owner, Macerich, announced plans of a new renovation, in excess of $100 million, which will include high-end residential units, a hotel, a new luxury entrance, hospitality areas and office space. Construction began in 2017, with the renovation completed in Fall 2018. About a year after the Harkins had moved, a local theater opened in its place. Desert Stages Theater, a community play house for both old and young audiences, has now been an addition of Fashion Square for three years (after their ten-year lease in a lot across the street, they moved right into the mall behind the Jamba Juice). In 2020, the mall was vandalized and looted after protesters violated curfew during the George Floyd protests. The police made twelve arrests including YouTube star Jake Paul, who claimed that he did not take part in the looting and was only recording it. Paul was charged with criminal trespass and unlawful assembly on June 4 for entering the mall illegally with the rioters. The first court date began on July 8. On August 5, 2020, the charges were dismissed without prejudice, with the Scottsdale Police Department saying it was "in the best interest of the community" and that a federal criminal investigation would be completed instead. Later in 2021 a fitness center, Life Time Fitness announced they would be replacing the Equinox outside of the northwest luxury entrance. The 40,000-square-foot, three-level fitness center will be outside the mall's so-called "luxury wing," where Nobu, Tocaya Modern Mexican, Zinque, and other restaurants are located. Previously, Equinox, another luxury fitness brand, was going to open in the space, but those plans ultimately fell through, though it's unclear why. In early October 2022, Macerich reported they were going to be continuing the luxury renovations from 2018 throughout the exterior and interior of the southern Nordstrom wing. It would include “two-story storefronts and exterior-facing retail buildings at the south entrance, and a porte cochere that will incorporate up to five destination restaurants.” and a luxury valet service. Macerich also states “Everything will come together to deliver a more cohesive and holistic luxury experience for guests and retailers throughout the property,”. This renovation started in late January 2023. Municipal bond controversy A parking garage adjacent to the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall (aka the "Nordstrom Garage") was constructed by Scottsdale Fashion Square Partners and leased to the City of Scottsdale in 1998 for 50 years for $31,375,000.