Scottsdale, Arizona, January 25, 2026
Old Town Scottsdale in Arizona is set to receive a transformative $47 million investment aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. The project focuses on critical public amenities, modernizing roads, parking, and pedestrian areas to foster economic vitality and attract new businesses. The improvements are expected to solidify Old Town’s reputation as a vibrant economic center while supporting local entrepreneurs and enhancing community life.
Scottsdale’s Old Town Flourishes with $47M Investment
Strategic upgrades are set to enhance infrastructure, boost local commerce, and solidify Old Town’s standing as a vibrant economic center.
Scottsdale, Arizona – The thriving heart of Old Town Scottsdale is embarking on a significant transformation, propelled by a substantial $47 million investment aimed at upgrading its essential infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. This strategic commitment underscores a proactive approach to fostering economic vitality and supporting the robust ecosystem of Phoenix AZ business. Such investments are often crucial for maintaining the competitive edge of commercial districts, ensuring that areas known for their entrepreneurial spirit continue to draw both local talent and external investment.
This initiative represents a forward-thinking endeavor by the city to reinforce Scottsdale economic growth. It focuses on critical public infrastructure, which, when robust, can significantly reduce operational friction for local enterprises and create a more attractive environment for new ventures. By addressing foundational elements like roadways, parking, and public spaces, the city is cultivating conditions ripe for continued innovation and the flourishing of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
Boosting Old Town’s Foundation: The Investment Overview
The city of Scottsdale is dedicating a significant $47 million to a comprehensive revitalization plan for Old Town, targeting improvements in infrastructure, safety, and the overall visitor and resident experience. This substantial investment aims to enhance daily life for residents and ensure Old Town maintains its status as a premier destination for visitors and businesses.
This initiative is designed to elevate the area’s physical foundations, creating a more appealing and functional environment. It reflects a commitment to supporting the district’s unique character while preparing for future growth and increased activity within this vital part of Phoenix AZ business landscape. The plan includes a multi-phased approach to ensure thorough and impactful upgrades across various aspects of Old Town.
Enhancing Mobility and Accessibility
A significant component of the revitalization plan includes extensive improvements to the area’s transportation network and pedestrian zones. The Old Town Pavement Improvement Project is a major investment in the area’s infrastructure, enhancing the quality of streets, alleyways, and parking lots. This project, which began in June 2025 and is slated to continue through October 2025, involves work across nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt.
The pavement work encompasses various surface treatments, including fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay applications, all designed to ensure a smoother and safer driving experience. Beyond vehicle infrastructure, pedestrian areas are also receiving considerable attention. Sidewalk upgrades, improved lighting, and enhanced landscaping are planned, alongside the installation of new granite in various areas. Additionally, updated wayfinding and kiosk signs will be installed throughout Historic Old Town, making navigation easier for visitors and contributing to a more welcoming atmosphere for those exploring the district’s many Phoenix small business establishments.
Modernizing Parking Infrastructure
Recognizing the importance of convenient access, the revitalization plan allocates resources for modernizing Old Town’s parking infrastructure. This includes the expansion of existing parking garages and the construction of a new parking structure located in the northeast quadrant of Old Town.
These enhancements are intended to relieve parking pressures and improve convenience for both residents and visitors, supporting the commercial activity in the area. As part of these strategic changes, the Old Town Farmers Market will be relocated to a nearby site to accommodate the expansion of the Brown Avenue parking structure. This forward-thinking approach to parking is vital for supporting the vibrant retail and entertainment sectors that define Old Town Scottsdale.
Elevating Public Spaces and Visitor Experience
Beyond core infrastructure, the investment also focuses on elevating the aesthetic and functional quality of Old Town’s public spaces. An initial phase of the revitalization plan involved a $2 million “Spruce Up Old Town” effort. This concentrated on ramped-up cleaning efforts in high-traffic areas, including the Entertainment District, 5th Avenue Shopping District, and Stetson Avenue.
