Target Backs Out of Higley and Ocotillo Development

After months of planning—and a controversial rezoning approval—it appears Target has backed out of the proposed development at the southeast corner of Higley and Ocotillo roads in South Gilbert.

The original plans centered around a 128,660-square-foot Target store that would serve as the development’s primary anchor. The proposal faced opposition from nearby residents but ultimately received approval from the Gilbert Town Council in a narrow 4–3 vote on May 19, 2026.

However, newly released leasing materials for the development, now being marketed as Higley Station, no longer mention Target. Instead, the property is seeking a specialty grocery store and a leading fitness operator as its two main anchors.

The redesigned development also includes:

• Approximately 12,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and service space

• A 2,800-square-foot drive-thru pad along Higley Road

• A 3,300-square-foot drive-thru pad near the main entrance

• A 3,310-square-foot drive-thru pad with full-access entry and exit

This is a significant change from the plan approved earlier this year. The original proposal included Target, an 8,100-square-foot sit-down restaurant and a 3,000-square-foot financial institution with a drive-thru.

The good news is that the property still appears to be moving forward as a retail development. The newest concept could bring a combination of shopping, dining, fitness and daily-needs businesses to the corner—just without the large Target store many South Gilbert residents were expecting.

At this time, Target has not publicly announced why it is no longer connected to the project, and the identities of the proposed grocery and fitness anchors have not been released. However, the updated leasing materials make it clear that the development team is now pursuing a very different tenant lineup.

We’ll continue following Higley Station as new businesses and potential anchor tenants are announced.