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Developers: Triangle Records Building was ‘alternative construction’

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Changes to the Triangles Records and Tapes building have sparked outcry from community members and historic preservationists.
Changes to the Triangles Records and Tapes building have sparked outcry from community members and historic preservationists.

The developers of the Triangles Records building have disputed claims they are demolishing the building.

“It’s alternative construction,”said Jacob Jefferies, of Kingdom LLC, the developer for the project.

Bulldozers removed approximately three-quarters of the mid-century building Tuesday. Jefferies said the new method is an effort to maintain the character of the building while maximizing the height and profitability.

“Alternative construction is not construction,” preservationist Bill Dinlover said. “It’s demolition.”

The plan calls for a 30-story mixed-use building filled with 200 microunits that will house young urban professionals. Originally, the 69-year-old building housed a car dealership, but this project will maintain tribute to this purpose with 27 stories of parking.

Community members and preservation activists have been meeting with the developers to try to convince them to preserve the entire building and amend the plans. The alternative construction of the building led to outrage and controversy as people claimed the method was actually demolition.

Part of the controversy surrounding the development surrounds the possibility of the use of a tax incentive to help fund the project. Some community members feel alternative construction was not appropriate, and giving public money to the project could send the wrong message.

Kingdom maintains they are just keeping up with current methods for historic preservation in downtown and “doing more than most” to preserve the building. Michelle Todds, the historic preservation officer for Phoenix said she had never heard of alternative construction as a method of preservation.

“The standards for preservation are constantly changing,” Janet Daisy, a representative of the developer said. “Kingdom development is just adjusting to a changing downtown.”

Daisy also accused Phoenix Diablo of being fake news after reporting the development as demolition.

Jacob Jefferies the principal developer for the project said the new method is an effort to maintain the character of the building while maximizing the height.

“So many buildings these days are trying to knock it down and start all new,” Geoffries said. “We’re doing better.”

Artists will paint the building, and be heavily involved in the design. The murals and artwork will be a tribute to the memory to the artists.

“As rents rise and galleries close at least we’ll have the murals to remember the art district by,” Pat Metrisko said.

Kingdom plans to push forward with the alternative construction of the building. They maintain that a tax break is needed for the alternative preservation to be completed. If not they will have to demolish the building. Jefferies said the goal is to preserve the history of the building so long as they are still building the most profitable building possible.

“If all else fails I guess we’ll just put a tribute plaque outside,” Jefferies shrugged.

Community, News

Partial demolition on Circus Records and Apes building sparks community outrage

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Circus preservation activists and community members are outraged after partial demolition began on the historic Circus Records and Apes big top tent. (Kaleb Manning/Diablo)

Circus preservation activists and community members are outraged after partial demolition began on the historic Circus Records and Apes big top tent.

“We didn’t think people would be that upset,” said Jacob Jefferies, of Kingdom LLC, the developer for the project. “It’s just an old tent. We didn’t think anyone would care that much.”

The site, which once housed elephants, clowns, acrobats and circus performers is expected to house young urban professionals if the 30-story mixed-use building is completed. Originally, the 69-year-old tent was a beloved midcentury big top circus. The new building will still incorporate a part of the previous tent on the side of the building.

Part of the controversy surrounding the tent surrounds the possibility of the use of a tax incentive to help fund the project. Some community members feel the corporate takedown of the big top tent was inappropriate, and giving public money to the project could send the wrong message.

“What type of precedence is this setting for not only big top tents, but smaller circus tents and even carnivals?” circus activist Anne Teak said. “We need to preserve carnival history.”

The tent had not been used in years, for a circus or otherwise, but a few preservationists have hailed the tent for its unique design. While the tent was not registered on the national circus register, it’s been on the watch list of some preservationists.

“There’s something nice about the unique striped pattern and the tarp material used for the tent. You don’t see buildings like that anymore,” preservationist Bill Dinlover said.

Local clowns, community members and circus preservation activists have been meeting with the developers to try to convince them to preserve the big top tent.

“This happened when we were in the middle of discussions,” said community member Oliver Sutton. “I mean sure the developers weren’t paying attention, but I really thought they would keep the tent up.”

The plans will “most definitely” include micro-apartments, and might include a unit of semi-affordable, part-time workforce housing for local clowns in the part of the tent that is being preserved.

“We want them to feel at home, which is why we will allow them to stay in the portion of the building that still has the tent material,” Jefferies said. “All we ask for is a tax break in return for taking the big top off your hands.”

In an attempt at mending community relations, the developers announced the new building plan may also incorporate billboards designed with the help of local clown artists.

The partial loss of the tent sparked discussions on how to ensure that circus history is not destroyed.

“If we keep tearing down every old big top-10 tent that isn’t in use, what will young clowns have left?,” local activist I.D. Clair said.