The old town parking garage project in Scottsdale has quickly become one of the most talked-about construction efforts in the city, drawing strong opinions from both business owners and local leaders.

A familiar two-story lot, often called the Parking Corral, sits at First Street and Brown Avenue, serving residents and visitors for over two decades.

But now, large signs declare it closed due to parking garage construction, leaving regulars searching for alternatives and businesses grappling with drops in foot traffic.

Several restaurant owners describe the project as a major blow to their livelihoods, reporting double-digit declines in sales since the closure began.

The frustration is palpable on the streets, with workers rearranging sidewalk seating and customers wandering for elusive parking spots in the sweltering summer heat.

City officials defend the move, pointing to the overwhelming 2019 voter support for expanded Old Town parking.

Still, debate rages on whether this short-term pain will actually yield long-term gain for local shops and historic restaurants.

Plans confirm that the Brown Avenue Parking Expansion will ultimately add two more levels and nearly 200 stalls to the structure, alongside shaded walkways and preserved public art installations.

Yet the loss of the farmer’s market location and noisy street closures throughout the area mean that the community’s patience is wearing thin.

Looking ahead, city projections have completion targeted for the summer of 2027, though some owners openly doubt the timeline given the typical delays tied to major projects of this size.

The debate is also heating up over a separate Scottsdale parking expansion further north, where a new four-story garage will replace a city lot, promising over 200 new spaces just off Stetson Drive.

Meanwhile, several new businesses and galleries are opening nearby, relying on improved access and visitors to fuel their grand openings even amid ongoing disruptions.

As construction continues, it’s clear the old town parking garage saga is more than a tale of concrete and steel—it’s reshaping the future of Scottsdale’s local core, for better or worse.