Sprouts grocery, Dark Sky center and downtown fixes highlighted in Fountain Hills plans

Amanda Jacobs, Economic Development Director, said a five‑year downtown improvement plan will focus on pedestrian upgrades, seating, landscaping and a digital marketing campaign to promote local shops, restaurants and events. Jacobs said the town launched a third‑Thursday concert series and is preparing to open the interior of the Centennial Pavilion’s Dark Sky Discovery Center in the fall following exterior construction.

"We eagerly anticipate its planned opening in the fall," Jacobs said, noting the Center will act as a tourism and education hub. Mayor Jerry Bridal and staff noted the center’s large telescope was installed during 2025 and that the facility will help drive visitors to Fountain Hills.

John Wesley, Development Services Director, said Sprouts Farmers Market announced plans to join Fountain Hills at 4 Peaks Plaza and that the project has entered site plan review; staff expect it to move quickly to building permitting and hoped construction could begin in 2026. Wesley also said the town approved code amendments to allow staff to approve future plats to reduce processing time.

The downtown strategy pairs retail recruitment, public‑space investments and cultural attractions as a coordinated effort to increase visitation and sales tax revenue, officials said.