New Luxury Condos Breaking Ground

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

In today’s Scottsdale Scoop:

Let’s get into it.

— John Apolinar

Construction crews are busy across Scottsdale as several major luxury developments take shape. Optima McDowell Mountain's massive $1 billion project is underway near Scottsdale Road and Loop 101, with the first of six planned eight-story towers nearing completion for a summer 2027 opening.

Meanwhile, the 88-unit Atavia midrise development begins construction this summer, and Ascent at the Phoenician is moving forward with ultra-luxury villas and condos adjacent to the resort.

These projects represent some of the largest residential construction efforts in the city's recent history, adding hundreds of new luxury units to Scottsdale's housing inventory.

I try not to cover politics at all so don’t crucify me but I wanted to share an interesting article I read. Mayor Lisa Borowsky is exploring the possibility of relocating the Salt River wild horses to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

The approximately 300 horses currently roam areas along the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. Moving them to the preserve would provide access to 30,500 acres of protected Sonoran Desert habitat that the city completed acquiring this year and we covered in a short snippet last week!

The proposal is still in the consideration phase, with no timeline established for implementation.

Starting tomorrow, July 31st, Scottsdale's new ordinance prohibits anyone under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes on city property.

Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds over 21 mph and have been linked to increased injuries among young riders.

Violations carry a $100 fine, and businesses selling these bikes must now post age restriction notices and provide safety education materials to buyers. The ordinance aims to improve safety while still allowing younger riders to use slower Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.

SW Golf Cars has been a trusted part of our community for over 35 years, and their Scottsdale location on East Raintree Drive continues that legacy of exceptional service. Whether you need a reliable golf cart for your morning rounds, a neighborhood vehicle for getting around town, or commercial utility vehicles for your business, their experienced team takes care of Scottsdale residents like family.

They're not just selling you a vehicle, they're providing complete sales, service, and parts support for all major brands, so you know you're covered long after your purchase.

It's the kind of local business relationship that makes our community stronger, built on repeat customers who keep coming back because they genuinely care about your experience.

Check them out here.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a fun concept you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hello to 7,000 locals?

Graze Craze takes the stress out of hosting with handcrafted charcuterie boards that wow guests for every occasion. Locally owned in Fountain Hills and always freshly made, they deliver all over the Valley. Check them out here.

Soko Skin is a hidden gem in the skin-care space here. I love how they focus on Korean skincare products that promote hydration and a healthy skin barrier. Book your glow-up

The Dating Gym is much needed for some of us! Struggling to find the confidence to get off the dating apps and meet women in person? Worried, you won't know what to say? They’ll teach you and work on exactly how to meet the person you've been searching for. Sign up for a free class here on Fri, Sat or Sun.

Buck & Rider is leaning into National Oyster Day on August 2nd. They have a special all day for $2 oysters. Count me in! Make a reservation

A bit different than the typical business we highlight but we had to give a shout out for a young entrepreneur! Julia started Cactus Charms AZ as a senior in High School and has been steadily growing it to include affordable custom charm necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even men’s jewelry.

What makes Cactus Charms AZ special is the super-strong magnetic clasps she designed after years of struggling with traditional clasps as a competitive swimmer. Julia has been coaching with Special Olympics Phoenix for four years and gives back by donating a percentage of her proceeds to support her swimmers and fund her future college program.

You can catch her handcrafted 18k gold-plated and silver pieces at pop-up events around Scottsdale throughout the year as well as buy them online here.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Tucked away like a well-kept secret next to the charming Bespoke Inn in Old Town Scottsdale, Virtù is a great little intimate spot.

Chef Gio Osso's Mediterranean menu doesn’t miss a beat and each beautifully crafted dish tells a story worth sharing.

The restaurant's inviting patio and dining room add to the date vibe, allowing you to truly connect over exceptional food and carefully curated wines. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want to show someone how much they mean to you, Virtù provides that rare combination of James Beard-nominated cuisine and genuine warmth that’s worth seeing with a significant other.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Thursday, July 31

🍕 Pizza-Making Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎨 ArtWalk | Old Town Scottsdale Arts District | 7:00PM

🎵 Lee Brice | Talking Stick Resort | 8PM

🧘‍♀️ Community Sunset Yoga | The Scottsdale Resort | 6:30PM

Friday, August 1

🎬 First Friday Movie Night (TED) | The Scottsdale Resort & Spa | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

🧘 Flow State Wellness Pilates + Yoga Pop-Up | Casa Luna Collective | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

🎸 Fan Halen Van Halen Tribute | Casino Arizona | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

😂 Amir K Standup Comedy | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:00PM (multiple days)

Saturday, August 2

🕺 World Hip Hop Dance Championship | Mullett Arena ASU | 6:00 PM

🏊 Scottsdale Saturday Pool Party | Cleopatra's Beach Club, Caesars Republic | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

💃 Moulin Rouge! The Musical | ASU Gammage | 2:00PM

🏓 Desert Dink Classic Pickleball Tournament | Life Time Fitness North Scottsdale| 9AM

Sunday, August 3

🎒 Back Pack Drive and Ice Cream Social | Sold by Samantha | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Featuring last week’s most expensive home sold at $4.8M. Another home with an amazing backyard.

Here’s the Realtor.com link if you want to check it out!

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Our 7,000+ Scottsdale neighbors are always asking: "Where'd you find that place?"

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