We’re only a couple weeks into the year and it’s already proving to be great. And lucky for us, there’s even more greatness to come. From new restaurants and renovations, to shade trees, music festivals and more — 2018 is going to be a year to remember.

Arizona Center Makeover — Fall  2018
Sayonara, sandstone. In a matter of months, the Arizona Center’s $25 million renovation will be complete, bringing the dated 1990 structure into the 21st century with new shade structures, walls and flooring materials. The space will be lighter and brighter, with plenty of green spaces, waterways, beer, dining and more. Read more.

State 48 Brewery at Welnick Bros. Marketplace — Opening TBD
The historic Welnick Marketplace will soon have its first tenant in over 40 years when State 48 Brewery opens in 2018. The brewpub and brewing facility will bring craft beers and a vast menu to the 1927 structure — a perfect spot to hang before seeing a show at The Van Buren.
 

Spaces One Renaissance Tower — Open Now
Downtown’s growing ecosystem of startups, entrepreneurs and tech companies will thrive in this creative co-working community. Spaces One Renaissance Tower offers incredible 18th-floor views of the city, stylish interiors, a creative work environment and the opportunity to be around like-minded, entrepreneurial go getters. Experience the space for yourself at the HackerNest Phoenix February mixer geared at tech startup leaders, thinkers and achievers. Read more.
 

M3F 2018 — Coming March 2-4
In its 15th year, the family-friendly music festival brings big names like Big Gigantic, Father John Misty and The Revivalists, as well as local bands like Treasurefruit, Jerusafunk and more. Festival-goers can enjoy a vendor village, games, food trunks, a kid zone and other fun activities over the three days. Read more.

30th Anniversary of Art Detour — Coming March 15-20
Visit galleries, explore artists’ studios and immerse yourself in downtown’s creative scene. The 30th anniversary celebrations kickoff with the Art d’Core Gala, followed by a daily focus on a specific arts district. Read more.

Coffee and Croissants at the Luhrs — Fall 2018
After years of sitting vacant, two news businesses will soon open their doors inside beautiful ground-level spaces at Luhrs Tower. La Madeleine (think a Panera Bread only French) has secured the large corner space along First Avenue and Jefferson Street. Serafina Coffee, the creative endeavor of longtime downtown entrepreneur Damian Serafine, will be just next door to the east.

Downtown Tree Plantings
Lookout for a leafy transformation coming to a Downtown Phoenix street near you. DPI’s Clean & Green team have already planted 14 trees so far this year, with many more to come (the goal is 80-100). Another project they’re working on is beautifying the tree wells by planting drought tolerant greenery that looks much nicer than boring old dirt. 
 

The Blocks of Roosevelt Row
With a barber and retail boutique already open, The Blocks of Roosevelt Row will bring a number of new establishments to Roosevelt Street. True North Barbershop, and PopPHX retail pop-up paved the way, opening their doors earlier this year, with Taco Chelo and BBQ Trapp House not far behind.

Burton Barr Central Library reopening — Summer 2018
The heart of the community sank when Burton Barr Central Library had to close due to water damage. The perfect place to check out the latest book, rent a DVD series, or just bask in the beautiful architecture — Burton Barr is slated to reopen in June. Until then, a temporary library branch is available at Park Central Mall.

Urban Wine & Jazz Walk — May 18
Like a fine wine, downtown’s favorite event is getting better with age. Mark your calendar for May 18th for the Urban Wine & Jazz Walk — an afternoon of sipping wine at downtown’s finest establishments, strolling through the city, and enjoying live music along the way.

Integrity Bike Works — Spring 2018
As greater downtown becomes more bikeable, the demand for local bike repair shops will increase. Enter: Integrity Bike Works. Located on the ground floor of the historic Orpheum Lofts, the business is slated to open in spring 2018.