By Allison Barnett
As we look ahead to 2020, it is impossible not to reflect on the tremendous growth of our North 32nd community in 2019. Many new businesses opened their doors to our community last year including Lovecraft, TapHouse, Enchanted Chapters, Dr. Jenna Dye and Dr. Beau Horner, Duo Salon, Zipps, MVP Shoe Repair owned by the owners of Gyro House 32, amongst many others.
We were also lucky that other businesses chose to stay in North 32nd as they have grown or have plans to expand in 2020: 32 Shea (remodel), Black Rock Bouldering Gym (doubled climbing space), Craft Nights (moved to bigger space), and Lovecraft (new roof deck coming). Plus, businesses like Wright in the Garden made plans to stay for many more years.
2019 also brought the completion of the View 32 apartments, 32 North (single-family homes near Cactus), and Artistan Homes on Cheryl, which brings amazing new residents to support our local businesses. In 2020, the new senior living home on Cheryl will be complete and they have already started the demolition to begin construction on the new apartments on the former Arizona Christian University campus. One of the many strengths of our community is that we have the ability to provide housing for so many different life stages and socioeconomic statuses. This means that people of all life’s stages can live close to where they work and thereby support businesses close to their homes.
Our community events continue to be an integral part of the fabric of our community that gathers together to support each other and our local businesses. Whether it is a weekly run club, morning hike, costume party in the park, bike rides to look at holiday lights, or an annual block watch party, we are thrilled to see the engagement of our community in ways that bring us together to continue to grow. We look forward to bringing even more events to North 32nd in 2020.
When Supervisor Bill Gates helped gather our community for working sessions and craft a plan for the revitalization of North 32nd, it was intended to be a 7-10 year plan that identified key areas where we could create a more sustainable community by both bringing new residents through some higher-density building, as well as bring a wider variety of businesses, including education. Certainly, there has been some attrition as these changes take root, but we are looking forward to a bright 2020 to continue to move up the North 32nd corridor to take in our full community all the way to Union Hills. If you are in 85028 or 85032, you are part of North 32nd.
We are lucky to continue to have a close working relationship with Councilwoman Debra Stark who diligently supports our efforts to continue to enhance North 32nd. In the Spring of 2020, we will be hosting a community meeting where we will be able to give an update on the progress so far and the areas that we will be focusing on as we continue to implement the plan.
Where can you find more information?
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/North32nd
Join the Facebook Community Group: Facebook.com/Groups/North32nd
Instagram: @north32ndstreet
Website: North32nd.com
Allison Barnett is the managing partner of North 32nd, Inc. which is bringing revitalization of the community thru strategic partnerships with the City of Phoenix as well as local businesses. Allison is also a licensed associate broker with Realty ONE Group in both Arizona and California. AllisonJBarnett.com
