Guggenheim-Inspired Observation Tower Proposed for Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix could be getting a very unique and spectacular-looking addition to its skyline sometime in the near future, if a local real estate developer's plans become a reality. 
Images courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group The proposed Phoenix Observation Tower.
News broke online this morning that Phoenix-based developer NovaWest has announced its intention to construct a gigantic 420-foot observation tower that would loom over the Arizona Science Center, Chase Field, and other downtown structures.
Designed by Netherlands-based architecture design firm Bjarke Ingels Group, the proposed structure -- which has been nicknamed "The Pin" and features a globe-shaped open-air spiral sphere atop a monolithic reinforced concrete tower -- would give Phoenix a rather distinctive landmark to call its own.
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An artist's conception of the observation tower at night.
Per NovaWest's website, the developer plans to build the observation tower on a 10,000 square foot area of land near the intersection of Sixth and Adams streets, just behind the Arizona Science Center and Heritage Square.
According to a press release concerning the project, NovaWest managing partner Brian Stowell says that the tower, if built, would "change the local skyline forever and will give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"This is the right place and the right time for a signature project for downtown Phoenix and we knew the design needed to be something extraordinary," Stowell stated in the release.
An artist's conception of the interior of the observation tower's spiral sphere.
Plans and artist's drawing for the project reveal that the spiral sphere that tops the tower -- arguably its most stunning-looking feature -- will offer a total of 70,000 square feet of space for retail, a combination bar and restaurant, and a variety of events, as well as epic views of both downtown and the surrounding Valley landscape. (Eat your heart out Compass Room.)
Potential visitors to the tower will be required to purchase tickets before taking a glass-walled elevator ride to the sphere. They can then climb a spiral walkway to the 25-foot-wide observation deck, grab seating to check out the view, peruse art shows, or hit up either the restaurant or shops.
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