#USA #Thompson Thrift #Maricopa #ALDI #Southbridge Marketplace

Thompson Thrift Unveils Major Expansion in Maricopa, Arizona

Thompson Thrift has officially initiated construction on the next chapter of Southbridge Marketplace, strategically located near Phoenix in the bustling city of Maricopa. This ambitious project encompasses a robust 56,000-square-foot second phase, which is slated to reach shell completion by late 2026, with the highly anticipated ALDI supermarket set to open its doors in early 2027.

Dan Sink, the president and CFO of Thompson Thrift, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "Southbridge Marketplace is assisting in shaping Maricopa's next chapter as a vibrant, connected community. We take pride in collaborating with Forest Creek and the city to introduce numerous dining, shopping, and service opportunities that elevate the daily lives of residents and support the area's ongoing growth."

The marketplace, strategically situated at the intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Avenue, spans an impressive 20 acres, positioning it at one of Maricopa's busiest commercial nodes. The initial phase of development featured a 139,000-square-foot Lowe's Home Improvement store, which opened in August, marking a successful entry into the marketplace.

The forthcoming expansion will not only house ALDI's substantial 21,000-square-foot space, but it will also include an additional 20,000 square feet of attached retail space and 15,700 square feet of retail distributed across four outparcels. Notable tenants that have already signed on include a drive-thru Panera Bread, Tropical Smoothie Café, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Club Pilates, European Wax Center, and She Nail Lounge. Moreover, prospective tenants can look forward to the availability of four inline spaces ranging from approximately 1,600 to 2,520 square feet, a designated 3,200-square-foot pad for another drive-thru retail establishment, and an additional standalone pad of 3,000 square feet.

Ashlee Boyd, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Commercial, expressed optimism regarding the project's trajectory. She remarked, "The next phase of Southbridge Marketplace builds on the strong momentum we've seen since Lowe's opened earlier this year. By introducing trusted national and regional brands like ALDI and Panera Bread, we aim to bolster Maricopa's retail landscape and lay the groundwork for continued success."

Maricopa has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a quiet small town into one of Arizona's dynamic and rapidly growing cities. Its youthful and expanding demographic, combined with robust household incomes, positions it as an attractive location for national retailers and employers. Furthermore, the city is supported by pro-business leadership and a community eager to embrace new amenities, making it a prime candidate for long-term investment and sustained growth.

Thompson Thrift has established a solid reputation over nearly 40 years, having invested over $6.6 billion into local communities. The company is well-known for its commitment to developing high-quality multifamily communities and commercial projects across the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest.

Active in Arizona, Thompson Thrift is currently engaged in several noteworthy developments, including the Elliot Tech Center in Mesa, Germann Commerce Center in Queen Creek, Pointe17 and Refinery at Pointe17 in Phoenix, The Maddox in Buckeye, Stella in San Tan Valley, South Tempe Square in Tempe, and The Gilmore in Gilbert. These projects exemplify the company’s focus on ongoing investment in high-growth markets and delivering quality developments.

About Forest Creek Ventures

Forest Creek Ventures (FCV) specializes in real estate investment, development, and consulting. The company's leadership boasts experience in sourcing, financing, acquiring, and executing projects valued over $20 billion across the United States. FCV focuses on high-quality projects across various sectors, ensuring disciplined execution and long-term value creation.

About Thompson Thrift Real Estate Company

Founded in 1986, Thompson Thrift has expanded from a local development and construction company into a full-service operation with national reach. With offices in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Indiana; Denver; Houston; and Phoenix, the company is involved in every facet of development, construction, leasing, and management of multifamily and commercial projects. Recently, it received national recognition as a 2025 Top Workplaces USA award winner.

For further insights, visit Thompson Thrift's website.