It seems everywhere you turn in the northwest Valley, something new is popping up.
In neighborhoods like Northlands, just east of the Loop 303, there are rows of homes in various stages of construction. Finishing touches are going on the plans to build a 100+ acre community park off Lake Pleasant Parkway behind the New River Dam. A brand new 123,000 square foot Fry's Marketplace on Lake Pleasant just north of Happy Valley is slated to open in the first quarter of 2017. That's around the same time Scottsdale-based MDC Land Development will be breaking ground on 83 Marketplace, a nine-acre neighborhood retail center.
“People who have moved to this area have been waiting for a development like this and they are excited to welcome it,” said Vice Mayor Bridget Binsbacher. “These are exactly the kind of projects that Peoria looks for to fill the needs of our residents and offer options to those who are visiting the city.”
The center, located on the southeast corner of 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road, will be a high-end retail center with shopping, dining, and specialty retail businesses according to MDC. Shari Cashman, Director of Marketing and Operations for the development company, said the center has tenants but can not release any specifics until the deals are finalized.
“MDC is always looking for opportunities to spearhead important development projects like 83 Marketplace that will further enhance the residential landscape in this vibrant and growing area of north Peoria,” said Mark D. Cavan, President of MDC Land Development. “The interest from users has been overwhelming and we look forward to announcing our future tenants in the coming weeks.”
In 2015, The Islamic Center of Peoria had announced plans to build a worship and community center and school on the site. The project was met with opposition from local residents. The land was rezoned in July of 2016, paving the way for the shopping center. Phoenix-based Cawley Architects was hired to design the space.
