Major $47M Upgrade Plan Announced for Old Town Scottsdale

Interesting Facts

Scottsdale is embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize Old Town Scottsdale with a substantial $47 million investment aimed at enhancing infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and enriching the area's cultural vibrancy.

 

Recent pavement improvements have significantly upgraded roads and alleys throughout Old Town, boosting safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. These enhancements not only facilitate daily business operations but also accommodate major events, reflecting the city's commitment to modernizing essential systems in one of its most active districts.

 

City Manager Greg Caton emphasized the strategic nature of these investments, stating that by reinvesting in infrastructure, public spaces, and economic development simultaneously, Scottsdale aims to support local businesses, improve the visitor experience, and responsibly manage public resources.

 

Additional enhancements are underway or proposed as part of the city's fiscal year 2026/27 budget. These include a second phase of streetscape beautification featuring expanded tree planting, new street furniture, and improved wayfinding. Plans also encompass new monument signs on Fifth Avenue to strengthen district identity, as well as upgrades to the Horseshoe Falls installation at Marshall Way and Indian School Road, and landscape and lighting improvements at Solstice Park.

 

ld Town continues to serve as a hub for community gatherings and signature events. The Scottsdale Farmers Market is set to relocate to a larger space outside City Hall, while events such as Scottsdazzle, Western Week, weekly ArtWalks, and weekend activations continue to draw residents and visitors year-round. The city has also expanded marketing support for Old Town merchants through matching funds, a dedicated website and events calendar, social media, newsletters, and event banner programs.

 

To further strengthen Old Town's role as an economic engine, Scottsdale is initiating the development of a new Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan and a Five-Year Tourism and Events Strategic Plan. These plans will be developed concurrently, subject to City Council approval in the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, to better align business development, tourism, events, and destination marketing under a unified framework.

 

As part of this effort, the city recently appointed Kevin Burke as senior director of economic development and tourism. In this role, Burke oversees both economic development and tourism and events, creating a single leadership structure focused on coordination, efficiency, and shared outcomes.

 

Burke highlighted the deep connection between tourism and economic development in Scottsdale, especially in areas like Old Town. By aligning these efforts under one strategy and leadership team, the city aims to better support businesses, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure that growth benefits the broader community.

 

This combined approach allows Scottsdale to maximize resources, reduce duplication, and deliver a clearer brand and vision for Old Town's future, while continuing to invest in infrastructure, quality of place, and experiences that residents and visitors value.

 

Improvements and strategic planning efforts in Old Town will continue to advance through 2026, with additional updates provided as projects progress and budget decisions are finalized.

Q/A Questions

Q: What is the goal of the $47M upgrade plan for Old Town Scottsdale?

A: The goal of the $47M upgrade plan is to revitalize and enhance the historic charm of Old Town Scottsdale, while also improving infrastructure and amenities for residents and visitors.

Q: What specific improvements are included in the upgrade plan?

A: Some of the specific improvements included in the upgrade plan are new streetscaping, improved lighting, upgraded sidewalks, enhanced public spaces, and improved access to transportation options.

Q: How will the upgrade plan benefit the community?

A: The upgrade plan is expected to benefit the community by attracting more visitors and businesses to Old Town Scottsdale, increasing property values, and creating a more vibrant and livable neighborhood for residents to enjoy.