Staff Reports | Community Updates
Diversified Partners, a Scottsdale-based real estate brokerage and development firm, has broken ground on The Lakefront at Scottsdale, the next phase of the approximately 100,000-square-foot mixed-use redevelopment of the landmark waterfront property.
The project will include dining, retail, Class A office space and public gathering areas. Diversified Partners also announced three future tenants: SUSHISAMBA, V Modern Italian and La La Land. The redevelopment will be completed in phases and is intended to revitalize the longtime McCormick Ranch property, according to a press release.
The groundbreaking celebration drew more than 213 attendees, including project partners, tenants and members of Scottsdale’s civic and business communities. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky delivered remarks before joining project leaders for the ceremonial groundbreaking.
“Having grown up within two miles of this iconic McCormick Ranch location, I know firsthand how much this site means to the neighborhood and the City of Scottsdale,” Mayor Borowsky said in a press release.
“My family and I have lived within walking distance for nearly 25 years, so this site holds an incredibly special place in my heart. I’ve witnessed firsthand the level of care, quality and attention to detail Walt Brown and his team bring to the table, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what they have in store for our neighborhood. I am certain creativity, luxury and a welcoming experience will be front and center while honoring our beloved McCormick Ranch lake area.”
City of Scottsdale representatives in attendance included
- Mayor Lisa Borowsky;
- Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen;
- Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas;
- Councilman Barry Graham;
- Desirae Phrasavath, economic development specialist; and
- Cheryl Sumners, events manager.
Representatives from the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce included:
- Mark Stanton, president and CEO;
- Stephanie Miller, executive director of programs and events;
- Grace Ostaff, programs and events coordinator;
- Hannah Howard, member services director;
- Tina Miller and
- Linda Ruisinger, directors of business development; and Tom Keal, finance manager.
- New tenants announced for redevelopment
Restaurant concepts announced at The Lakefront of Scottsdale
SUSHISAMBA has signed a letter of intent for approximately 12,000 square feet at The Lakefront, bringing its blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine to Scottsdale.
“Scottsdale is one of the most compelling hospitality markets in the country, and we have long admired what this community has built. Its energy, creativity and appreciation for great food and design feel very aligned with the SUSHISAMBA brand. We’re excited about the opportunity to become part of Scottsdale’s dynamic culinary scene,” Omar Gutierrez, co-CEO of SUSHISAMBA Group, said.
V Modern Italian will occupy approximately 7,000 square feet and is expected to open in 2027. Scottsdale will join the brand’s existing and planned locations in Nashville, Charleston, Tampa and Kansas City.
“Scottsdale is an incredible community, and The Lakefront is a perfect setting to introduce V Modern Italian,” Ned Lyerly, CEO and managing partner of V Modern Italian, said. “We’re excited to create a place that brings people together through exceptional food, energy and hospitality — and to become part of Scottsdale’s vibrant dining scene.”
Built around its “Feed Your Senses” philosophy, V Modern Italian combines Italian cuisine, contemporary design, music and hospitality. Developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti, the Scottsdale menu is expected to feature house-made pastas, antipasti, premium meat selections and seasonal ingredients, complemented by cocktails, Italian aperitifs and European wines.
La La Land will open in a freestanding corner location at The Lakefront. The specialty coffee and matcha café concept is known for its all-white design accented by yellow details and a community-focused atmosphere.
Originally developed in 1978, The Lakefront is found east of Scottsdale Road near McCormick Parkway and offers waterfront views of the lake and Camelback Mountain.
The approximately 100,000-square-foot property will be redeveloped in phases with restaurants, outdoor dining, retail space, Class A office space and public gathering areas designed to encourage walkability and waterfront activity.
Plans also include Forever Lane, a dedicated valet arrival area, and a small marina with Duffy boat rentals.
A.R. Mays Construction is serving as general contractor and design-assist partner for the project and was a sponsor of the groundbreaking celebration.
The company has been engaged in preconstruction planning for several months as the team works to transform the existing single-tenant office building into a mixed-use, multi-tenant property. Demolition is scheduled to begin in early October, with a larger phase of construction expected to begin in early 2027 after design and permitting work is completed.
Commonwealth Land Title Phoenix NCS also supported the groundbreaking celebration as a sponsor.
