Last month we talked about “Gangplank looking to move downtown“. We have been actively pursuing a move since June 2009. We knew that we wanted to be more involved in the creating of a new economy.
To accomplish this we need to be in a city that wants and values the same things we do. We have been really happy with Chandler and over the last three months have really started to get involved with their downtown. It became clear very quickly that they embody the same spirit as Gangplank when it comes to their civic planning and downtown. The business owners, landlords, developers, council and staff all are rowing in the same direction and striving to be the leader in technology of the Phoenix-Tucson mega region over the next 20 years. They have shown they want to be the place “Where the creative class grows up”.
They had four initiatives in place that we felt were necessary to pass before we could consider them as a viable option. These initiatives were important for a number of reasons. First and foremost their adoption meant they were serious about becoming a creative class city and committed to technology. Secondly, it would prove that they had the ability to work together to make an impact in their city.
- Widening of Arizona Avenue (committed to being connected/walkable/creative class)
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Connection to Light Rail (committed to being connected/major player mega region)
- Innovations Incubator (committed to innovation/major player mega region)
- Update to General Plan / Design Guidelines (committed to urban infill/density/creative class) next council meeting
Last week was the approval of #1 and in good faith was enough to solidify for us that the City of Chandler has the right mix and a commitment to the creative class. We have engaged with land developers Desert Viking and Peter Sciacca on developing a 15,000sqft facility in the historic Thomas Building in downtown. We will have more information as the negotiations progress and as things get underway. We are excited to become immersed in the community and really get involved on a much deeper level. Things are already underway that are making a major impact for both Chandler and Gangplank including new developments with Gangplank Junior.
Exposed Historical Wooden Trusses
Plans to Put on a Second Story (Stop Sprawl/Go Up)
Pingback: Chandler BRT Link Goes Live
chandler? a great city? wait a second….lol.
Who is going to clean the trusses? Will the old pirate janitor make the move as well?
@acmephoto
Congrats on the changes. Exciting to see this concept continue to expand and become more embedded here in AZ.
Michael Abrams
@mikeabrams
Wow, that is awesome! Love the exposed wooden trusses – look sooo cool. And the proximity to other neat stuff sounds killer.
well, it’s no AJ..
but this looks cool!
Although I agree with Will on the bus to the light rail idea but I am glad to see Gangplank on the east side instead of Phoenix. I also agree that Chandler “gets it” when it comes to Gangplanks plans the new place looks great!
I’m really happy for a better building and surroundings, and I’m sure it’ll be better than the current arrangement, but I don’t think a bus connection to light rail counts as being a major player in the megalopolis. The cities that actually have passenger rail would be major players– those who run a bus to the nearest station are secondary players as far as transit is concerned.
Nice.. hope it all works for everyone to make some money and get things accomplished.
Looks awesome! Can’t wait to see more of it.
There are a lot of really cool other wins that go along with this move, I’m really excited for what is to come.
Not to mention that there is an awesome brewery, wine bar and tea bar down there :)
Fantastic!
Oh, I should mention that this new location puts Gangplank within easy walking distance of a *ton* of great restaurants. I can be a pedestrian again!
I’ve been spending a lot more time in downtown Chandler lately, and I can’t tell you how I excited I am about this. Not because it’s more convenient for me (it’s actually going to be a bit more of a drive), but because the city really does get what Gangplank is all about.
The culture of the business owners downtown feels a lot like a natural extension of what we’ve been doing at Gangplank.
Chandler is on the road to becoming a seriously amazing city. I can’t wait to start working down there. :-)
Can you help me to understand what “Where the creative class grows up” means to you and how this aligns with Gangplank’s initiatives?
This is awesome — can’t wait!
Very exciting news!!!
WOOT! Glad to see things are progressing well with your move! Seriously hope to be a part of Gangplank for years to come. Thanks for providing us with such awesome spaces to collaborate, work and be creative. :)
This is awesome! Can’t wait!