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 … Read More
ParkingGate Reaches its Conclusion with a Resounding Yes Vote. Perhaps We Can Argue About Something More Important Now
By Alexander Lomax Scottsdale’s great parking garage drama has finally ended. After weeks of petitions, protests, and enough civic outrage to fill several farmers markets, the Scottsdale City Council voted 5-2 last Tuesday night to approve the construction contract for the Brown Avenue parking structure in Old Town. Construction could begin as early as this summer, with the city eyeing … Read More
Statement from Mayor Borowsky on Brown Avenue Parking Garage
By Mayor Lisa Borowsky “After 16 months of public discussion, the City Council voted 5–2 on April 14 to move forward with the Brown Street Parking Garage. I am disappointed in this decision. From the beginning, I have raised concerns about the project’s location, cost, and compatibility with the character of Old Town. A three- to four-story parking structure at … Read More
Scottsdale Is Setting the Table: The Newest Culinary Must-Eats in the City
There has always been something quietly confident about Scottsdale’s dining scene; the sense that the desert knows how to throw a party. But 2026 is different. This year, the city isn’t just keeping pace with the country’s best food cities…it’s making a genuine argument for the top of the list. The most talked-about arrival so far is Cielito, the new … Read More
Downtown Scottsdale Task Force launches April 21 in heart of Old Town at Western Spirit
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is convening the inaugural meeting of the Downtown Scottsdale Task Force on Tuesday, April 21 at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way. The kick-off meeting is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, and marks the beginning of a focused community effort to shape the future of Old Town Scottsdale. … Read More
An NBA Star, an Old Town Arrest, and an Old Law: Phoenix Sun Dillon Brooks Highlights Antiquated Arizona Law
By Alexander Lomax Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was pulled over in Scottsdale around 1 a.m. for a traffic violation and subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The part that has a lot of people raising an eyebrow: he passed a breathalyzer test, and the DUI arrest was marijuana-related. Body camera footage released by Scottsdale PD shows … Read More
ParkingGate 2.0: Scottsdale’s $100K-Per-Spot Garage Just Won’t Quit
By Alexander Lomax 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. … Read More
Guest Editorial: Results – Old Town Scottdale
By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas Your Old Town Scottsdale is a beautiful and uniquely charming area that represents Scottsdale’s western heritage, while also welcoming locals and visitors to enjoy our modern amenities. Last week’s Western Week showed that Old Town is an important part of our past and our future. Unfortunately, it has languished too long without the attention of the city or … Read More
Old Town Does What Old Town Does: BOA Steakhouse Brings Hollywood Glamour to Scottsdale Waterfront
While conversations continue about the future of Old Town Scottsdale, complete with task forces and neighborhood debates (read our full coverage here), the area itself remains unbothered, doing what it does best: attracting world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences that keep it at the forefront of Arizona’s entertainment scene. The latest proof? BOA Steakhouse is set to open along the … Read More
Scottsdale Might Get an Old Town Task Force. Is This Even Necessary?
By Alexander Lomax In a bit of a surprise move, Mayor Lisa Borowsky has called a special City Council meeting for January 7 to discuss creating a Downtown Task Force focused on Old Town Scottsdale. According to a letter to the Old Town business community, the proposed task force would “evaluate and refine the Downtown Character Area Plan and current … Read More



