Scottsdale is taking a big leap into the future with a $40 million check to freshen up Old Town, intending to touch up the cityscape and make it more welcoming for residents and tourists alike. According to a recent announcement from the City of Scottsdale, their fiscal year 2025/26 is going to bring better infrastructure, safety, and overall experience to Old Town, aimed at maintaining its status as a prime location for newcomers and established visitors.
In line with the city’s vision, "Spruce Up Old Town" kicked off the revitalization efforts with a $2 million starter kit, which has seen city crews buzzing around high-traffic zones, doing a bit of tidying up and beautifying. The plans, obtained by ScottsdaleAZ.gov, include a fresher look to the Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage and snazzier ashtrays aligning with the local aesthetic.
Big on the agenda are some heavyweight capital projects, building up to Old Town's allure. We're talking about the Brown Avenue parking structure expansion costing $15.2 million, a new Entertainment District parking garage with the same price tag, and a $7.9 million facelift for Main Street. These aren't your everyday fixer-uppers; they're ambitious long-term investments that look to amplify the area's charm by making it easier to navigate and more enjoyable to explore. This follows the city manager, Greg Caton's findings that local merchants ardently sought public investment in infrastructure to keep Old Town competitive and appealing.
An Old Town Specialist role has been crafted to bridge communication gaps between the city and local merchants, ensuring that buzzworthy events amplify rather than disrupt business activities. Rachel Smetana, the tourism and events director, told ScottsdaleAZ.gov, “Old Town draws visitors from every corner of the globe, and city staff work hard to ensure events also provide a platform to foster community and support local merchants.” Also on the horizon are high-profile events, complete with Scottsdale’s hallmark events like Canal Convergence and newcomers such as the Every Woman’s Marathon.
New business ventures are swooping into Old Town, energized by the city's efforts. Ponderosa, a brainchild of seasoned restaurateurs Jacob Finley and Dale Jodoin, is rooting itself in Old Town by early 2026. Speaking to the future, Jodoin remarked, “Ponderosa chose Old Town Scottsdale because its blend of tourism and residential growth perfectly complements our vision.” The narrative of Old Town is one wherein investment seeks to harmonize the authenticity of its past with the demands and visions of tomorrow.
