Retail industry leader and developer of Desert Ridge Marketplace, Happy Valley Towne Center and Lake Pleasant Towne Center is eyeing up the corner of Carefree Highway and I-17 for the future site of a large open-air retail center.
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Phoenix-based Vestar Development, LLC, has a pending application with the Arizona State Land Department for a 127-acre parcel at the southeast corner of the I-17 & Carefree Highway interchange.
Vestar has a portfolio of nearly two dozen shopping centers around the Phoenix metro area, and currently has three projects under construction in the suburban areas, including one in the Lake Pleasant area of Peoria and two in Queen Creek. Two larger projects are also planned for Laveen and Verrado.
Phoenix Economic Development Director Chris Mackay said the biggest obstacle facing development of that corner is the need for a $40 million bridge.
“We’re figuring out a funding source for that bridge, and we’re working with Vestar and the State Land Department on a solution… but their plan is for a power center,” Mackay told the North Gateway Board during a recent meeting.
A spokesperson for the State Land Department said a timeline has not yet been set for the auction,
but speculated it could happen in late 2024.
Homemade Ice Cream & Midwestern Style Bar/Eatery Coming
A homemade ice cream franchise and a new bar and eatery are the latest to finalize their leases in the retail shopping center under construction across from Fry’s Marketplace along Dove Valley Road.
Earthwork has been moving on Thompson Thrift’s 35,000 square-foot retail development at the southeast corner of the future 29th Avenue alignment and Dove Valley Road.
![Pointe17 by Thompson Thrift](https://valleyvibenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Thompson-Thrift-Pointe-17-VV-GRAPHIC-1.jpg)
The development, referred to as Pointe17, already has 11 signed lease agreements from retail and dining tenants.
Handel’s Ice Cream, a franchise that began in Youngstown, Ohio has officially joined the center’s lineup. Handel’s ice cream is made fresh daily, following the traditions founder Alice Handel started in 1945. Cones, dishes, shakes, hurricanes, ice cream pops made from a list of 45 different flavors is what Handel’s is known for.
![](https://valleyvibenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pints-1024x682.jpg)
The Bar, a Michigan/Midwestern vibe establishment with locations in Arcadia and Gilbert, will feature a scratch kitchen with a menu similar to the Arcadia location, offering wings, burgers, wraps and house-made fries. Blueprint Hospitality Group President Frank Vairo said the design will include an indoor/outdoor bar, and the bar decor will have a subtle movie theme, following the trend in the other locations. A social media contest is planned to vote on the theme.
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Of the North Valley location, Vairo said, “We are super excited to be a part of the community and hope to become a staple for the nearby surroundings.”
Oregano’sand Twisted Sugar cookie shop were the first to announce their intent to locate within the center. Other signed leases include OverEasy, a breakfast/brunch restaurant, Foothills Grille, offering American cuisine, Blo, a hair blow out salon, Yoga Six studio, Fit BodyBoot Camp, Heartland Dental, and an unnamed nail salon.
Lease agreements are in the works with three additional tenants and two drive-thru pads are available.
If build-out goes as expected, many of these businesses could be open a year from now, Phoenix Commercial Advisors’ Chris Schmitt told Valley Vibe in an email.
Now Open: Sonoran-Style Mexican Food and To-Go Margaritas
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Someburros, a family owned and operated Mexican restaurant brand, entered the Norterra-area dining scene last month at the northwest corner of Jomax Road and Norterra Parkway.
The Sonoran-style eatery offers made-from-scratch dishes, including burros, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, and its signature dish, Pollo Fundido.
The fast-casual restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a walk-up counter for dine-in and takeout ordering, dining room service, patio space and a drive-thru service. The menu also features frozen margaritas for both dine-in and to-go.
![](https://valleyvibenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Somburros-Drinks-1024x682.jpg)
This location marks the fifteenth restaurant for the brand founded by the Vasquez Family in 1986.
“The North Phoenix and Norterra area has been on our wish list for quite some time, and we are thrilled about the location,” said Tim Vasquez, Owner and President of Someburros. “We canʼt wait to welcome everyone to Someburros Norterra and become a key member of this thriving community.”
A grand opening is set for Friday, Jan. 27, with a live mariachi band and raffle contests, beginning at 9 a.m.
Someburros
2525 W. Jomax Road
Phoenix, 85085
www.someburros.com
602-334-1279
By Karen Goveia | [email protected]