PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An 11-story gaming, hospitality and entertainment hotel inspired by the Atari video game brand is planned for Roosevelt Row, set to replace a building that has been part of downtown Phoenix history for more than 70 years.
The project would demolish the former radio station building at Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street — once home to some of the Valley’s most recognizable stations. The building is set to be demolished by the end of the year. The Atari Hotel is expected to be completed by 2028.
Supporters and critics divided
Supporters say the development will create a one-of-a-kind destination and bring new entertainment and investment to the area. Some locals said they were open to the change.
“It takes away like the studio creative spaces and stuff, but at the same time, it’s like it’s part of the city growing and changing,” Frankie Valverde said. “Maybe it’ll bring some more people, more business and stuff for like these little restaurants and shops.”
Artists and community members push back
Others in the arts and music community say the project represents a broader loss of the culture that defined Roosevelt Row.
Briannin Gross, a booker and promoter, said the district was once driven by local artists, musicians and creatives, but that character has been shifting.
“It was very autonomous, locally driven art space,” Gross said. “But then that attracted investors, developers, businessmen, the nightlife district.”
Gross and others said the conversation extends beyond a single hotel project.
“It’s sad to see that history erased,” Gross said. “We want Roosevelt back and the hotel getting built is just a huge sign of us losing it.”
Valverde, who works in the area, said she wished developers would take a different approach to the site.
“I wish they would like just renovate what’s there and maybe just do something cool that kind of fits this area a little more than like this giant gamer hotel,” she said.
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