Big-box space proposed for rezoned Maricopa Station

One section of the newly rezoned Maricopa Station is starting to show signs of life—on paper, at least.

Among the spaces, at 140,000 square feet, is expected to be a big-box retailer, like Lowe’s or Target.

This month, Home Depot announced plans to build a big-box store on the city’s southeastern side. In recent history in other Southeast Valley cities, whenever Home Depot or Lowe’s announces a new location the other has followed quickly.

“I can tell you they’re nosing around,” City Manager Rick Horst said of Lowe’s. “But that’s all I know at this point.”

Pre-application paperwork obtained from the city through a records request states the real estate company Thompson Thrift plans to develop 20.8 acres with retail shops and restaurants. The site is east of John Wayne Parkway, just south of the Amtrack railroad tracks.

Two major tenants are included in the plans, with buildings that range from 24,000 to 140,000 square feet. The pre-application narrative mentions the plans include room for “large delivery vehicles to maneuver in and out of the unloading areas.”

Also included in the site narrative are two drive-through restaurants at John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Drive, as well as two smaller retail shops of 8,000 and 9,000 square feet.

One of the restaurants has two drive-through lanes, consistent with the model of Chick-fil-A, which also is believed to be exploring options in the city.

Specific businesses, however, were not named in the paperwork.

The City Council on April 4 approved several rezoning measures that set into motion next steps on the long-anticipated Maricopa Station development.

“It’s a growing city. We need all kinds of commercial, right?” Horst said. “We are beginning to mature as a city and the good news is we are beginning to see a lot of interest from restaurants, entertainment and big boxes, as well.”