Willowbrook; 91 New Homes Proposed Near Riggs & 156th

Willowbrook: 91 New Homes Proposed Near Riggs & 156th

A new residential neighborhood may soon be coming to the southeast corner of Riggs Road and 156th Street in Gilbert. The proposed community, called Willowbrook, is being developed by Lennar Homes and would bring 91 single-family homes to a 26.38-acre site, pending Town Council approval.

To move forward, the developer is requesting:

• A General Plan Amendment (from Residential > 0–1 DU/Acre to Residential > 2–3.5 DU/Acre)

• A rezoning from SF-43 to SF-6 with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay

If approved, the new neighborhood would offer:
✅ Lot sizes averaging 6,600 square feet
✅ 55’x120’ homesites with both 1- and 2-story homes
✅ A community park, walking paths, pickleball court, and children's play area
✅ 18% open space, thoughtfully integrated throughout the site
✅ Scenic views and connectivity via the adjacent Roosevelt Water Canal

🧱 Design Features & Modifications

To make the most of the unique site shape, the developer has requested minor adjustments:

• Side setbacks reduced to 5’ on both sides

• Increased lot coverage (50% for one-story, 45% for two-story homes)

• Single-story only homes along the southern edge to match nearby Marathon Ranch

🚦Traffic & Neighborhood Feedback

Two neighborhood meetings were held, where residents expressed concerns about:

• Traffic volume and safety on 156th and Riggs

• Density and lot size

• Desire for more single-story homes and larger lots

In response, Lennar made several changes, including:

• Reducing the number of homes from 116 to 91

• Increasing lot depth

• Adding a right-turn lane at 156th and Riggs

• Committing to block walls and buffering near existing neighborhoods

🗳️ What’s Next?

The Planning Commission approval today, and the proposal now heads to Town Council. If approved, construction could begin in late 2026, with homes potentially ready by late 2027.