Once a quiet desert town, Buckeye is rapidly evolving into a vibrant economic hub, marked by the groundbreaking of the $275 million Verrado Marketplace a transformative 500,000-square-foot development that promises to redefine shopping, dining, and entertainment in the West Valley.
Established in 1888, Buckeye has transformed from a modest agricultural community into one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, the city's population surged by over 1,200%, reflecting its appeal as a desirable place to live and work.
This rapid expansion has necessitated significant infrastructure and commercial developments to meet the needs of its burgeoning population.
Verrado Marketplace, which is set to open in Spring 2026, will feature major retailers such as Target and Safeway, alongside a Harkins Backlot Theater. Unique amenities include a half-acre central lawn designed for community events and a "sip-and-stroll" program, allowing visitors to enjoy beverages while exploring the area similar to other Vestar properties in the valley – Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace.
“This will become the heartbeat of this community, shaping Buckeye's future,” said David Larcher, President & CEO of Vestar. “It’s more than just a shopping center; it’s where families gather and memories are made.”
The project is expected to create approximately 1,700 permanent jobs and generate $50 million in tax revenue over the next decade.
John O'Halloran, City of Buckeye deputy communications director, told InBuckeye the revenue will go into the city's General Fund.
Mayor Eric Orsborn emphasized the importance of reducing travel times for residents seeking quality shopping and dining options. “It's exciting to bring upscale dining and shopping options closer to home,” Orsborn said.
Verrado Marketplace: A new community hub
The Verrado Marketplace also promises to enhance the area’s quality of life. Its design includes features like outdoor seating, fireplaces, and a sip-and-stroll program similar to those at Tempe Marketplace. “We’re 70% leased already, focusing on the right tenant mix to serve the community,” Larcher said.
For Orsborn, these projects are deeply personal. “My wife and I have dreamed of having date-night options closer to home,” he said, cheekily. “This is a game-changer.”
During a Q&A with reporters, Orsborn reiterated how excited he was for more date night opportunities not only for he and his wife, but all Buckeyeans and others in the West Valley.
He said he was looking forward to trying the restaurant Salt.
Other tenants set to open at the marketplace are: Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Bath & Bodyworks, Ulta, and Zara for shopping needs; Einstein Bros, BJ's, Shake Shack, and See's Candy for food and more.
Buckeye’s rapid growth has necessitated infrastructure improvements to support these developments. Plans include additional traffic lanes, new signals, and expanded drainage systems. These enhancements aim to ensure that the city’s new commercial hubs are as accessible and safe as possible.
“This is the first of many projects that will keep our residents close to home for shopping, dining, and entertainment,” Orsborn said. “The future is incredibly bright for Buckeye.”
11 Responses
Sorry to hear that a Safeway will be going in the Verrado Marketplace. We were all hoping for a Fry’s Marketplace. So much better prices. Safeway is way too over priced.
Have you downloaded the Safeway app? I know they have some really good deals and coupons on there that you can clip to help pay for groceries!
I use Safeway app yes I do save money and also earn rewards for free items
However it is way more expensive than fry’s , since winco opened in Goodyear we’ve been going there , lots of great deals but they don’t do coupons
Fry’s app is good I earn awesome discounts for gas if you Save up the points from grocery shopping
I filled up last week and got 70 cents off a gallon
There is a fry’s off jackrabbit and Watson. The Safeway is a lot nicer and has better options. We need a variety
Very interested, & looking forward..
A Sprouts or Trader Joe’s would have been amazing too
I believe we deserve better access to healthier food options—like a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. There are none of those in the West Valley, and we shouldn’t have to drive 30–40 minutes to the nearest Sprouts. Our community deserves better and more importantly, our kids deserve the option of cleaner, healthier food. I’m definitely excited to see the expansion and what’s to come, but adding something like this was one of the changes I was really hoping for. Fingers crossed!
Please we need some good restaurants for date night
Goodyear has just opened some awesome ones
Something like the stillery with live music please!!!!
No more fast food
Trader Joe’s would have been nice !!!!
I literally just want a gas station in tartesso
All due respect Mr Mayor but, I don’t see any retail venue listed as being “upscale”. Verrado already has many parks and the Main Street area for gathering and old town Buckeye has new growth planned. Traffic is going to be a nightmare as it already is with Costco. I moved to Verrado for a reason. I hope the small town feel doesn’t go away. PS – we could do with a steak and seafood restaurant.
I agree, Sprouts would be nice. Personally I like Albertsons better because of the sea food even though Safeway is owned by them. How about T J Max and DSW shoes. I am clear around the other side where we have nothing, the drive to verrado is still closer than Goodyear.