4 minute read
INTERVIEW - Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega
RANDY COFFMAN WITH SCOTTSDALE MAYOR DAVID ORTEGA, CHERYL SPANGLER & LARRY GIMPLE
By Mayor David Ortega
“Since I was first elected as City Councilman in 2000, WestWorld has always been an evolving project of major interest to me. Located on Bureau of Reclamation land, with drainage challenges and so many possibilities, the Master Plan was in design while I held office back then. Every proposed component also had to fit a business feasibility plan, which the Council also consider.”
“As a Scottsdale architect and councilman, I reviewed the ambitious plans which foresaw a multi-purpose Equestrian Center, arenas and an entire complex with necessary improvements, in addition to the big tent mostly known as home of the Barrett- Jackson Collector Car Auction.”
“Back then tattered, rental tent stalls were used for horse shows. I remember our Council (2002) approving new steel barns which were soon built. Building barns rather than renting tents of course made horse sense. Later after leaving office, I served on Development Review Board (DRB) to approve the design of the Tony Nelson Equestrian Center, which has become one of the best facilities in the USA.”
“Today as Mayor, I am thrilled to see more city investment, including replacement of the steel barns, which I and Council approved over 22 years ago. Today the Master Plan and business plan have been updated and expanded significantly because WestWorld is about personal relationships, sound investment, creativity and straight-up good business. We love WestWorld!”
Q - The City of Scottsdale invested significant resources in replacing certain horse barns at WestWorld of Scottsdale. How do you feel about the continued financial support for the equestrians that visit, and locals that show horses at WestWorld?
A - “I believe our Council is very supportive of WestWorld and will continue to invest in and upgrade facilities for our equestrian partners, exhibitors, and equine friends. For me 24 years ago, changes began with permanent barns, and still today, new barns draw rave reviews from trainers, exhibitors and event producers!”
Q - We met for a photo-shoot at the new barns during the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 2024. What was it like to see the new barns in use and to get one-on-one feedback from exhibitors at the event?
A - “Larry is a fantastic Assistant GM, working with the WestWorld crew, FCP Barns, Coffman Barns, Caruso Construction, Inc. and the City staff to administer this project. FCP Barns and Coffman Barns have been great partners since 2005, building the SPD Mounted Unit barn, as well as the northern barn area which consist of (264) stalls. Exhibitors love personalizing the facades and hospitality porches at the of the new barns and we look forward to adding another four barns over the next three years.”
Q - You have been around a long-time, and seen many changes. Are you surprised at the resilience and strength of the horse community in producing events at WestWorld now for over 40-years?
A - “Not surprised—Scottsdale has always has a ranching, equine “Western” culture. I am impressed that the horse farm owners, who have showed their best here for decades-- way before all the improvements were built—they bring their finest today, still. As mayor, I thank them profusely for growing our equestrian reputation worldwide!”
Q - The City and WestWorld management does a remarkable job at turning the event center from one type of use, to another type of use in a very short period of time. Are you satisfied that WestWorld is a multi-use facility?
A - “Yes, we do a great job and we expect to build-out four event areas which can operate separately, with very little down-time. For example, new lighting at the field “polo grounds” can also serve for sports fields. There are several drainage improvements which are in design stage to handle extreme storm events—so our work continues. I am confident that the planning staff will get user input and review options, before bringing them to Council.”
Q - Can you offer any timeline guidance as to when the new entrance off Bell Rd will be developed?
A - “As mayor, I have seen preliminary circulation plans and possible solutions to alleviate Bell traffic backup. I will leave it there, as we get more into design progress, I promise I will get back to you.”
Tracy, Thank you for the questions! Mayor Dave
