Mixed-use developments have become a defining element of urban design, combining residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces into vibrant, walkable communities. As these spaces grow in popularity, so does the need for thoughtful planning and innovative engineering. Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona stands out as a prime example of this evolution—and Atwell played a central role in making it happen.
A destination for all aspects of life
When the developer and Nelsen Partners approached the Atwell team, they brought a vision to build on their success at Kierland Commons, expanding the open-air pedestrian experience and enhancing innovative elements to take it to the next level. This forward-thinking concept reimagined how people could live, work, shop, and relax in one connected, walkable community, setting a new standard for the area. Bringing that vision to life required careful planning, meticulous management, and seamless coordination and communication.
“The vision for this project was a location that would bring together a beautiful space where people could enjoy all aspects of their life,” said Ramzi Georges, Director at Atwell. “Whether a person is living there, working there, or just visiting for a wonderful day of entertainment, the experience should be a great one.”
The diversity of spaces and offerings at Scottsdale Quarter aims to satisfy a variety of family types, lifestyles, work environments, and recreational activities. The 28-acre site in Scottsdale, Arizona includes 700,000 square feet of residential space; 217,000 square feet of office space; and over 360,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, cinema, and entertainment space.
Today, Scottsdale Quarter stands as a testament to the power and impact of pedestrian-oriented design, reshaping how communities gather, move, and connect in the desert, while pioneering a model that continues to influence development across the region.
Overcoming complex engineering and coordination requirements
Atwell’s team worked on a number of elements of the project, including platting, utilities design, and complicated grading and drainage. With very dense sites like this one, one of the hardest tasks was determining the drainage process. The team had to send the drainage to its historic path, which was a complex ordeal, as the team also had to account for underground retention in addition to the normal utilities.
Another challenge was the specialized coordination with the local fire department to accommodate fire truck routing that aligned with the site plan. Atwell’s team also had to coordinate with many new tenants, such as restaurants, apartment builders, retailers, and hotels.
“We had very aggressive schedules for the different phases of the site, but we were able to meet those schedules in each case,” stated Georges. “We really collaborated well with Nelsen Partners, who served as the architect on the project, to be sure that we could deliver a high-end destination and support all the tenant needs and customization requirements as tenants signed on to be part of the Quarter.”
High quality work leads to high quality results
Members of the Atwell team worked on this project from 2007 to 2022. Today, Scottsdale Quarter has become a premier shopping destination offering market-exclusive brands and locally-owned specialty shops to residents and tourists alike. The mixed-use development also hosts dozens of events each year, including live music, fitness events, and family-friendly experiences.
“Ultimately, I’m extremely proud of the team we had,” said Georges. “This project came with unique needs and many moving parts that we had to coordinate, but we were able to meet every need. Now, Scottsdale Quarter has become a highly sought after location in one of the most attractive areas in the region.”
