Perfect For: Locavores, families and visitors looking for a refreshing fusion of classic and contemporary
Past & Present
Founded by Dr. A.J. Chandler in 1912, downtown Chandler maintains a hint of its historical charm, even as it modernizes for a new generation of residents. The iconic San Marcos Hotel – the oldest resort in Arizona – was built in 1913 and put up such prominent figures as Clark Gable and Frank Lloyd Wright before transitioning into a popular eating and drinking hub. Even the city’s modern downtown storefronts pay homage to the past, designed in the style of the three wooden shacks – a townsite office, dining hall and grocer – that marked the original turn-of-the-century township.
One Day in Downtown Chandler
First: Start the day with a specialty drink from locally owned Peixoto Coffee, which sources its coffee from the Peixoto family farm in Brazil. The java joint’s toasted coconut matcha alone is worth the drive to downtown Chandler. peixotocoffee.com
Next: Stroll through Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West every Saturday from 7-10:30 a.m. for the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market. Stock up on fresh produce from Phoenix farms as well as homegrown sweets, sauces and spices from various local vendors. downtownchandler.org/farmersmarket
Then: Embellished with whimsical renderings of Arizona flora and fauna, the Commonwealth Mural delights. Chandler artist Ariana Enriquez transformed the southern exterior wall of the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Chandler Golf Resort into a vibrant piece of public art.
Finally: Sip one of SanTan Brewing Company’s six signature brews. If you’re into IPA, we recommend the highly hoppy MoonJuice and a designated driver. Meanwhile, snack on sophisticated pub grub like the Brewhouse Nachos, smothered with SunSpot beer cheese and piled high with Devil’s Ale-braised short ribs. santanbrewing.com
3 Questions with Mary Murphy-Bessler
The executive director of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership lives and breathes her city.
Tell us about the Partnership and its role in the community.
The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is an Enhanced Municipal Services District (EMSD). We are responsible for the marketing, promotion and clean and safe programming for downtown.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the numbers, seeing the momentum. I am seeing more and more new faces, so it’s obvious to me that things are catching on. People are starting to go, “You gotta come to downtown Chandler.”
What is your favorite thing about downtown Chandler?
It’s the people. It’s just such a refreshing community where everyone is so kind and everyone is so willing to help each other out.
3 Things to Do
1. Chandler Center for the Arts: Boasting three performance spaces and two galleries, CCA is a dynamic destination that simultaneously showcases and serves the local arts community. chandlercenter.org
2. Rosales Family Fountain: Constructed by Emanuel Martinez in 2003, this bronze sculpture depicts the families of Chandler’s pioneering past – and makes a great photo op.
3. Chandler City Hall: The new City Hall complex features an art installation by Ned Kahn called “Turbulent Shade,” which accentuates the interaction between light and movement. It is illuminated from above and below by LED lights and moves with natural wind currents.
3 Places to Eat
1. Mingle + Graze: Bring your own booze and nosh on cheese boards, sandwiches, soups and salads at this elevated deli. mingleandgraze.com
2. Serrano’s: This beloved Mexican eatery, which started as a family-owned department store, celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Come for the chimichangas and stay for the churro donuts. serranosaz.com
3. The Hidden House: The setting: an enchanting bungalow built in the 1930s. The food: refined New American recipes with tantalizing twists such as espresso-crusted steak and Scottish salmon slathered with a miso marinade. hiddenhouseaz.com
3 Shopping Options
1. Blue Planet Outdoors: Nature enthusiasts will love this local outdoor lifestyle boutique that purveys key chains, magnets, stickers, jewelry, home décor and apparel emblazoned with Arizona imagery. Bonus: Blue Planet plants a tree for every item sold. blueplanetoutdoors.com
2. Sibley’s West: Since 2010, Sibley’s West has been showcasing items from more than 200 Arizona artisans and companies. Stop by for everything from prickly pear lollipops to saguaro-adorned stationery. sibleyswest.com
3. Saba’s Western Wear: In the market for a new Stetson hat or Minnetonka moccasins? Saba’s is a one-stop shop for Southwestern garb – and has been providing said threads for nearly nine decades. sabasofchandler.com
Future Chandler
• A highly anticipated lineup of new restaurants is coming to the New Square mixed-use development, including The Stillery, a Nashville-based bar slated to open later this year.
• Could Chandler be an e-learning hub? In July, tech firm CampusLogic – a developer of tools and resources to manage scholarships, loans and other financial supports – collected $120 million in venture capital to expand its services.
• Two new concepts will open on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Boston Street: an arcade bar called The Uncommon and boozy brunch hub The Tipsy Egg.
2020 Population: 279,500
2050 Population: 329,000 (est.)
source: MAG
Get Your Bearings
Downtown Chandler sits within a neat rectangle of city blocks, with California Street as its west boundary.
