Why Creative Cities Thrive with Steve Lindley
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 102
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“Don’t look at art as product. Look at it as people.”
That simple idea is at the heart of our conversation with Steve Lindley, COO of Holualoa Companies, who emphasizes why the most successful developments don’t come to life from formulas or checklists. Instead, they evolve through early, intentional collaboration with artists, community members, designers, developers, and other creative thinkers who shape places that feel authentic and memorable. Artists, he says, are “magicians” capable of transforming local stories into experiences that inspire connection, but only if they’re invited into the process early and treated as collaborators rather than commodities.
Throughout the episode, Steve offers practical wisdom for developers navigating the world of creative placemaking, from hiring a “translator” who speaks both the developer and artist languages to embracing the uncertainty that comes with creating something meaningful, innovative, and enduring. His philosophy is perhaps best captured in a phrase he uses to describe a perfect evening in Phoenix: “walk until you find creativity.” It’s a reminder that the places we remember most are often the ones that surprise us, inspire us, and bring us together.
Discussed in the Episode:
Holualoa Companies
Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
Roosevelt Row Arts District in Phoenix
Urban Land Institute
Urban Land Institute Placemaking Council
ArtLink Inc.
Juanita Hardy, ULI Senior Visiting Fellow for Creative Placemaking
Park Central Phoenix
Cowboy Seafood Restaurant by Chef Christopher Collins
Sharon Harper, CEO, Plaza Companies
Barrow Neurological Institute
Arizona Republic Newspaper
Valley of the Sun United Way
Artist Liliana Mora
AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix North Norterra and Element by Westin Phoenix North Norterra
Jackson Shaw
ULI Art in Place
ULI Research Report: Best Practices in Developer/Artist Collaboration
Shantell Martin Installation at the Denver Theatre District
Artist Antoinette Cauley
Trunk Space Phoenix
Sottise Phoenix
The Pemberton Phoenix
Steve Lindley on LinkedIn
About Steve Lindley:
Steve Lindley is the Chief Operating Officer for real estate investment firm Holualoa Companies, engaged in all facets of the company’s operations including management of the portfolio of national and international properties and working with company leadership in sourcing and capitalizing acquisitions and development.
Steve’s background includes 34 years as a successful capital markets broker with leading national real estate service companies including Cushman & Wakefield, Grubb & Ellis, and Trammell Crow, with sales completed exceeding $3 billion. He brings Wall Street experience, starting his career at the New York City headquarters of investment bank Drexel Burnham.
Steve is active in industry and community leadership in Arizona and nationally. He is the incoming Chair of Urban Land Institute Arizona, serves on ULI’s national Placemaking Council, and is a mentor to young leaders through ULI Arizona’s Partnership Forum.
Steve enjoys actively exploring and promoting ideas and issues facing communities in Arizona and beyond, including the intersection between creativity and place. He is on the board for the arts non-profit Artlink, served as the chair of the ULI 2D community mural project, and frequently presents on the future of the workplace, creative placemaking, arts, culture, and development.
Steve is a San Diego native and a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Finance. He is on the committee supporting Phoenix Metro Urban Young Life, and is an Elder at Valley Presbyterian Church. Steve is married to his wonderful wife, Victoria, has two adult children, and enjoys great food, craft beer, exploring in his Airstream, and adventures with family and friends.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!
