Desert Ridge Marketplace is in the midst of completing their $15 million renovation, but as the North Phoenix community is quickly discovering, the updates are much more than a makeover. The innovative design creates a modern environment that makes Desert Ridge a hip option for adults to grab a glass of wine or dinner at local restaurants, while offering upgraded, family-favorite amenities like the Splash Pad. The enhancements serve as the perfect backdrop for new community events, date nights and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, placing Desert Ridge at the center of “Where Life Happens.”
Unique additions to the 16-year-old shopping center since February include more than 57,000 square feet of eco-friendly turf, 75,000 square feet of luxurious dark recycled wood paneling, an update to The District Stage, new bocce ball courts, a new children’s play area, revamped fountains and portal entrances, earth-conscious EV charging stations, free Wi-Fi available throughout The District, a fresh, contemporary color palette throughout and cushy soft seating. The finishing touch will come when two massive, state-of-the-art LED screens are up-and-running, including a 50-by-14 foot installation at The District Stage.
The upgraded experience will expand to the Barnes & Noble courtyard, which features a renovated fountain surrounded by a vast lawn — a perfect space for adults to relax and play separate from the kids. Bocce ball courts, Adirondack chairs and a 21-by-11 foot LED screen create a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for couples to keep the fun going after a meal or craft cocktail at soon-to-debut, chef-driven concepts like Barrio Queen and MidiCi.
The transformations make for an inviting ambiance and create an entertainment oasis that continues to evolve with the North Phoenix community and grow with the original center clientele.
To appeal to adults, Desert Ridge is rolling out a calendar of diverse new events, all of which are FREE. Signature, family-friendly affairs like Summer Splash and Sundae Funday (which ran through August) are here to stay, but fresh engaging events, coupled with a new mix of restaurants and shops, will offer the opportunity for shared nights out.
This fall, couples and friends can capture memorable moments with an interactive photography and art-based event, Art Snap, where attendees can find fine art inspiration at Desert Ridge and snap and share their shots for a chance to have their works displayed in a pop-up gallery on site. Live music fanatics can enjoy sophisticated sounds during the Jazz Concert Series over small plates and mocktails provided by newly-introduced restaurants. On any Friday or Saturday night, guests can listen to FREE live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. from hot local bands, including New Philosophy, Whiskey Bent, Bonafide and Ratio, followed by cocktails or late-night bites at favorite nightlife spots like Sandbar, Majerle’s or Yard House.
With the cooler weather coming, kids and adults alike will have the opportunity to watch classic films on the newly-installed LED screen outside of Barnes & Noble as they nibble on grab-and-go picnic dinner deals provided by new and favorite culinary destinations.
Work off those calories at Yoga in The District, where guests can stretch and strengthen during evening classes led by local instructors. Busy moms that want to get fit in between nap time and snack time can drop by FIT4MOM classes, which include Stroller Barre (Tuesdays) for moms and their stroller-bound little ones and Body Back Classes (Wednesdays), for moms looking to get back in pre-pregnancy shape.
To learn more about how Desert Ridge Marketplace is continuing to evolve, visit www.shopdesertridge.com/next or visit the center located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix.
About Desert Ridge Marketplace
As Arizona’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Desert Ridge Marketplace delivers the ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. Immerse your shopping senses in a unique blend of specialty retailers; restaurants and entertainment venues spread over 120 acres. The center’s 1.2 million square feet of retail space – home to more than 100 retailers and restaurants – is a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination you’ll want to come back to again and again. Desert Ridge Marketplace is located in Phoenix, Arizona, just north of the Loop 101 on Tatum Boulevard. For more information, visit www.shopdesertridge.com.
