A new chapter is underway for one of Scottsdale’s waterfront properties. Diversified Partners officially broke ground on The Lakefront at Scottsdale, marking the next phase of an approximately 100,000-square-foot redevelopment that will transform the McCormick Ranch property into a mixed-use destination for dining, retail and Class A office space.
The groundbreaking celebration welcomed more than 200 attendees, including project partners, future tenants and members of Scottsdale’s civic and business communities. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky joined Diversified Partners and project leaders for the ceremony.
“Having grown up within two miles of this iconic location, I know firsthand how much this site means to the neighborhood and the City of Scottsdale,” Borowsky said. “My family and I have lived within walking distance for nearly 25 years, so this site holds an incredibly special place in my heart. I’ve witnessed firsthand the level of care, quality and attention to detail Walt Brown and his team bring to the table, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what they have in store for our neighborhood.”
As part of the milestone, Diversified Partners announced three concepts joining The Lakefront: SUSHISAMBA, V Modern Italian and La La Land. The additions will bring a mix of globally influenced dining, modern Italian cuisine and a specialty coffee and matcha café to the development.
SUSHISAMBA has signed a letter of intent for approximately 12,000 square feet at The Lakefront. The restaurant is known for bringing together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures and cuisines, along with inventive cocktails, distinctive design and lively dining experiences.
V Modern Italian will occupy approximately 7,000 square feet and is anticipated to open in 2027. The Scottsdale location marks the brand’s latest expansion, following openings in Nashville and Charleston and ahead of planned locations in Tampa and Kansas City. Developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti, the restaurant’s “Feed Your Senses” philosophy combines modern Italian cuisine, contemporary design, music and hospitality. Its menu is expected to feature house-made pastas, antipasti, premium meat selections and seasonal ingredients, along with handcrafted cocktails, Italian aperitifs and European wines.
La La Land will open in a freestanding corner location. The specialty coffee and matcha café is known for its bright, all-white design accented with signature pops of yellow, with cafés designed as shared spaces where everyone belongs.
Originally developed in 1978, The Lakefront is located just east of Scottsdale Road off McCormick Parkway, with views of the lake and Camelback Mountain. The redevelopment will take place in phases, adding signature restaurants with outdoor dining, boutique and experiential retail, Class A office space and public gathering areas designed around walkability and waterfront access.
