The landscape of Buckeye is set for a transformation with the introduction of a new apartment complex and a sizeable marketplace designed to bolster the community's commercial and residential offerings. A Canadian developer plans to build a 510-unit apartment complex on 18 acres near the vibrant commercial hub near Verrado, according to Phoenix Business Journal. This area has been the subject of increasing attention from developers looking to tap into the suburb's burgeoning growth.
Meanwhile, the $275 million Verrado Marketplace is carving out its own niche nearly a week earlier, it broke ground spearheaded by Vestar, prominent in the western U.S. retail scene and unveiled a roster of over 15 retailers including Target, Harkins Theaters, and Shake Shack, amongst others, bringing a new dimension of shopping, dining and entertainment options to Buckeye. "The groundbreaking of Verrado Marketplace marks a historic moment for Buckeye, and we are excited to begin construction on this unique development," said Vestar President and CEO David Larcher in a statement obtained by AZ Big Media; the project is a visionary endeavor that aims to serve as a community hub catering to the needs of the Verrado community and the West Valley at large, with a projected opening of new outlets starting spring 2026.
The Marketplace will not just cater to retail therapy but is poised to become a community cornerstone featuring a splash pad, a live performance stage, and other amenities designed to foster social interaction and leisure activities—an optimistic move that draws from both an experiential and sustainable shopping center blueprint. It’s expected to be an economic boon, too, with Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn citing over $50 million in total tax revenue generation for the city and $1.8 billion in economic output over the next decade, not to mention the 1,500 permanent jobs it is forecasted to bring, Orsborn told AZ Big Media.
Amid concerns about sustainability, Verrado Marketplace counts Vestar’s GreenStar program as a cornerstone, incorporating eco-friendly features such as solar power and EV charging stations, with a commitment to energy-efficient building materials and LED lighting. In his words at the groundbreaking ceremony, the mayor expressed his enthusiasm for seeing the once vacant lot come alive with dining and entertainment venues that reflect the community's long-standing desires, which suggests a paradigm shift in the way residents will live, work, and enjoy their surroundings.
