A new mural by local artist Autumn Matney graces the south side of The Shops at Melrose and welcomes visitors to the Melrose District’s Lyceum Park (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).
On a Friday evening in June, neighbors in the Melrose District had gathered at the Shops of Melrose’s Shack2Chic at 7th Avenue and Turney for a First Friday event. The event invited neighbors and visitors alike to “evening of style, flavor and community” to “experience one of the most diverse and energetic neighborhoods in Central Phoenix.”
And they were doing just that…until one resident, who neighbors believe is experiencing homelessness, fell into oncoming traffic and became pinned beneath a vehicle. What happened next, says resident Scott Reid, “defines who we are as a community.”
“Without hesitation, residents, patrons and everyday passersby rushed in,” Reid said. “Some lifted the car. Others crawled underneath to keep him talking and breathing until paramedics arrived nearly 10 minutes later…This was a spontaneous, deeply human response.”
In addition to working and living in the neighborhood for four years, Reid is the vice president of the Melrose Community Alliance (MCA). He and his partner, Chef of Melrose Joshua Preston, were hosting an event at Shack2Chic when the accident happened. Preston picks up the story.
“I was serving appetizers within the store for the event and the front door was open and we heard someone yelling and then all of a sudden, I heard this really loud slap and then somebody screaming at the top of their lungs,” he recalled. “When I looked out, I saw that there was a car stopped and people were screaming that someone was underneath the vehicle.”
People from across the street at Stacy’s came to assist as did others, including a passing Uber driver. While they waited for an ambulance Preston held the gentleman’s hand – trying to reassure him and keep him conscious.
Preston told the man, “We’ve got you. We’re here. You are not alone and help is on the way.”
The man was coherent and moving when emergency teams arrived and while in critical condition, the neighbors hoped for a good outcome.
“We send our collective energy, healing and love to the injured gentleman,” Reid said. May he feel the support of this incredible community.”
And both Reid and Preston were proud of the response from the neighbors.
“I’ve lived all over the Valley and this is the most welcoming community,” Reid said, adding that the community frequently hosts diverse events – for the children in the neighborhood, for the adults in the neighborhood, for the LGBTQ+ neighbors.
Many of those events are driven by MCA, along with the Seventh Avenue Merchant’s Association. They also support the efforts of local business owners who work to beautify the neighborhood. A new mural commissioned by the Shops of Melrose building owners, Marty and Dallin Pace, is a prime example.
“We were supportive of the mural to add some color to the Lyceum, and planted flowers in the terracotta planters to play off the mural colors for a more welcoming and immersive experience,” said MCA president, Robb Olivieri.
MCA hosts happy hour events at various locations throughout Melrose on the first Wednesday of each month. Generally held at restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, the next event is on July 2 at the Shops of Melrose.
“We wanted to switch it up and support some of the retail businesses as well,” Olivieri said.
The group is eyeing Bar 1912/Valentine, 4130 N. 7th Ave., for the August event. In addition, neighborhoods across the Melrose area – from Carnation and Grandview to Woodlea and everywhere in between – frequently host Front yard Friday events, which offer a way for neighbors to gather in a casual, comfortable fashion. They are on hiatus for the summer but will return in the fall, along with events that will activate the canal, more First Friday events and the annual Merriment in Melrose, which will be held Dec. 13.
Looking ahead, the group will continue to seek out ways to build community by bringing the neighborhood together.
“We’re hoping to continue to elevate the Melrose brand and make the district more of a destination for residents and those coming in,” Olivieri added. “We’ll focus on diverse events to bring people together and support the local businesses – particularly with First Fridays. The goal is to activate some of the underutilized spaces, such as the Lyceum and the bus stop in front of Sandfish Sushi/Bark if You’re Dirty, as well as traffic calming and pedestrian safety.”
In the meantime, Reid, Preston and others are grateful to call Melrose home and they will continue to create a safe and welcoming community for everyone.
“Regardless of housing status, race, age or sexuality – we show up for one another,” Reid added. “We are One Melrose.”
To learn more about the Alliance and their upcoming events, follow them on social media or visit www.melrosecommunityalliance.com.
