Sophisticated shopping. A community hub. A hip, always-welcoming social oasis that engages its North Phoenix neighborhood.

In February, Desert Ridge Marketplace set out to craft that exact atmosphere when it announced a $15 million renovation, which outlined polished updates throughout the center—part of Desert Ridge’s mission to grow with the surrounding demographic. Now, with construction nearly complete, shoppers and diners can begin to experience the upgrades and community events at the new-and-improved Desert Ridge Marketplace as the center continues its improvements.

Desert Ridge has received positive feedback from shoppers, who have noticed new, modernized portal entries into The District and an updated, refined color palette, accented by dark wood exterior paneling. Eco-friendly turf has replaced grass and concrete as part of Desert Ridge Marketplace’s mission to go green, which also includes eight new, environmentally-savvy EV charging stations located on the north side of The District.

Palm trees have replaced large, bulky planters in The District’s “core,” creating an open shopping atmosphere that makes storefronts easily accessible. Palm trees have also been added to the reimagined Barnes & Noble fountain area, with the addition of a full turf lawn. The area will host mainstay events like Movies in The District with a new LED screen to be installed in August, complemented by stylish, comfortable seating.

The fully remodeled District Stage area is nearly complete and back in action, just in time for the center’s weekly live music and classic family events like Bubble Bash (May 20). The splash pad perimeter has been updated with lush, new turf, making it the perfect place during warm weather to enjoy the fun-in-the-sun Summer Splash event (Tuesdays throughout June and July). Little ones can jump, slide and swing at the new children’s play area, while bigger kids can enjoy obstacle course-style elements, including a climbing wall.

Children won’t be the only ones having fun. Another massive, curved, state-of-the-art LED video screen will make the District Stage area the ideal spot for entertainment-seekers to gather after enjoying a meal at chef-driven concepts like the soon-to-open Barrio Queen or the critically-acclaimed Sizzle Korean Barbeque, now open in The District. Couples can listen to tribute bands play throwback hits on Friday and Saturday nights throughout May, plus test each other’s skills on the bocce ball court, due to be completed by the end of the month. Guests can also take advantage of newly-installed, high-speed Wi-Fi, available for free throughout The District.

We are listening to the community and love the feedback we are hearing about the renovation,” said David Malin, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Vestar. “With so many new and exciting elements being added to Desert Ridge Marketplace, we believe the center continues to evolve into the destination the North Valley wants and needs.”

Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix. To keep up with social media updates on the renovations and changes that are underway, you can like the center on Facebook or visit shopdesertridge.com.

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.