The City of Scottsdale has announced a $40 million investment for the 2025/26 fiscal year to improve Old Town Scottsdale’s infrastructure, safety, and visitor experience. The initiative aims to benefit residents while maintaining Old Town as an attractive destination for tourists 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 the revitalization includes a $2 million “Spruce Up Old Town” project, which focuses on increased cleaning efforts in areas such as the Entertainment District, 5th Avenue Shopping District, and Stetson Avenue. Updates at the Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage include new paintwork on bollards, stairwells, railings, and installation of a new safety sign. Ashtray receptacles throughout Old Town will be replaced with models that match the area’s style.
Infrastructure improvements are also underway through the Old Town Pavement Improvement Project. This work involves street repairs like fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay treatments across nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt through October 2025. Pedestrian areas will see upgrades such as 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 plans:
– The Brown Avenue parking structure expansion ($15.2 million) will add capacity to meet growing demand; it also requires relocating the Old Town Farmers Market nearby.
– A new Entertainment District parking garage ($15.2 million) is planned for northeast Old Town.
– Main Street streetscape improvements ($7.9 million) will focus on walkability between 69th Street and Scottsdale Road.
Public input meetings are scheduled throughout late summer into fall before final approvals.
To support local businesses during these changes, Scottsdale is creating an Old Town Specialist position dedicated to merchant communication regarding maintenance or construction impacts.
“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.”
Signature events like Canal Convergence, Fall Festival, Día de Los Muertos, Scottsdazzle—and newcomers such as Every Woman’s Marathon—will continue or debut over coming months.
Private investment remains strong in Old Town with ongoing office renovations by George Oliver Companies along Scottsdale Road. New hospitality ventures include an AC Hotel by Marriott under construction alongside recent openings like The Remi Scottsdale boutique hotel (Autograph Collection). Notable restaurant additions include Pinyon from Buck & Rider (opening fall 2025), plus Ponderosa—a venture from Jacob Finley and Dale Jodoin—expected early 2026.
Jodoin commented: “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 it approaches its milestone anniversary in 2026—the city’s seventy-fifth—Scottsdale continues balancing historic character with future needs through this significant investment.
