BY DEAN RHYNEER | MAY 20, 2015
Shops at the el Pedregal Center are optimistic of new ownership
SCOTTSDALE – The el Pedregal Center, located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway, has become one of the best kept secrets of the north valley over recent years. According to shop owners and patrons, the center has suffered neglect, mismanagement, and severe effects of the recent economic depression. As a result, many businesses moved out or closed their doors and special events, like the live music on Sundays, ceased to exist.
Just as the lack of shoppers lent to the decrease in shops, the flip side of the coin is that the lack of shops and events here has decreased the draw of people to the still beautiful setting and unique shopping opportunities of the center. Those same aforementioned shop owners and patrons are optimistic that this Sonoran Desert oasis is back on the upswing and on it's way to becoming as thriving of a destination venue as it once was. This optimism stems from upswings in economic indicators, new attention to upgrades of the grounds, new onsite management, and largely from the fact that the property now has new owners.
The el Pedregal center is an extension of the prestigious Boulders Resort, which has been a Waldorf Astoria Resort but was recently purchased by new owners now has a Hilton Worldwide affiliation. According to a recent release on hotelnewsresource.com, Hilton Worldwide announced that Boulders Resort and Spa has joined the Curio Collection by Hilton. "Curio is a global brand of distinctive upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences," claims the release. While no immediate plans for the el Pedregal center are mentioned, the release describes extensive renovations to the resort are planned to begin this fall.
On-site manager of el Pedregal, Dave Stedman, explained that he is happy with the new property management team and looks forward to working with them. He went on to say this new team has jumped in and is trying to sort everything out that needs to be done and a timeline to do it. It appears the immediate attention will be paid to the main resort, spa and casitas at this time. He shares his optimism with the shop owners and patrons that these new owners will soon begin to focus on el Pedregal.
Collectively, the el Pedregal businesses provide their own unique shopping and dining experience within the breathtakingly beautiful setting that is el Pedregal. While they all may have different feelings, opinions and explanations about the center's past, they all welcome the new owners and confidently look forward to a renewal of pride and restoration of greatness. In the meantime, this steadfast group invites everyone to come to 34505 N. Scottsdale Road and experience the impressive offerings of today and be a part of tomorrow at the truly refreshing desert oasis known as el Pedregal.
