If you ask me what makes Scottsdale such a special place to live, it's not just the beautiful homes, golf courses or desert views. It's the lifestyle that comes with them. And one of the things I love about this city is watching familiar places evolve into something new. The Lakefront at Scottsdale is doing exactly that. This longtime McCormick Ranch property is being reimagined as a roughly 100,000-square-foot destination for dining, shopping, work and waterfront experiences. For anyone considering a move to Scottsdale, it's another reason to pay attention to the communities beyond the homes themselves.
Historical Background: A Familiar McCormick Ranch Landmark Gets a New Chapter
Located at 7501 E. McCormick Parkway, The Lakefront sits within McCormick Ranch, one of Scottsdale's established master-planned communities. The property originally opened in 1978 as part of the area's commercial landscape and has long been associated with its waterfront setting and views toward Camelback Mountain.
For years, the site was home to Forever Corporate Plaza, a single-tenant office property owned by Forever Living Products. Now, Scottsdale-based developer Diversified Partners is giving the property a new purpose.
The vision goes beyond updating an existing building. Instead of treating the site as traditional office space, the redevelopment will bring together restaurants, retail, office space and outdoor gathering areas designed to make better use of its lakefront location.
The project officially broke ground in September 2026, marking an important step in the property's transformation. According to project coverage from Fabulous Arizona, the redevelopment is planned in phases, with demolition beginning in October and a larger construction phase expected to start in early 2027, subject to design and permitting.
I find projects like this especially interesting because they show how established parts of Scottsdale can continue to evolve without losing the identity that made people love them in the first place.
Listing Details & Features: What to Expect at The Lakefront
The Lakefront at Scottsdale is planned as an approximately 100,000-square-foot mixed-use redevelopment, with the first phase transforming about 60,000 square feet of former office space into a curated mix of dining and retail.
Three announced food and beverage concepts are already creating excitement.
SUSHISAMBA has signed a letter of intent for approximately 12,000 square feet. Known for blending Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culinary influences, the restaurant concept is expected to bring a distinctive dining experience to the Scottsdale waterfront.
V Modern Italian is planned for approximately 7,000 square feet, with an anticipated opening in 2027. Developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Stefano Ciotti, the concept centers on modern Italian cuisine, house-made pastas, seasonal ingredients and a polished dining atmosphere.
La La Land will occupy a freestanding corner location, bringing its specialty coffee and matcha concept to the property. Its bright design and community-focused café atmosphere should complement the development's broader gathering-place concept.
Beyond restaurants, the plans call for outdoor dining patios, boutique and experiential retail, wellness-oriented businesses, Class A office space and public gathering areas. Additional features include Forever Lane, a dedicated valet arrival experience, and a small marina with Duffy boat rentals.
The goal is to create a place where people can dine, shop, work and spend time by the water. You can follow project updates through A.R. Mays Construction.
Why It Matters: McCormick Ranch and the Scottsdale Lifestyle
What I think makes The Lakefront worth watching isn't simply the addition of new restaurants. It's the experience the development is designed to create.
For buyers considering Scottsdale, lifestyle can be just as important as square footage. You might want a quiet residential street, but you may also want great restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor spaces and everyday conveniences within easy reach.
McCormick Ranch offers an established residential setting, lakes, green spaces and access to shopping and dining. A project like The Lakefront could add another gathering place to that mix as construction progresses and tenants open.
Of course, a new development doesn't automatically increase nearby home values, and the final experience will depend on execution, tenant openings and how the community responds.
But I always encourage buyers to look beyond the property itself. Pay attention to what is already there, what's being added and whether the surrounding lifestyle fits the way you actually want to live.
My Take: Another Reason to Keep McCormick Ranch on Your Radar
One of the best parts of living in Scottsdale is discovering places that make everyday life feel a little more special. The Lakefront could become another one of those places. If you're exploring McCormick Ranch or considering a move to Scottsdale, explore Everything AZ Living and connect with me directly to find a home that fits your lifestyle.
👉 Connect with Raquel directly: The Results Group on Facebook
About the Author: Raquel Quinet
Raquel Quinet is the real estate professional behind Everything AZ Living, sharing Scottsdale real estate insights, local developments and lifestyle discoveries to help buyers make more informed decisions about where they live.
Her approach is personal: buying a home isn't just about finding the right property. It's about finding a place that supports the life you want to build. Through Everything AZ Living, Raquel helps readers look beyond listing photos and discover the communities, experiences and everyday details that make Arizona feel like home.
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