Further enhancements include a refreshed Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage, featuring newly painted bollards, stairwells, railings, and a new safety sign. Ashtray receptacles throughout Old Town will also be replaced with upgraded models that align with the area’s distinctive style. New public restroom signs and a new Civic Center monument sign will contribute to a more polished and user-friendly environment, reinforcing Old Town’s appeal as a world-class destination.
Fostering Business and Community Prosperity
The comprehensive upgrades in Old Town Scottsdale are projected to yield significant benefits for the local economy and community. By improving infrastructure, accessibility, and public spaces, the city is creating an environment that naturally attracts private investment and encourages the growth of local businesses. The revitalization is expected to draw further mixed-use developments, combining housing, retail, and lifestyle amenities, which continues Old Town’s evolution into a full-service urban core.
These enhancements align with Scottsdale’s long-standing vision for Old Town as a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly core, as outlined in the area’s character plan. The city’s economic development strategy recognizes tourism as a key sector, and these upgrades are designed to support existing businesses, attract new ones, and create a more resilient local economy. For Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and small businesses, the improved environment promises increased foot traffic, enhanced visitor satisfaction, and a stronger foundation for sustained success.
Scottsdale’s $47 million investment in Old Town is a testament to its commitment to fostering a dynamic economic landscape and a high quality of life. By focusing on essential infrastructure, enhancing mobility, and improving public spaces, the city is creating fertile ground for Phoenix AZ business to thrive, ensuring Old Town Scottsdale remains a beacon of entrepreneurial innovation and community vibrancy for years to come. We encourage residents and visitors to continue supporting the diverse array of local businesses that make Old Town unique and to stay engaged in the ongoing economic evolution of our remarkable city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment in Old Town Scottsdale upgrades?
The city of Scottsdale is making a significant $47 million investment in comprehensive revitalization for Old Town.
What are the main goals of these upgrades?
The main goals are to elevate Old Town Scottsdale’s infrastructure, safety, and overall experience, enhancing daily life for residents and ensuring the area remains a top-tier destination for visitors and businesses.
What specific infrastructure improvements are included?
Specific infrastructure improvements include the Old Town Pavement Improvement Project, which covers streets, alleyways, and parking lots with fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay treatments across nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt.
How will parking be improved in Old Town?
Parking infrastructure will be modernized through the expansion of existing parking garages and the construction of a new parking structure in the northeast quadrant of Old Town.
What enhancements are being made for pedestrians?
Pedestrian enhancements include sidewalk upgrades, improved lighting, landscaping, updated asphalt and granite walkways, and better wayfinding signage across key districts.
How will these upgrades benefit local businesses?
The upgrades are expected to attract new businesses, support existing small businesses, drive tourism, and reinforce Scottsdale’s economic position by creating a more appealing and functional environment.
When is the Old Town Pavement Improvement Project expected to be completed?
The Old Town Pavement Improvement Project, which started in June 2025, is expected to continue through October 2025.
Key Features of Old Town Scottsdale Upgrades
| Feature | Details | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $47 million for comprehensive revitalization. | Reinforces Scottsdale economic growth and vitality. |
| Pavement Improvements | Old Town Pavement Improvement Project covering nearly 374,000 square yards of asphalt. Includes fog sealing, micro sealing, and mill-and-overlay treatments. | Smoother and safer driving experience, enhanced curb appeal. |
| Pedestrian Enhancements | Sidewalk upgrades, improved lighting, landscaping, new granite, and updated wayfinding signage. | Improved walkability, enhanced visitor experience, better navigation. |
| Parking Infrastructure | Expansion of existing parking garages and construction of a new parking structure in the northeast quadrant of Old Town. | Relieves parking pressures, improves convenience for residents and visitors. |
| Public Spaces & Aesthetics | “$2 million Spruce Up Old Town” effort, including cleaning, Wells Fargo Avenue Parking Garage refresh, and upgraded ashtray receptacles. New Civic Center monument sign and public restroom signs. | Elevates overall experience, maintains Old Town as a premier destination. |
| Economic & Community Impact | Aims to attract further mixed-use developments, support Phoenix small business, and reinforce Old Town’s role as a cultural and lifestyle hub. | Fosters business prosperity, job creation, and long-term neighborhood value. |
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