Downtown Chandler Businesses Remain Open During $20M Park Renovation

Despite construction and parking concerns, local business owners encourage community to continue supporting downtown shops.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:07am

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Downtown Chandler is undergoing a $20 million renovation of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, which has caused some parking challenges for nearby businesses. However, business owners and city officials want the community to know that the downtown area remains open and accessible, with five free parking garages still available. The renovation is expected to be completed in phases, with the west side of the park finished by the holidays this year and the east side across Arizona Avenue done by early spring 2027.

Why it matters

The renovation of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is a major investment in revitalizing downtown Chandler, which has seen steady growth in recent years. While the construction may temporarily impact some businesses, the city and local entrepreneurs are committed to ensuring the downtown area remains a vibrant destination for the community during and after the project.

The details

The $20 million renovation of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park began last month and will transform the central green space in downtown Chandler. Despite the construction, which has taken up only a few parking spots, local business owners say they are seeing a slight dip in customers due to the perception that the area is less accessible. However, the city has emphasized that the five free parking garages in the downtown area remain open and available.

  • The west side of the park will be complete by the holidays this year.
  • The east side of the park across Arizona Avenue will be complete by early spring of 2027.

The players

Niels Kreipke

Owner of Desert Viking Development, a local business in downtown Chandler.

Jamie Hoffman

Managing partner of SanTan Brewing Company, a longtime downtown Chandler business.

Kim Moyers

Cultural development director for the City of Chandler, overseeing the park renovation project.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody has a common goal to support one another, to enhance the overall district.”

— Niels Kreipke, Owner, Desert Viking Development

“This is home, I can't explain it any other way, but yeah, we love it here.”

— Jamie Hoffman, Managing Partner, SanTan Brewing Company

“It'll be a destination driver where you can come for events, for kids to be able to be entertained with their families, to grab a cup of coffee with your friend.”

— Kim Moyers, Cultural Development Director, City of Chandler

What’s next

The west side of the park will be complete by the holidays this year, and the east side across Arizona Avenue will be finished by early spring of 2027.

The takeaway

Despite the temporary inconveniences caused by the $20 million renovation of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, downtown Chandler businesses remain committed to serving the community and are encouraging residents to continue supporting local shops and restaurants during this transformation period.