The City of Scottsdale has announced a $40 million investment for the 2025/26 fiscal year to upgrade Old Town Scottsdale’s infrastructure, safety, and visitor experience. The city says the move is aimed at improving daily life for residents and maintaining Old Town as a destination for both 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.”
The first phase of revitalization began with a $2 million “Spruce Up Old Town” campaign, which includes increased cleaning efforts in busy areas such as the Entertainment District, 5th Avenue Shopping District, and Stetson Avenue. Improvements have also been made to the Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage, including new paint on bollards, stairwells, railings, and updated safety signage. Ashtray receptacles throughout Old Town are being replaced with upgraded models designed to fit the area’s style.
Infrastructure work continues through October 2025 with pavement improvements across nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt using fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay treatments. Pedestrian zones are also receiving upgrades like new granite surfaces, improved wayfinding signs, a Civic Center monument sign, and more restroom signage.
Three major capital projects form part of Scottsdale’s long-term plan: expanding the Brown Avenue parking structure ($15.2 million), building a new parking garage in the Entertainment District ($15.2 million), and enhancing Main Street’s streetscape from 69th Street to Scottsdale Road ($7.9 million). These projects will involve public input meetings before final approvals.
To better connect with local businesses during these changes, Scottsdale is creating an Old Town Specialist position dedicated to working with merchants on communication about maintenance schedules, construction impacts, event coordination, and other concerns.
“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.”
Annual events such as Canal Convergence, Fall Festival, Día de Los Muertos, Scottsdazzle will return alongside new attractions like Every Woman’s Marathon.
Private investment remains strong in Old Town with several restaurant openings planned or underway. George Oliver Companies is updating office space along Scottsdale Road; hotel developments include an AC Hotel by Marriott under construction and The Remi Scottsdale recently opened as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection boutique hotels. The Buck & Rider team plans to open Pinyon restaurant in fall 2025.
Restaurateurs Jacob Finley and Dale Jodoin are set to open Ponderosa in early 2026. Jodoin stated: “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 milestone anniversary in 2026—its 75th—the city says these investments balance historic character with future needs.
