Queen Creek launches ‘Downtown Vibes’

With new restaurants, stores, office space and more coming to downtown Queen Creek, construction in the area is ramping up.

In anticipation of construction frustration and to create excitement for the new developments, Queen Creek this week launched a new ad campaign called “Downtown Vibes.”

The campaign was first announced last fall at a Queen Creek Town Council meeting as part of an overall presentation on the future of downtown.

“This campaign aims to flip the narrative, diverting energy potentially away from frustrations and instead helping the community to view construction as a sign of progress and what’s to come,” Downtown Development Manager Jennifer Lindley told the council at its Nov. 5 meeting.

Development in the area has jumped from 4,000 square feet in 2024 to 230,000 square feet today, signaling $200 million in private investment.

“We have been planning for our downtown for years, and it is so exciting to see these quality, new developments take our downtown to the next level,” stated Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley in a town press release. “As a young community — incorporated just 36 years ago — it is incredible to see our downtown vision of a walkable, vibrant gathering space coming to life."

 
The initial campaign will include A-frame signs throughout the downtown area and social media announcing the initiative. Future elements may include banners, community giveaways and more to promote resident engagement and build excitement for the new projects, according to a staff report.

“I have to say they’re very fun and creative and these concepts will be placed around downtown QC at strategic locations in order to remind the community of the future of this area — and they might make you smile a little bit too,” Lindley told the council.

The ads come in vibrant colors and sport such slogans as “Less Drivin’ More Thrivin,’” “Good Eats Ahead” and “Say hello to your new favorite hangout.”

Projects under construction in downtown Queen Creek include:

• Homewood Suites — Expected to open in early 2027, the Homewood Suites is located on East Maya Road. When completed, the four-story hotel will have 124 rooms. It will be the town’s second hotel.
• QC Accounting — The business at 22237 S. Ellsworth Road was a recipient of the town’s former façade-improvement program. It has since acquired property to the north of its location, and it has expanded to 5,000 square feet of office space. The expansion is expected to open soon.
• The Sacred Pint — Now open, The Sacred Pint is on what was once the town’s first Circle K and went through several iterations over the years. The 2,587-square-foot taproom is at 22020 S. Ellsworth Road.
• The Perch Development — The 62,093 square feet of commercial development includes a brewery and additional retail/restaurant space. The Perch portion of the development, located on Munoz Street between Ellsworth and Ellsworth Loop roads, is scheduled to open in late 2026.
• Circle K — Long seen as an eyesore in the downtown area, the old Circle K building has been torn down and is being replaced with a more modern design. Located at 21895 S. Ellsworth Road, the new store will be about 5,200 square feet.
• The Switchyard — Located on about 8 acres of formerly town-owned land, the first phase of The Switchyard will include a mix of restaurant, retail and office space totaling just under 48,000 square feet. Phase two will include luxury multifamily housing. The first phase is set to open in the third quarter for 2026. Postino, Shake Shack and Snooze have announced locations in phase one. The Switchyard is located at Ellsworth Loop and Ocotillo roads.
• Rusty Buckle Saloon — The 8,930-square-foot bar and restaurant is in the permitting process and is set to open in mid-2026 at 21838 S. Ellsworth Road.
• Magma Plaza — The old Magma Engineering at 20955 E. Ocotillo Road will be torn down to make room for an 8,500-square-foot commercial development. The project is still going through the permitting process.
• The Matheson — Located on the southeast corner of Ellsworth Loop and Ocotillo roads, the completed development will bring 20,000 square feet of medical office space to the Downtown Core. It is expected to start the permitting process soon.

“Public outreach on construction happening today helps residents stay informed and get excited about how these projects are shaping the heart of our community,” Wheatley stated.

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