TL/DR –
The Pemberton, a popular social spot in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, announced its sudden closure, causing distress among locals and tenants. Melanie Franco, the founder of Black Amethyst, a gem and stone gift shop located in The Pemberton, is scrambling to find a new location after the announcement, criticizing the management for not renewing permits and providing basic necessities like lighting. Other tenants, including the founder of Saint Pasta, Racan Alhoch, echoed these concerns, highlighting poor communication, lack of proper leases, and inadequate infrastructure.
Phoenix’s Popular Venue, The Pemberton, Announces Closure
Residents of downtown Phoenix are no strangers to The Pemberton, a popular community space known for its food trucks, cocktail bars, and unique shops. However, the announcement of its closure, made via Instagram, has left local tenants and frequent visitors in shock.
One of the distressed tenants is Melanie Franco, founder of the gem and stone gift shop, Black Amethyst, which opened its doors at The Pemberton in April 2021. Franco describes the space as her second home and is now struggling to find a new location for her business.
True North Studio, the developer and owner of The Pemberton, indicated that the property permits are expiring, and the City has decided not to renew them. However, Franco has expressed dissatisfaction with the management, citing issues like failure to extend her lease and lack of outdoor lighting.
Additionally, Franco and other tenants like Racan Alhoch, founder of popular food truck Saint Pasta, complain about the management’s lack of communication and financial support for necessary improvements. Alhoch claims to have invested thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for essentials, such as repairing the dish pit and plumbing work.
Future Plans for The Pemberton
Despite the criticisms, The Pemberton has stated plans to transform into a “new sort of community concept.” Meanwhile, as the closure deadline looms, tenants are exploring new locations. Franco, for instance, is staging a fundraiser on March 2 at The Coronado and Dark Hall Coffee to support Black Amethyst’s relocation.
The Pemberton comes alive on weekend nights. – Lauren Cusimano
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