Target moving forward in South Gilbert

🎯 Target Moving Forward at Higley & Ocotillo — New Retail Hub Coming to South Gilbert

Plans are officially moving forward for a new Target-anchored retail development on the southeast corner of Higley and Ocotillo Roads, marking another major retail addition to South Gilbert’s growing corridor.

🏗️ Project Overview

Developer SimonCRE is planning a 13.2-acre retail project featuring a 128,660-square-foot Target store as the main anchor.

In addition to Target, the site plan includes two more retail pads:

• An 8,100-square-foot pad expected to become a bank or financial institution

• A 3,000-square-foot pad planned for a restaurant

The Target building is proposed at a maximum height of 35 feet, while the larger pad will reach 25 feet. Together, these three uses will form a vibrant retail corner serving nearby neighborhoods.

📜 Requests Before the Town of Gilbert

The proposal requests a rezoning of 16.14 acres from Shopping Center (SC) with a Planned Area Development (PAD) to General Commercial (GC) zoning. This change will allow SimonCRE to move forward with the large anchor store and its supporting retail uses.

Along with the rezoning, the submittal includes:

• Preliminary plat approval for a three-lot commercial subdivision

• Open space plan review

• A 12.5% parking reduction, with 537 planned spaces instead of the 614 spaces typically required by the Town

These updates are designed to make the most efficient use of the site while maintaining smooth traffic flow and accessibility.

🗺️ Site Design & Layout

According to the developer’s narrative, the layout was strategically planned to separate neighborhood streets from heavy retail traffic:

“The site has been strategically designed to best accommodate the variety of retail uses. The retail (pad 1) and drive-thru (pad 2) are located on the north side of the site along Ocotillo Road. The major retail pad is west-facing to best accommodate the Higley Road access, which will help keep traffic off Wilson Way on the east boundary of the site.”

This orientation ensures the main traffic load stays on Higley and Ocotillo while protecting the quieter residential area to the east.

🧱 Project Team

• Developer: SimonCRE

• Property Owner: GB Investments Inc.

• Master Design Firm: Ware Malcomb

• Architect for Target: RSP Architects Ltd

• Project Representative: Pew & Lake, PLC

These firms bring proven experience in commercial design and large-scale retail projects across the Valley.

🏘️ Surrounding Uses

The development will be surrounded by residential neighborhoods, a church, and a Town of Gilbert facility. The addition of Target, a bank, and a restaurant will bring new convenience options to local residents, reducing the need to travel north for shopping and dining.

📅 What’s Next

The proposal is currently under review with the Town of Gilbert Planning Commission. Once the rezoning and site plan are approved, construction is expected to follow shortly after.

When complete, the project will become one of the largest new retail destinations in South Gilbert — strengthening the area’s growing commercial presence and serving as an anchor for future development.

📰 Final Take

The new Target, bank, and restaurant at Higley and Ocotillo represent a major step forward for South Gilbert’s retail landscape. With SimonCRE leading the project and design partners like Ware Malcomb and RSP Architects, residents can expect a high-quality commercial center that blends seamlessly into the surrounding community while delivering the modern conveniences locals have been waiting for.

Stay tuned as the project moves through the town’s approval process and closer to breaking ground.