SOUTHBRIDGE
Old Town Scottsdale, AZ

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the most vibrant downtown districts in the American Southwest, known for its walkable neighborhoods, lively nightlife, art galleries, and historic character dating back to the late 1800s. The district blends contemporary urban energy with Old West heritage, creating a destination with a distinct sense of place.​ Located along the Arizona Canal, the Southbridge District is anchored by the Pedestrian Bridge & Plaza designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. Our team was commissioned by LGE-Creation to enhance the district by creating a pedestrian-oriented destination within Old Town’s urban fabric.​ The project introduces a mid-block paseo connecting across 6th Avenue, improving pedestrian circulation while creating new storefront opportunities within a large superblock. The paseo links two shaded gathering spaces lined with shops and outdoor dining, with building placement and circulation informed by environmental modeling to improve comfort in Scottsdale’s desert climate.​ Ground-level retail prioritizes the pedestrian experience through varied storefront scales and tenant types that support vibrant co-tenancy throughout the day. Upper levels feature boutique offices and private member clubs with terraced views toward Camelback Mountain.​ The architectural language draws from Scottsdale’s “West’s Most Western Town” identity through masonry, weathered metals, and wood accents, blending contemporary retail placemaking with the historic scale and character of Old Town.​

*Designed by Lance Abaya, Design Leader, while at GFFdesign.