I can't recall the interior of this theater vividly enough, but the exterior is beautiful, very rococo.

The Orpheum Theatre, detail, Phoenix, AZ

Architectural relief, the Orpheum Theater, Phoenix, AZ

Architectural detail, the Orpheum Theater, Phoenix, AZ 

Architectural detail, the Orpheum Theater, Phoenix, AZ

The Orpheum Theater, Phoenix, AZ

As you can tell, I love the elaborate ornamentation of the Orpheum's exterior.

Building, Phoenix, AZ

I believe this building is an older building that was later modernized. Now, it houses a Baja Fresh, which is actually a very good chain fresh Mexican restaurant.

Building detail, Phoenix, AZ 

Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

I have been a fan of the new Phoenix Convention Center for a while. With its clean architectural lines, it is a study in geometry underneath the hot desert sun.

Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

I love the Phoenix Convention Center's layering use of various colored stone, which mimics the rock color scheme of the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona.

Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

These street lamps are stylistically reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, who left his architectural stamp on the Valley.

The Dead, at work, in Phoenix, AZ

As you can see, in downtown Phoenix even the Dead want to be out and about, working for tourist attractions and mingling with pedestrians.

Mural and a guy engrossed in a cell phone conversation, Phoenix, AZ

This mural says it all: Phoenix, Arizona!

Building, Phoenix, AZ 

Art deco building, Phoenix, AZ

One of the few art deco gems standing in downtown Phoenix.

Art deco building, Phoenix, AZ 

Art deco building, Phoenix, AZ 

Building, Phoenix, AZ

I confess that I don't know the name, function, or history of this building, and after a long walk around downtown in the desert heat I wasn't motivated to find out, but I really love its beauty.

Saying Goodbye to Chicago, Part Seventeen: The Loop, Vol. Four

LaSalle Street Miscellany

During my excursion to the Loop, I took a moment to appreciate buildings that I confess I didn't know well, but had always taken vague notice of as part of the architectural backdrop. Here are the photographs.

One LaSalle Street Building, Chicago, IL

Classic art deco building. I love the Atlas at the top left shouldering the world. If you look closely at the architectural detail outlining the doorway at the bottom of the photo, you will notice cobs of corn all throughout. LaSalle is Chicago's financial district, and much of the older architecture celebrates the agricultural specialties of the surrounding region.

Architectural relief, One LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL

Architectural relief, One LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL

One unique feature of some art deco architectural reliefs is their use of both European and Native American imagery as decorative motifs.

Architectural relief, One LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL

Acknowledging the great voyage that made it all possible!

Post-modern hodgepodge, Chicago, IL

Post-modern hodgepodge, close-up, Chicago, IL

The architectural purist in me would love to see this building remain unaltered, but there is something striking about grafting this modern addition on top of the original neo-classical structure, with its bold blue and green colored steel beams and large glass windows.

Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago, IL

Yes, I know, what is someone like me, a member of the 99%, doing taking a photo of the iconic center of the 1%? What can I say? I love architectural beauty, especially art deco beauty.

Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago, IL

Architectural detail, Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago, IL

Again, the juxtaposition of European and Native American imagery. Also, once again the inclusion of the region's agricultural staples as part of the overall architectural theme, with the depiction of wheat on the left and cobs of corn on the right. I love the use of local imagery, as it makes the architecture more organically part of its surroundings.