Sunbelt Investment Holdings, Inc. broke ground on Buckeye Commons, a much-anticipated, Costco-anchored retail center in the bustling West Valley. With freeway frontage that sees nearly 200,000 cars daily, the center will include over 410,000 square feet of retail space at the southeast intersection of I-10 and Verrado Way, a rapidly developing area in the United States’ fastest-growing city over the past decade.
“SIHI is excited to execute on its vision for a regional retail destination in Buckeye conceived many years ago, and proud to be bringing a number of vital services and retailers to the Buckeye community,” said SIHI President Todd Holzer. “This development represents the work of many critical partners and the support of the city, and we are proud to mark the beginning of bringing this vision to fruition.”
Buckeye Commons is one of several major developments surrounding the I-10 and Verrado Way interchange. Just across Verrado Way, SIHI is planning another retail center, Buckeye Commons West, and two major medical campuses are planned for the area. Abrazo Medical Group has already broken ground on a 27-acre medical campus west of Buckeye Commons and Banner Health is planning to expand its presence as they build a medical center north of I-10 along Verrado Way.
“Buckeye Commons plays a pivotal role in transforming Buckeye into a full-service city,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said. “This vibrant shopping center is set to deliver the services, restaurants and retail options our residents deserve. When fully built out, Buckeye Commons will elevate this area into a premier destination in the West Valley.”
SIHI and its leasing agents, the Phoenix Commercial Advisors (PCA) team of Greg Laing, Zach Pace and Teale Bloom, have executed leases with Over Easy, Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, The Joint Chiropractic, State Farm and DIP Nail Bar and have leases in negotiation with another 8 tenants that, combined with executed leases, represent approximately 60% of Buckeye Commons’ first phase of shops and pads.
“It is exciting to work on a project that will have such a strong economic impact for the greater Buckeye community. The diversity and massing of all the commercial development here at Verrado Way is what has made this a regional destination,” said Teale Bloom, PCA Assistant Vice President. “When Costco opened, everyone noticed, and it has been embraced by the Verrado and greater Buckeye residents. Retail is finally catching up to all the rooftops, and tenants don’t want to miss the opportunity to get in.”
Buckeye Commons is designed by Butler Design Group with CHASSE Building Team serving as general contractor. SIHI expects the first store openings to occur in mid-2025. The anchor of the center, the 160,938-SF Costco store, opened in July 2023.
SIHI is a leading retail developer and owner, with 18 shopping centers in Southern California and 4 in Arizona, representing approximately 4 million square feet of Class A retail space. In addition to its retail portfolio, SIHI is an active land and industrial developer in metro Phoenix, with over 2,400 acres of business park ready for ground-up development.
Photo: The City of Buckeye was well represented at the groundbreaking event for Buckeye Commons. Taking part in the event were, from left, Economic Development Director Suzie Boyles; Councilmember Creg Heustis; Mayor Eric Orsborn; and Economic Development Project Managers Tennille Hiller and Brian Wright.
