By Alexander Lomax
Photo Credit: Scottsdale Progress
Just when you thought Scottsdale’s most dramatic parking saga might finally find a spot to rest, the city went ahead and unveiled its grand vision for the Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion: a four-level, Western-style garage that will set taxpayers back a cool $18 million, or roughly $100,000 per parking stall.
Yes, per stall. Let that marinate. And read our previous coverage here.
City officials, to their credit, acknowledged with a straight face that the national average for a parking spot runs about $20,000 to $30,000. But hey, this isn’t your average parking garage. This beauty will feature textured concrete, brick accents, wood shutters, and covered walkways; essentially a luxury spa experience for your Toyota Camry. There will even be custom artwork celebrating Scottsdale’s cultural identity, because nothing says “Old West charm” like a $100K concrete box across the street from the city’s oldest church.
The project, which will sit at 1st Street and Brown Avenue (directly opposite the historic Old Adobe Mission) has drawn opposition from residents who fear it will damage Old Town’s character and displace the beloved farmer’s market. A petition to stop it has been circulating, though a similar effort last year failed to move the needle with city council. ParkingGate giveth, and ParkingGate taketh away.
Among those pushing back on the price tag (which voters approved funding for in 2019) is small business owner Crystal Carroll, who is also running for city council. Carroll’s position will surprise absolutely no one who’s followed this saga: she’s been reliably aligned with Mayor Lisa Borowsky, who has been one of the loudest and most consistent voices against the project. The mayor hasn’t minced words, calling it “not an example of a quality location for a parking garage” and flagging its proximity to the historic district, narrow streets, and busy pedestrian traffic. Her office confirmed this week that her stance hasn’t budged one inch; she’s now calling for a new parking study.
Borowsky and Carroll. Photo Credit: Scottsdale Progress
Meanwhile, supporters argue the area desperately needs more parking. Long-time resident French Thompson perhaps summed it up best: “We’re not building average America. We’re building Scottsdale.”
Construction is set to begin this summer. Stay tuned…ParkingGate is just getting started.