PROPERTY, GROWTH AND LOCATION
BY MIKE HUNTER
Gilbert Mixed-Use Development Designed for Walkable Lifestyle Epicenter, the high-end, vertically integrated mixed-use community and retail destination in the heart of Agritopia®, is progressing on schedule with construction since its groundbreaking in January. The development is slated to welcome residents in the fall of 2021. The multi-family units feature state-of-the-art amenities along with design details that will capture the essence of the Agritopia® community’s walkable lifestyle. In addition to previously announced amenities, including a maker’s space and a demonstration kitchen, residents will have access to ample co-working space and conference room replicating a greenhouse and paying homage to Gilbert’s farm life. Other amenities include a resort-style pool, dedicated yoga lawn, high-end fitness facility and a spacious dog park. Package lockers and food storage and delivery lockers will be located in the lobby to eliminate non-resident foot traffic beyond secured areas. Epicenter will also feature a fully secured bike storage and repair shop, so residents can conveniently explore the community without the need of a vehicle. Epicenter will consist of some of the tallest buildings in Gilbert, featuring sweeping views of the San Tan and Superstition mountains. In addition
to its 320 apartment homes, Epicenter includes retail space that will house beloved local and regional brands that are experts in their craft and considered by many to be best in their class. Current retailers include Beer Barn, Matt’s Big Breakfast, Gadzooks, Peixoto Coffee, Bunky Boutique, Wylde Salon, Hooligan’s Barbershop, Vintage Home and The Fit Collective workout community. “It’s been wonderful to witness the progress of Epicenter in spite of the challenges presented in 2020,” says William Johnston, CEO of Johnston & Co., the project developer, crediting also, “Our partners at StreetLights Residential have done an incredible job capturing the heart and soul of Agritopia® and translating that into the design at Epicenter.” The project is the capstone to complete Agritopia® and designed to cater to residents of all ages. Epicenter pays tribute to the property’s agrarian past and present — Agritopia® includes an 11.3-acre organic farm — and each building is uniquely designed to further the sense of a community coming together. epicenteratagritopia.com johnstonandcoaz.com • streetlightsres.com
En Fuego, which broke ground last March, is well under way, according to Walt Brown, founder and CEO of Scottsdale-based real estate brokerage and development company Diversified Partners, who recently announced Starbucks, Raising Cane’s, Barro’s Pizza, Burros & Fries, Twisted Sugar, Jack in the Box, Then Burger and Honey Go Nails are already committed. Across the street from the Westgate entertainment complex, En Fuego is in excellent company with the Tangier outlets around the corner and Cabela’s next door. Available now for Phase I are pads, shops and land, ranging from 3,000 square feet to 15,600 square feet/1.33-acre lot. Phase II will offer 8.32 acres for office, flex or entertainment use. “This is a big deal for the City of Glendale. It’s a densely populated area with over 100,000 residents within three miles, not to mention the nearly 85,000 in daytime population also within three miles,” says Glendale mayor Jerry Weiers. “This is an excellent partnership, and we are fully committed to supporting En Fuego for the long haul.”
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INBUSINESSPHX.COM
“We came up with the name En Fuego, which means ‘fire’ in Spanish,” Brown explains. “The iconic fire circle we designed represents the complex as a center or whole with a flare of the fire elements incorporated throughout the complex, using high-contrasting vibrant colors to engage the consumer.” dpcre.com
Agritopia®, which includes an 11.3-acre organic farm, is also home to Epicenter, which features some of the tallest buildings in Gilbert as the high-end, vertically integrated mixed-use community and retail destination in the heart of Agritopia®.
Photos courtesy of Epicenter (top), Diversified Partners (bottom)
Development on Prime Parcel in Glendale