Downtown Phoenix: Arizona Ghost Town or a Work in Progress?

Skyscrapers are scarce in downtown Phoenix because air-conditioning
can be cost-prohibitive.

A few weeks ago I had some time on my hands, so I went on a jaunt into the heart of Phoenix to take some photos of city architecture.


Buildings under construction in Phoenix

I remember being almost deafened by the silence of the city center, which appeared to be completely abandoned that Sunday afternoon. Except for a few tourists and pigeons, there wasn't a soul to be seen. I'm sure the situation is entirely different on a weekday, but still, the lack of activity seemed unnatural and a little bit eerie.


St. Mary's Basilica

Arizona Sunset

A Tree is Silhouetted at Sunset

This photo was taken near Lake Pleasant.

Palms in the Desert

Palm Silhouette at Sunset

While Arizona's Sonoran desert may be better known for its Saguaro, palms are a common landscaping choice in cities and towns.


Palms Outside Castle Hot Springs Resort

Only the California fan palm is actually native to the state. Two native stands of palms exist in Arizona - one in the Kofa Mountains and another recently discovered one near Castle Hot Springs.

These palm stands may be survivors from an earlier epoch.


Palms at Night in Papago Park