Vacant Visions
A Glimpse into Phoenix’s Forgotten Spaces
“Vacant Visions" is a photography project exploring the silent decay of Phoenix's unused retail and commercial spaces. Through black-and-white Mordançaged darkroom prints, it captures the effects of economic shifts, the pandemic, and landlords seeking the perfect tenant while examining the tension between revitalization and decay, gentrification and preservation.
Each photograph in "Vacant Visions" was shot on medium format Black and White Film, hand-developed, and printed via traditional Silver Gelatin darkroom printing. The print was then processed via the Mordançage process. This process alters and degrades a Silver Gelatin print using a chemical solution of hydrogen peroxide, copper chloride, and acetic acid. This solution softens and lifts the gelatin layer in the darker areas of the print, allowing manipulation to create unique textures, veils, and inversion effects.
"Vacant Visions," using the Mordançage technique to symbolize potential decay, invites viewers to reflect on the impact of urban development and the roles of landlords and tenants in shaping Phoenix's future. The images comment on the unintended consequences of neglect and emphasize the need for thoughtful urban planning. The project also questions whether landlords should rent to artists and creatives who, despite lower rents, can revitalize spaces, making them more attractive for future growth and higher-paying businesses.
By capturing spaces on the verge of transformation or deterioration, this project asks: What kind of city do we want, and who has the power to shape it? The open-ended question encourages dialogue and action within the community, challenging viewers to consider the balance between fostering community development and eventual gentrification.
Vacant Visions Photography Book
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The building at 1001 S Central Ave, a Phoenix commercial property dating back to 1926, reflects the layers of history and decay that define the city’s changing landscape. Once a thriving location, it now sits vacant. Situated along the light rail and just half a mile from downtown, the one-acre property is listed for redevelopment at $3.5 million. With its prime location, it’s a strong candidate for a new commercial or mixed-use project.
“A Stop Too Late”
The empty gentleman’s club and the parked truck tell a story of transience and abandonment. The building, once buzzing with fleeting pleasures, now sits as a reminder of desires that have come and gone. The truck out front, a symbol of movement and change, adds to the sense of impermanence—hinting that spaces and experiences like this are always temporary, leaving behind emptiness when they move on. Together, they capture the idea of indulgences left behind and the slow decay of places that were once full of life.
“Transient Pleasures”
A homeless encampment sits behind the old, abandoned Mandy’s Fish & Chips in Peoria, AZ. Originally a family-owned spot in South Phoenix that opened in 1986, Mandy’s was known for its fresh, hand-battered seafood and played a significant role in the community for years. However, this Peoria location has been vacant for decades.
The Mordançage process brings out a sense of neglect, symbolizing the loss of community spaces and the challenges faced by those living on the margins. It serves as a visual commentary on urban decay, homelessness, and the lasting impact of economic changes on businesses and neighborhoods.
“Shelter and Scraps”
An abandoned building on Main Street in Mesa, Arizona, reflects the rise and fall of a once-thriving corridor. Main Street played a key role in Mesa’s growth until the construction of Route 60 in the early 1960s diverted traffic away from downtown. The shift drastically reduced visitors, forcing many hotels, diners, and small businesses to close. Over time, the area lost its commercial vibrancy, leaving structures like this as relics of a bygone era.
In recent years, though, Main Street has been experiencing a revival. The extension of the Valley Metro Light Rail through downtown Mesa has brought new energy, attracting businesses, restaurants, and cultural spots. This renewal effort is giving Main Street a fresh start, aiming to restore its role as a vital part of Mesa’s identity. This worn and neglected building stands as a symbol of both the area’s past struggles and its resilience as it transforms once again.
“Abandoned Artery”
An abandoned building at 903 N 5th St, once home to an art gallery, coffee shop, vintage store, and vegan restaurant, now stands rundown. Graffiti covers its walls and surrounding fence, while leafless trees and visible damage emphasize its neglected state. Once a bustling community spot, it now reflects the passage of time and long-term vacancy.
“Silent Expression”
"Empty Tables" shows an abandoned restaurant building in Peoria, AZ, worn down by years of neglect. Like other pieces in the series, it highlights the theme of urban abandonment and the quiet stories left behind in forgotten spaces.
“Empty Tables”
An empty, aging storefront in downtown Glendale stands as a symbol of the challenges facing this historic district. Once thriving, many of the area’s shops now sit vacant, highlighting the difficulty in attracting and keeping businesses. Despite city-led revitalization efforts, numerous buildings remain unused, giving the downtown a quiet, desolate atmosphere. This scene reflects both the area’s potential for renewal and the pressing need for new investment.
“Out Of Style”
Glendale, Arizona, has deep farming roots going back to the late 1800s when the Arizona Canal brought irrigation and turned dry land into fertile fields. Early settlers grew crops like alfalfa, cotton, citrus, and sugar beets, which led to the opening of a major sugar beet factory in 1906 that helped boost the local economy. Now, the factory is just a crumbling reminder of Glendale's past. It's boarded-up windows, and worn-out brick walls tell the story of the city’s farming days and how it’s moved on from that chapter, holding onto a bit of its bygone productivity.
“Sweet Exit”
This image shows the former employee's entrance to what used to be Glendale's busy sugar beet factory. The rusty gate and weathered metal awning tell the story of its industrial past and years of abandonment. Back in the day, this spot was full of life, with workers coming and going daily. Now, it’s a quiet reminder of how the area has moved from its industrial days.
“Last Time Card”
A long-abandoned property on Grand Avenue, built in 1946, stands as a relic of the past. A faded, weathered sign rises above the sidewalk, its text barely visible after years of wear. To the right, a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire encloses the property, enhancing its bleak, deserted feel. The cracked concrete and aging fence reflect decades of neglect, contrasting with an area that is gradually transforming.
“Beyond The Fence”
The weathered storefronts along Grand Avenue in Phoenix tell a story of a once-busy hub of local businesses. Graffiti-covered windows, torn posters, and worn tiles hint at the vibrant activity that once defined this area.
The building captures the city’s industrial and commercial history, now overlaid with layers of decay and street art. Like much of Grand Avenue, it exists in a liminal space between neglect and renewal. Nearby, art galleries, vintage shops, and creative spaces are starting to breathe new life into the area. This moment captures a facade suspended between its rich history and the potential for a brighter future in an evolving cityscape.
“Forgotten Corners”
The east-facing side of Chase Tower in downtown Phoenix, Arizona's tallest building at 40 stories, reflects its empty state since JPMorgan Chase relocated to Tempe in 2021. Originally built in 1975 as the Valley Center for Valley National Bank, the tower was once home to the Golden Eagle restaurant, offering 360-degree views back in the '70s.
In recent years, the building has changed hands multiple times, leaving its future uncertain. The Mordançage process enhances the image with peeling textures, darkened tones, and distressed patterns. Ghostly white patches and eroded details emphasize the tower’s decay and fading history, reflecting themes of urban decline and the passage of time.
“Residual Capital”
This spot on Grand Ave used to be a lively bar, but now it’s just an empty shell, showing the effects of years of vacancy. As Grand Avenue comes back to life as a creative and commercial hub, this building has plenty of potential for a makeover. For now, though, it’s a reminder of how much the area’s urban landscape has changed.
