By Lynn Trimble | Phoenix New Times
Historic preservationists are hoping to dissuade a property owner from demolishing a motel to make way for a new cryptocurrency-friendly hotel in downtown Phoenix, citing the historic significance of a Midcentury Modern building at the heart of the dispute.
The building is located at 600 West Van Buren Street, near a strip of Grand Avenue renowned for its offbeat arts and culture, plus historic preservation efforts. Together with an annex, it once formed a travel destination called the City Center Motel, which was built with space-age Googie design elements including a distinct angular porte cochere that juts out near the entrance.