Grand Avenue

Includes Lower Grand Avenue, Woodland Historic District, Oakland Historic District

Since its auspicious beginnings in the 1880s, Grand Avenue has been a key artery through the western half of Downtown Phoenix, the West Valley and beyond. As Grand Avenue became part of the US-60 freeway system in the 1920s, more and more out-of-towners traveled the roadway, instantly making it a commercial hub. As Downtown Phoenix’s population slowly expanded westward, what is now Lower Grand Avenue (running roughly from McDowell Road south to Van Buren Street) became a hub for business and culture.

Today’s Lower Grand is home to funky boutiques, convertible arts spaces, progressive live presentations and a growing emphasis on urban infill and reuse. What were warehouses, garages and groceries in the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s are now converted office spaces, venues, galleries and eateries.

For more information on Grand Avenue, check out the Grand Avenue Merchants Association.