Groundbreaking ceremony starts construction on West Valley marketplace

Vestar, the largest privately held shopping center owner and manager in the western United States, officially broke ground on its Verrado Marketplace on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The 500,000-square-foot retail, dining, and entertainment destination will be located at the northeast corner of the Interstate 10 Freeway and Verrado Way in Buckeye.

The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by city leaders, developers, retailers, and community partners, featured remarks from Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, Vestar President and CEO David Larcher, DMB Chief Operating Officer Dan Kelly, and Vestar Executive Vice President of Development Jeff Axtell.

"This is a historic moment for Buckeye," said Orsborn. "The Verrado Marketplace will transform this area into a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, making Buckeye a true hub in the West Valley."

Set to open in Spring 2026, Verrado Marketplace will serve as a central gathering place for the 8,800-acre Verrado community and the greater West Valley. The property will feature more than 50 retailers and restaurants, including new tenants such as Shake Shack, ULTA Beauty, Buckle, Famous Footwear, Handel’s Ice Cream, Salt Tacos + Tequila, and others. The development will also include anchor tenants such as Target, Safeway, Ross, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Harkins Theaters.

Vestar revealed a full list of tenants joining the center, with over 15 new names expected to open in 2026, including Bath & Body Works, See’s Candies, Thai Chili, Shake Shack, and others. Further tenant announcements are expected in the coming months.

With an investment of $275 million, Verrado Marketplace is projected to generate over $50 million in tax revenue for the City of Buckeye and an estimated $1.8 billion in economic output over the next decade. The development is also expected to create more than 1,500 permanent jobs in the region.

he center will also incorporate a “Sip & Stroll” experience, allowing guests to have alcoholic beverages while exploring the property’s outdoor spaces, which will host events, live performances, and community gatherings.

“We are excited to begin construction on Verrado Marketplace, which will offer a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and entertainment,” said Larcher, Vestar’s President and CEO. “This development is more than just a shopping center; it will be a true community hub for the West Valley.”

 Visit AtVerradoMarketplace.com for more information.