Fountain Hills reports downtown business openings, tourism push and dark‑sky interest in second‑quarter economic update

Fountain Hills economic development director Amanda Jacobs told the town council that the department’s second‑quarter update, covering October through December, showed momentum in downtown business activity, steady apartment occupancy and increasing tourism outreach tied to the International Dark Sky Discovery Center.

Jacobs said four new businesses opened in the downtown district during the quarter and several other projects are under review, including tenant improvements and façade work. “We’re now fully staffed,” she said, introducing a new economic development specialist and a group of volunteer ambassadors helping with business retention and tourism outreach.

The update outlined retail and restaurant developments and noted one notable property sale: the former View restaurant site sold for $1,600,000 with the new owner indicating plans to convert the site to office use. Jacobs said town staff will “advocate” for restaurant uses but that the new owners appear committed to office conversion.

The report also described ongoing conversations about the Walgreens site off Shea and Technology, which still has a three‑year lease in place; Jacobs said a developer purchased the property and the town is encouraging retail or restaurant uses. She reported that Trader Joe’s representatives previously visited the community but “are just not ready to come here yet,” and that the town expects an announcement in coming weeks about an alternative healthy grocery option.

On a mixed‑use property that previously had permits and was later put up for sale, Jacobs said the property has sold and that permits remain in place but the new owner may change the concept.

Jacobs highlighted business retention work conducted with the Chamber of Commerce and said apartment occupancy remains over 90 percent. She reported hotel occupancy below 70 percent and that the town’s EarthCam fountain live feed had more than 58,000 views in the quarter. The town’s website recorded 42 new unique visitors in the period cited in the presentation.

The International Dark Sky Discovery Center drew specific attention. Jacobs said the center’s dome placement in December has generated regional interest and that meteor‑shower events have brought attendees from throughout the region. She also noted Adeiro Resort is under new ownership and the new owners have plans to update meeting rooms, landscaping and potentially add another restaurant; that sale has prompted staff to prepare for permit reviews when owners bring forward plans.

Jacobs closed by noting marketing purchases paid for with tourism grant funds and several partnerships aimed at attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

The council did not take formal action on the update; members asked staff to continue outreach and follow up, and to provide updates on specific projects when more details are available.