The past meets the present on the streets of Old Scottsdale. Buildings that once housed the first post office, pharmacy, bank, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse (now the home of a history museum) preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Arizona frontier, while new streetscape designs redefine historic downtown areas as commercial business districts with distinct identities in "The New West."

Landscape Architects with Willdan Associates and architect Adolf DeRoy-Mark developed two separate yet consistent themes to distinguish a contemporary gallery district from the historic "Old Town" area. Since the two districts converge at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and West Main Street, lighted portals that span the width of streets act like "gateways" and create a strong sense of arrival for each area. Specially designed directional signs, information kiosks, street lights, and street furniture augment the theme of each individual district, while arid-land plantings reinforce the Southwestern flavor throughout the revitalization area.

Martha West, Downtown Planning Manager with the City of Scottsdale, told LASN, "The project has had a very positive effect on how tourists perceive the downtown area. Merchants are very happy with the results of the public-private partnership. Comfort amenities-seating, cooling, color-have effectively increased consumer response."