By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
On the surface, Avala Scottsdale (Modus Companies) and Old Town’s AC Marriott Hotel (PEG) don’t appear related. But both followed a similar path—and show what happens when a Council negotiates hard and delivers prosperity for all in Scottsdale.
Both projects are in highly desirable locations—though in Scottsdale, that’s every site. Avala, a single-story, net-zero energy rental home community, is on Oak and 64th St. The AC Marriott, now open in the heart of Old Town on 3rd Avenue, was part of the 3-building Kimsey Project.
In both cases, the original proposals fell short—too tall, too dense, lacking open space and meaningful public investment. Just meh…. My opposition was key to both projects being withdrawn.
What followed is the real story.
Each site included buildings with historic significance—assets that deserved preservation, not demolition as initially proposed. In both cases, new development teams showed up with more Scottsdale-appropriate proposals and with negotiations we got even more: lower heights, bigger trees, more pedestrian infrastructure, and a commitment to reinvest in the historic structures.
In Old Town, a long-vacant building is gone. The AC Marriott now replaces blight with vibrancy—bringing new customers to local restaurants and merchants. The historic Haver House, once Scottsdale’s first City Hall, is being carefully restored. The final apartment building will add housing along Indian School Road, along with wider sidewalks, more trees, and pedestrian connections to the shops. Year-round foot traffic is what keeps Old Town’s business district alive.
At 64th Street and Oak, Modus Companies stayed within existing zoning to construct Avala Scottsdale, a 94 one-story, net-zero energy rental home community. With spectacular Papago and Camelback views, the community design respects the areas scale and character. The historic blood bank is also being preserved and repurposed into co-working space for residents.
It’s incredibly rewarding—and a lot of fun—to turn the first shovel of dirt and speak at the opening ceremonies. Setting the bar high and working with all stakeholders is what keeps Scottsdale on a winning trajectory!
