By Paola Garcia | Phoenix Magazine
In the early 1900s, the Warehouse District was the hub of the Valley’s railroad-based agricultural shipping industry. Located just south of Downtown Phoenix, between Seventh Street and Seventh Avenue and from Jefferson to Grant streets, the WD now has its sights set on a comeback with the recent revitalization of the old warehouses that once held lettuce, grapes, citrus and more. There’s even a snazzy new council promoting the ‘hood, complete with a tricked-out website (phxwd.com) offering virtual tours. BRICK HOUSE: The integrity of the brick buildings is maintained by a devoted coalition of new tenants, including restaurants, galleries, venues and office spaces. They’re keeping the “good bones” but adding their own flair. METRO A-GO-GO: Warehouse District Council member Andy Lucich, a marketing pro at Impress Labs, says that in 10 years, the light rail will run through the district to South Mountain, bringing in even more people. STRANGER DANGER: Lucich says a misperception about the area is that it is dangerous. Reports by the Phoenix Police Department show that crime rates in the Warehouse District are actually among the lowest in the metro area.
