Masonry Magazine February 1997 Page. 8
Phoenix Welcomes
Back MCAA
Conference &
MASONRY EXPO
By: Dawn Monkman
MCAA Director of Meetings and Conventions
Phoenix, Arizona, welcomes the return of the Mason Contractors Association of America's Conference and MASONRY EXPO. The site of the first and most successful EXPO, Phoenix offers attendees five full days of fun in the sun. Attendees will experience educational programs, three days of product and equipment exhibits at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, special events and an all new Phoenix.
Downtown Phoenix Rises Again
Much has changed since MASONRY EXPO first came to Phoenix in 1990. Downtown Phoenix now offers an enhanced travel experience boasting several recent multi-million dollar projects that have infused new life into the heart of the nations eighth largest city. In addition to city sponsored redevelopment, many major private sector projects now give visitors new opportunities for shopping, entertainment and dining.
The debut of the Herberger Theater marked the beginning of downtown Phoenix's rejuvination and transformation into a dynamic center of culture and recreation. The Herberger is located in the middle of the rapidly growing city core and presents a variety of performances.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the top three visitor activities, outranked only by sunbathing and sightseeing. Arizona Center, one block east of the Herberger Theater, has added $515 million worth of excitement to an eight block area. The multiphase development opened in the fall of 1990 with 150,000 square feet of restaurants, shops and entertainment options. For a more Mexican flavor, is the Mercado adjacent to the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
Check out the Metrocenter, the Southwest's largest shopping complex, with 200 shops and 50 restaurants; and Biltmore Fashion Park, and ample open-air complex anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. In Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Fashion Square is considered one of the Southwest's best, with Dillard's, Bullock's, and more than 150 other shops, cafes, restaurants, and cinemas, and easy access to CamelView Plaza, where Neiman-Marcus is featured. On Scottsdale's landmark Southwestern-themed Fifth Avenue, a large collection of Native American handicrafts are on display in 225 shops. Finally, the four-block Main Street Arts & Antiques District has an excellent mix of galleries, shops, and restaurants.
The valley's rich history isn't only found in books just step back in time in dowtown Heritage Square. You'll find a city block filled with restored homes and museums from the late 1800's. The centerpiece of the group is the distinguished Rosson House. Fans of cowboy movies and the Old West will enjoy the recreation of an 1880's town, complete with stage coaches, saloons and jails at Rawhide.
The Desert Botanical Garden with its 20,000 desert plants offers visitors a first hand look at plant life in the desert. The Phoenix Zoo, the largest non-profit zoo in the country features more than 1,300 animal exhibits in exhibits that imitate their natural environment.
One place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural school, Taliesin West. On Arcosanti, an ecological city of the future, one of the more unusual museums in Phoenix, is the Hall of Fame, which houses the largest collections of fire-fighting equipment in the world and is sure to inflame the curiosity of kids and kids at heart.
No trip would be complete without saddling up and riding the range at one of the local horseback riding stables. With the Phoenix Mountains Preserve so close at hand, its easy to ride off into the sunset.
The Arts
Lovers of great painting and sculpture should take a taxi straight from the airport to the Phoenix Art Museum and tour its permanent collection of more than 13,000 works of art. The Museum prides itself on its Western art section and its Chinese art collection. Another must see is the world renowned Heard Museum, with its extensive collection of primitive and modern Native American art.
It may be hard to keep your feet on the ground once you see the clear blue skies overhead. Soar like a Swainson's hawk on the calm air over the desert in a two-seater sailplane or drift the breeze in a hot.