The city is committing $40 million in fiscal year 2025/26 to elevate Old Town Scottsdale’s infrastructure, safety and overall experience. The investment will enhance daily life for residents and ensure the area remains a top-tier destination for visitors and businesses.

“City staff and I have spent considerable time speaking with merchants and property owners in the Old Town and we have consistently heard interest for the city to invest in public infrastructure,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “We took this feedback as a call to action and are investing significantly in Old Town. The options for consumers are considerable so we must do our part to deliver an exceptional experience in Old Town.”

Summer spruce up in full swing

Scottsdale launched the first phase of this revitalization with a $2 million “Spruce Up Old Town” effort now underway. City crews have ramped up cleaning efforts in high-traffic areas, including the Entertainment District, 5th Avenue Shopping District and Stetson Avenue.

The Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage has received a fresh look with newly painted bollards, stairwells and railings, as well as a new safety sign. Ashtray receptacles throughout Old Town will also be replaced with upgraded models that reflect the area’s distinctive style.

Meanwhile, the Old Town Pavement Improvement Project, one of the city’s largest investments in the area’s infrastructure, is improving the quality of streets, alleyways and parking lots through October 2025. The work includes fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay treatments across nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt.

Pedestrian areas are also getting a boost. New granite is being added to areas throughout Old Town. Visitors to Historic Old Town will soon find improved wayfinding and kiosk signs, a new Civic Center monument sign and additional public restroom signs.

Building for tomorrow

Three major capital projects highlight Scottsdale’s long-term commitment to Old Town:

• Brown Avenue parking structure expansion ($15.2 million): The existing structure will be expanded to support increased demand. As part of the project, the Old Town Farmers Market will be relocated to a nearby site, with details to be announced. Design work is already underway, with a second public input meeting planned for late summer/early fall followed by final approval with the city’s Design Review Board.
• Entertainment District parking garage ($15.2 million): Planning has begun on a new parking structure in the northeast quadrant of Old Town Scottsdale. A public input meeting is scheduled for later this summer/early fall.
• Main Street streetscape and pedestrian improvements ($7.9 million): This project will improve walkability and accessibility along Main Street from 69th Street to Scottsdale Road, with enhanced sidewalks, landscaping and lighting. Community engagement meetings are planned for fall.

Community connections and merchant support

To better serve the businesses that power Old Town’s charm and economy, Scottsdale is creating a new Old Town Specialist position. This dedicated staff member will work closely with local merchants to ensure clear communication around maintenance, construction impacts, event coordination, etc.

“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,” said Tourism and Events Director Rachel Smetana. “With 2026 being Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary, residents can look forward to additional celebrations and activities ahead.”

Premiere events like Canal Convergence, Fall Festival, Día de Los Muertos and Scottsdazzle will return, joined by new attractions such as the Every Woman’s Marathon.

New businesses bring fresh energy

Old Town continues to attract private investment and new experiences, reinforcing its status as a dynamic place to live, work and play. It continues to attract new businesses with several openings from restaurants, hotels and attractions.

George Oliver Companies is revitalizing office property along Scottsdale Road and hotels continue to choose Old Town Scottsdale with a new AC Hotel by Marriott underway and the recent opening of The Remi Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection boutique hotel. Another highlight coming up is the new Pinyon restaurant from the Buck & Rider team scheduled to open in fall 2025.

Longtime Scottsdale restauranters Jacob Finley and Dale Jodoin recently selected Old Town Scottsdale for their new venture, Ponderosa, scheduled to open in early 2026. Jodoin shared, “Ponderosa chose Old Town Scottsdale because its blend of tourism and residential growth perfectly complements our vision. As Old Town restaurant veterans, we aim to enhance Scottsdale's reputation for hospitality, unique dining, and a vibrant atmosphere.”

As Scottsdale approaches its 75th anniversary, this investment in Old Town balances the character of the past with the needs of the future.