Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe is Getting Fresh!

Have you walked or driven down Mill Avenue recently and found yourself thinking, “What in the name of improvements is going on down here!?” Sure, maybe your inner monologue had a bit more to say about the construction barriers, but we know you’re curious about all the commotion and (ahem) disruption. Don’t worry- we’ve got the scoop! As the Downtown Tempe Authority, we’re here to tell you exactly what is happening beyond those cones, and what exciting changes are on the way.

Downtown Tempe is about to get a whole lot better. Every shop has normal front door access during construction, so don’t let these cones cramp your style! Downtown Tempe is open for business and has plenty of parking to make your visit a breeze- construction and all!

As part of the City of Tempe's "Refresh Tempe" initiative, our beloved Mill Avenue Streetscape is getting some much-needed TLC, from University Drive all the way to Rio Salado Parkway. Believe it or not, this is the first major renovation in almost 40 years, so there’s a lot of work to do. While it might look a little dusty now (and let's face it, construction is never a glamorous phase), all of your favorite businesses you know, and shops new to the street, are open and could use your support now more than ever!

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BRICK, PLEASE! YOU CAN’T STOP ME FROM SHOPPING!
All Mill Avenue businesses are open during construction and could use some local love during the holiday season. This year, we encourage you to eat, drink and shop local.

Consider supporting our restaurants and retail shops during this time. 

There are several ways to support Downtown Tempe businesses, and we’ve even created this list of businesses that you can support during the holiday season.

Check out our Support Local Shopping Guide

ABOUT THE MILL AVENUE REFRESH PROJECT

And now, back to construction: the goal of this project is to improve the quality of life for everyone in Tempe by enhancing amenities and infrastructure through a phased (block by block) project that’ll bring exciting and much needed features over the next few years.

Here’s what you can expect to see:

🌳 Lush, Shady Tree Canopy - The new trees will not only be heat- and drought-tolerant but also beautiful, adding seasonal color and a variety of canopy shapes. Healthy existing Ficus trees will stay, joined by newcomers like Ghost Gum Eucalyptus, Tipu, Swan Hill Olive, and Chinese Pistache.

⚡ New Electric and Irrigation Lines - Power will be ready for all those fabulous events we know and love in Downtown Tempe, from the Festival of the Arts to Second Sundays and beloved holiday celebrations. Fresh irrigation lines will not only keep our greenery looking fresh and thriving but will also free up our Clean & Safe team from hand watering vegetation so they can better tackle the upkeep of our busy little Downtown.

🚶Modernized Parking and Pedestrian Areas - Say goodbye to single-space parking meters and hello to multi-space ones, which means more space for pedestrians! There will also be upgraded ADA-compliant paving, ramps, and push buttons to improve accessibility.

🧱Enhanced Paving and Crossings - With patios staying put for our favorite local eateries so you can keep enjoying those outdoor bites, new corner treatments and mid-block brick replacement will give sidewalks a stylish upgrade while keeping the Tempe brick charm. Sidewalks will be leveled to meet ADA standards and the already installed all-direction pedestrian crossing at 5th Street and Mill gives the street back to pedestrians and simplifies navigating.

🖼️ Tempe History Lithomosaics - Beautiful lithomosaic accent paving at the updated intersections will give small glimpses of Tempe’s rich history as you stroll down Mill Avenue—an art installation worth looking down for!

💡 String Lighting and Monument Signs - New bistro string lighting completed in August adds a cozy glow to Mill Avenue while enhancing safety on Downtown side streets of 4^th of 6^th and soon gateway monument signs will welcome you into the main Downtown corridor.

PROJECT TIMELINE

The project broke ground in April 2024 at the intersection of University and Mill Avenue. This now completed intersection gives a visual for all future Mill Ave intersections north of University Drive.

Project moved north to the 7^th St. to University Dr. sidewalks along Mill in late- August, removed brick, outdated irrigation and electrical, and in November has begun relaying finished brick sidewalk back into place.

Project began removal of brick pavers between 7^th and 6^th streets on Mill Ave in mid-October and is currently replacing needed utilities along this block.

Occasionally some rouge construction pops up further north on Mill than 6^th street to install a much-needed storm drain or quick electrical work, this is just prep for the next phase once construction gets there and is not slowing down the work being done on impacted blocks, but is speeding up the time for the next few blocks—a win-win!

Soon we’ll have more shade, more style, and more reasons to celebrate our community spaces and small businesses. So hang tight, support local, and get ready to experience a fresher, friendlier Downtown Tempe!

Continue to follow us for updates as this project unfolds!