Reviving the Spirit of Old Phoenix: A Journey through Time with Robert Melikian
Imagine a bustling downtown Phoenix with vibrant foot traffic, 24-hour businesses, and historic charm. This is the vision author and historian Robert Melikian presents in his latest book, “Forgotten Phoenix, Or The Art of Hotel Management.” Through his work, Melikian invites readers to explore a forgotten era of Phoenix’s history, where the city thrived as a lively urban center.
Melikian’s vision is inspired by his experiences and nostalgic memories of a time when Phoenix was a hub of social activity. His book delves into the city’s rich history, highlighting the importance of preserving historic buildings to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. In a conversation with The Show, Melikian shared insights into his motivation to revive the spirit of downtown Phoenix.
ROBERT MELIKIAN: “Being from New York, I love the hustle and bustle of people on the street interacting. It’s good for the city, good for people. So we wanted, I wanted to carry that moving from New York City to Phoenix and save historic buildings so they’re very pedestrian oriented.”
Melikian emphasizes the significance of downtown as the heart of Phoenix, describing it as a place that once housed everything from shops to cinemas. “Downtown is the center of everything. It, for first 90 years of Phoenix history, it was everything,” he says. Melikian hopes the city can return to this vibrant past, where downtown was an everyday destination rather than just a venue for special events.
His fascination with Phoenix’s history began with night walks he started taking after discovering a sealed door in an old hotel his father had bought. Behind the door was a hidden staircase leading to remnants of the 1920s, including a matchbook from a 24-hour cafe, boldly claiming, “a free meal if you find this cafe without a customer, day or night.”
These nocturnal explorations fueled Melikian’s curiosity about the past, inspiring him to imagine the sounds and scenes of old Phoenix. “So I walked in the middle of my graveyard shift, which was 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. At 3 in the morning when there was no business, I just get and walked the streets dark and quiet,” Melikian recounts.
His book, “Forgotten Phoenix,” serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and the potential for revitalization. Melikian believes that understanding and preserving the past can enrich the present, offering a deeper connection to the city’s heritage.
KJZZ’s The Show transcripts are created on deadline. This text is edited for length and clarity, and may not be in its final form. The authoritative record of KJZZ’s programming is the audio record.
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