April 27, 2006

Outside Maricopa, but city enthusiastic

MARICOPA - Get ready to shop, Maricopa.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community has announced that De Rito Partners will develop a 260-acre mixed-use regional shopping, entertainment and commercial center along Maricopa Road (Arizona 347). A movie theater, home improvement center and major retail stores, including a "big box" store, could all be part of the complex, which will surround Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Resort.

The project is said to be similar in scope to some Valley power shopping centers, such as De Rito's Mesa Riverview center, which will include a Bed, Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart Supercenter and Petco. The developer is also said to be looking to Las Vegas, Nev., for ideas, as the complex will surround the existing Ak-Chin Casino Resort, just two miles south of Maricopa.

Construction is slated to begin in late 2007 and De Rito is already seeking tenants for the project. Ak-Chin Tribal Chair Delia Carlyle said the tribe selected De Rito because of its "proven track record," which includes Maricopa Fiesta, anchored by Bashas', and Cobblestone Fiesta, anchored by Walgreen's.

"We wanted to partner with a company that respects our culture and understands the potential of this rapidly expanding market," Carlyle said. "Ideally, we'd like to see a commercial complex anchored by large retailers, but also with a variety of mixed-use retailers, restaurants and entertainment activities. We're interested in exploring a multiplex movie theater and other entertainment theme businesses. We also want to explore the potential for bringing a major new employer to the area."

Despite the fact that the development is not within Maricopa's municipal limits, which would bring sales tax dollars, Mayor Kelly Anderson said the community is cooperating with the city on plans for the project.

"We have been working with the community and the adjacent commercial and residential developers to the east on signalization and access off of state Route 347 and other traffic issues to provide the best circulation to all entities.... Road improvements like an additional lane on 347, participating in and being a financial backer of the much-needed grade separation at the railroad and 347 and looking at improvements to Peters and Nall, White and Parker and Farrell roads will need all of our cooperation."

Marty De Rito, CEO of De Rito Partners, said the area is ripe for development, with the city of Maricopa growing so rapidly.

"According to a recent survey, Maricopa has one of the highest median household incomes in the Valley ($57,500), with a median home price of more than $213,000," De Rito explained. "More than 50 percent of the population has bachelor's degrees or higher education. This tells us there's a ready workforce for any employer who'd like to locate within the project and there are clearly a great number of people with a lot more yet to come - who need places to shop, dine and play."

©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2006