Willmeng Construction hosted a grand re-opening event to mark the successful completion of significant renovations at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. The extensive renovation aimed to enhance recreational offerings and boost park attendance. Located in the heart of Scottsdale at 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., the 30-acre McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (MSRP) stands as the most unique park of its kind in the country.
“I am honored to be here to celebrate not just a new building, but a bold step forward in how Scottsdale serves its families, children and community,” said Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowski during the ribbon cutting event. “These new amenities here at McCormick-Stillman will bring joy to generations of Scottsdale families for years to come.”
The improvements at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park were identified in the park’s Master Plan and developed with guidance and strong support from the community and the city council. A centerpiece of the renovation is the replacement of the former Bunkhouse and Clock Tower with a new 7,500-square-foot structure known as the Roundhouse. This modern facility now features a signature railroad-themed indoor play structure, public restrooms, offices, conference rooms, and support spaces. The design of the Roundhouse, led by DWL Architects, weaves contemporary architecture into a long, low structure reminiscent of 19th-century train sheds.
“This is one of the most unique and one of the most cherished parks in the entire country and Willmeng is proud to be delivering this community asset,” said Willmeng Market Leader David Laughlin. “We are so thankful to the City of Scottsdale for the absolute privilege of being their partner on this. And we are grateful to all of our project partners. This project took a great deal of collaboration, attention to detail and effort, none of which happens without collective teamwork.”
Beyond the Roundhouse, the project encompassed numerous site improvements across the 30-acre park:
- Construction of a new concrete plaza and new pavers.
- Addition of a new concrete amphitheater and new landscape areas.
- Development of a new 5,000-square-foot splash pad play area, a highly requested enhancement designed to increase summer visitation and recreation opportunities.
- Relocation of historic train cars.
- Removal of the existing restroom building and improvement of the park entry, signature art, and sculptures.
- Installation of new park pathways, exterior lighting, and shade trees.
While updating the facility, a core objective of the improvements was to maintain the park’s historic charm, which has established it as a priceless community asset. A beloved feature that remains unchanged is the beautifully carved and meticulously restored Scottsdale Charros Carousel, completed in 1950 and registered with the National Carousel Association for antique carousel preservation.
READ MORE: Development done right: The importance of partnerships
The Paradise & Pacific Railroad, an exact 5:12 reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad, continues to be a central attraction, featuring three steam locomotives, two diesel engines, an electric engine, scale model cars, and a 32 x 200 train shed housing a complete machine shop. The park also offers various shops, museums, and playgrounds, including a 10,000 square foot model train museum with four model railroad clubs and hands-on exhibits.
“The design process was driven by a vision to create a place that brought to life all the history and heritage of the park, but really in a forward-looking way,” said Mike Braun, Design Principal at DWL Architects. “Our primary goal was to provide a space for kids to play and engage year round, in the new roundhouse or at the splash pad.”
Funding for the $13.1 million total project cost came from a variety of sources, including the 2019 Bond program approved by Scottsdale voters, the city’s Capital Plan, the city’s general fund, contributions from the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society (the park’s non-profit partner), park revenues, and tourism funds. The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society also purchased the indoor play structure.
“This moment was years in the making, not just in planning, permits and construction, but in imagination, in the belief that we could create something new for this beloved park,” said William Scarbrough, Chair and President of the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society. “We invite community members, businesses and donors to join us as we open a new chapter for this park and move forward together on track and full steam ahead.”
The MSRP is operated by Scottsdale’s Enterprise Operations Department and generates approximately $2.5 million of revenue annually as Scottsdale’s signature park. This renovation ensures that the park will continue to be a cherished destination, welcoming generations of residents and visitors for years to come.
from the project team, Willmeng Construction and DWL Architects, as well as leaders from the
Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society, City of Scottsdale Parks & Recreation Department and city
staff as she prepares to cut the ribbon on the new Roundhouse at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Photo courtesy of Willmeng Construction, by Small Giants.
