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Convention center gets nod from ‘green’ authority

PHOENIX — The U.S Green Building Council awarded the Phoenix Convention Center with a silver certificate for its efforts in building on sustainability.

The silver LEED certificate for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the council’s third-highest achievement award platinum and gold status.

The city received the award its West addition to the convention center because the building uses low flow toilets, special roofing, high-efficiency irrigation and an elaborate recycling program. Expansion construction manager Russell Alvarado says crews also used recycled material from the old Phoenix Civic Plaza building for the West addition.

“It’s quite an achievement,” says Taylor Demulder, a convention center spokesman. “Being recognized by LEED was well worth the time and funding put into sustaining the West Building. Hopefully more buildings and businesses will follow the trend in going green. Just by implementing low flow toilets, which is simple and cost-efficient…compared to traditional models.”

The West building recently added 732 peel-and-stick solar panels to help produce power for the Convention Center and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 95 metric tons a year, officials say. The panels, along with other energy saving techniques in the North building, were too expensive to be part of the silver LEED certification.

The West expansion began in 2006 and will eventually 2 million square feet of space, 900,000 of which will be leaseable. The $600 million project is being constructed in phases so that the Phoenix Convention Center can remain open for business.

The West building was completed in July 2006, and the North building is set for a grand opening in January 2009.

“When this expansion project is complete it will be the premier meeting destination,” says Jeremy Roberts, a Phoenix resident and convention center patron. “I have been using the Phoenix Convention Center for my business meetings for two years now, and the only negative aspect of the building was its need for additional space. It’s great to see that the city has taken initiative to build green. “

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>>Email the editor at aklaw@zoniereport.com.

‘Lucha libre’ shows American wrestling the ropes

PHOENIX — As the lights dim, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blares over the loudspeakers. A crowd of 1,500-plus roars as the luchadores are introduced. Fans of all ages have gathered for yet another Sunday afternoon lucha libre matchup at La Gran Mercado to cheer on their favorite masked wrestlers.

Spanish for “free fight,” lucha libre is filled with acrobatic maneuvers, choreographed kicks, slaps and tag team assaults. It’s a slight departure from American wrestling, which is heavily promoted using the chiseled athletes of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and its knockoffs via cable television and pay-per-view main events.

This brand of entertainment, however, is a bit more bare bones. It has been around for decades in Mexico and now found success inside and outside the city’s core of Latino wrestling fans.

“It’s something new,” says Taylor Santos, of South Phoenix. “This is my first time seeing lucha libre live and I must admit, the luchadores put on quite a show for the crowd. I like how rowdy the crowd gets here. It’s kind of funny watching moms, dads, teens and toddlers cheer on their favorite masked fighters.”

The luchadores – or “wrestlers” – vary in age from teens to late 30s. Each luchador performs “in character” to the event. Unlike most American wrestlers, they wear decorated masks and prefer not to reveal their true identity to the audience.

However, Sergio Vega is one of the few luchadores at La Gran Mercado who prefers to be unmasked when performing.

“He is my favorite,” says lucha libre fan Aaron McCauley. “I attend this event on a regular basis and I love how energetic Vega is with the crowd. He uses his charm and athletic ability to excite the audience. I feel he works really hard to be the best.”

The luchadores practice three times a week to perfect their stunts and routines for Sunday’s event. It is a physically demanding sport that can cause serious injuries to luchadores if they are not properly prepared.

But most wrestlers find the enthusiastic fans worth their pain and time.

“It’s a great place for the family. The atmosphere is fun and admission is affordable,” says Lauren Elaine of Central Phoenix , who brought her husband and 10-year-old son to the event. “I even find it entertaining when the wrestlers are introduced. It’s a show any age can enjoy.”

The events are held every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at La Gran Mercado, a swap-mart venue near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road. Admission is $1 but free for children 12 and under.

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>>Email the editor at aklaw@zoniereport.com.