Arizona Then and Now: Downtown Chandler
If Dr. A.J. Chandler were somehow able to see the current version of the sprawling Southeast Valley city that bears his name, it’s doubtful he would recognize much about the place.
Chandler has expanded greatly in both geographic size and population since he died in 1950. The city’s border pushes as far south as the Pinal County line and the population has grown from 3,800 in 1950 to more than 250,000 now.
One place where he might still feel at home, however, is the city’s historic downtown square. The roster of businesses there has changed over the years, but the early 20th-century character of the buildings remains the same.
The city has taken efforts to preserve the historic facades while encouraging development. After a down period, downtown Chandler has become a popular destination, especially for diners, in the past decade.
One destination Dr. Chandler would surely recognize is the San Marcos Hotel. The property, built in 1913, is one of the few downtown buildings that still serves its original purpose. The hotel underwent an $8.5 million renovation in time for its 100th anniversary in 2013.
The other two historic hotel properties downtown, the Suhwaro Hotel and the Chandler Hotel are now home to restaurants and offices.
Other structures on the downtown square have been repurposed over the years.
Buildings on San Marcos Place such as the Bank of Chandler and Monroe buildings, both built in 1912, now house the San Tan Brewing Company and, until the pandemic slowdown, El Zocalo Mexican Grill.
On Boston Street, the former First National Bank Building and the Arrow Hardware Store were built in 1918. Those structures are also home to the restaurants and other businesses now.
Another big change for a visitor from the past would be Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. The park was the original focal point of Chandler’s 1912 town square, but it was divided in half when the state aligned Arizona Avenue with State Route 87 in 1940.
Prior to that alignment, Arizona Avenue diverted around the park. However, there were reports that the occasional driver didn’t pay attention to the split and plowed into trees there.
Visitors interested in learning more about the history of downtown Chandler can check out plaques on building façades that explain the history of the downtown square.