Nana Wu
Dwi Wanna
Suro Senen
Evan Lee Salim
Rifan Muazin
Executive Summary: A New Landmark for Gilbert
The retail landscape of the Southeast Valley is undergoing a seismic shift. Phoenix-based brokerage firm Western Retail Advisors (WRA) recently announced a wave of high-profile tenant commitments at Northside at SanTan Village, a premier mixed-use development in Gilbert, Arizona. As the project approaches full occupancy, it has successfully curated a blend of nationally acclaimed fine dining, boutique wellness services, and high-tech entertainment, positioning itself as the definitive social anchor for the region.
Developed by Okland Capital and the San Tan Development Group, the six-building, 37,894-square-foot destination is more than just a retail center; it is a meticulously planned lifestyle hub. With only two units remaining, the project has emerged as a cornerstone of the burgeoning San Tan Village corridor, capitalizing on the rapid population growth of one of Arizona’s most vibrant municipalities.
The Chronology of Growth: Building a Destination
The evolution of Northside at SanTan Village has been a study in strategic phasing and intentional curation. The project’s vision was predicated on the idea that the modern consumer seeks "third spaces"—environments that exist between home and the office, where social connection is prioritized over simple transactional commerce.
2026: The Foundation of Quality
The development hit its first major milestone in mid-2026 with the arrival of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. The 11,000-square-foot anchor tenant signaled to the market that Northside was not a typical strip center, but a destination for high-end hospitality. Following this, the center began to fill its remaining footprints with a series of lifestyle-focused businesses.
The Current Wave of Expansion
The recent leasing activity, brokered by Bryan Babits and Alberto Caballero of Western Retail Advisors, has added significant weight to the development’s roster. Notable additions include:
- Roka Akor: The acclaimed Japanese restaurant, frequently cited as a "Top 10 Sushi Spot in the U.S." by Bon Appétit, is slated to open by mid-2027. This will serve as their second Arizona location, bringing 18 years of Scottsdale-honed excellence to the Gilbert market.
- Aria Nail Bar: A premium personal care provider scheduled to debut in the spring of 2027.
- Sandbox VR: Already operational, this high-tech entertainment anchor has become a primary driver of foot traffic, proving the demand for experiential retail within the center.
The Supporting Ecosystem
The project is rounded out by a suite of lifestyle brands that serve the daily needs of the affluent surrounding community. This includes the fourth Arizona locations for The Workshop Pilates, The NOW Massage, and Face Foundrié, as well as the second Arizona location for The Milkshake Factory, creating a "stickiness" that keeps patrons on-site for extended periods.
Market Dynamics and Supporting Data
The success of Northside at SanTan Village is not accidental; it is a direct result of data-driven site selection. The property’s location—fronting the Loop 202 freeway between Williams Field and Ray roads—places it in the heart of a logistical and residential powerhouse.
Demographics and Access
The site enjoys prime accessibility, reaching over 274,000 residents within a 5-mile radius. Expanding that reach to a 10-mile radius, the catchment area grows to over 1 million people. This massive, dense population, combined with Gilbert’s status as one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation, provides a robust "built-in" customer base that few developments can replicate.
Project Specifications
- Total Square Footage: 37,894 sq. ft.
- Total Master Plan Area: 20 acres (including future hotel expansion).
- Design Philosophy: Shared outdoor "paseos," walking loops, and programmed year-round events.
- Vacancy Status: Only two units remain (2,832 sq. ft. and 1,487 sq. ft.).
Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of Place
The leadership behind the project emphasizes that the development is designed for longevity and community cohesion rather than short-term turnover.
"In Japanese, Roka means gathering around the fire, and that is exactly what Northside was built for," says Dario Dell’Anno, Chief Operating Officer of Roka Akor. "We were immediately drawn to the energy of this development and the way its shared spaces and caliber of brands come together to create a unique experience. Our Gilbert location will bring everything that has defined our Scottsdale flagship to the Southeast Valley—a community that has proven its love of great food."
Blake Bunker, Managing Partner of Okland Capital, notes that the design was intentional from the outset. "Gilbert continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona, with an increasing demand for more upscale and unique dining and entertainment options. We were very intentional about designing Northside around where we believe the community is headed. The goal was to create a place where people want to spend time, connect with each other, and enjoy being part of the community."
Implications for the Gilbert Retail Market
The near-completion of Northside at SanTan Village has significant implications for the broader Phoenix-area commercial real estate market.
The Rise of "Experiential Retail"
The success of Sandbox VR and the inclusion of high-end wellness and dining demonstrate that the "mall" of the future is an outdoor, lifestyle-oriented experience. By incorporating a planned 134-key hotel on the property, the developers are ensuring that the customer base remains fluid, moving from transient visitors to local residents.
Future Opportunities for Tenants
For prospective tenants looking at the final two remaining spaces, the value proposition is clear: proximity to an established, high-traffic anchor list. Alberto Caballero of Western Retail Advisors believes these remaining spots are ideal for fast-casual breakfast or lunch concepts. "Both availabilities include patios, making them ideal for a fast-casual breakfast or lunch concept," Caballero noted. "Northside’s daytime foot traffic and the surrounding workforce population continue to grow. Add in the hotel planned immediately to the north, and you have a large built-in customer base ready to be served."
Economic Impact
The cumulative effect of these leases is an increase in both property value and local tax revenue for Gilbert. By clustering high-end brands together, the developers have created a destination that prevents "leakage"—where local residents would otherwise have to travel to Scottsdale or Phoenix for premium experiences.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As Northside at SanTan Village moves toward its final stage of leasing and the opening of its flagship culinary anchor, it stands as a testament to the resilience of physical retail when executed with a sophisticated, community-first approach. By integrating dining, wellness, and entertainment in a highly visible, accessible, and master-planned environment, the development has secured its place as a vital artery in Gilbert’s economy.
With the hotel development pending and the final two retail spaces expected to move quickly, the "Northside" brand is set to become a benchmark for future mixed-use developments across the Southwest.
For more information on the remaining retail opportunities at Northside at SanTan Village, interested parties are encouraged to contact Bryan Babits or Alberto Caballero at Western Retail Advisors (602.778.3747).
About Western Retail Advisors
Western Retail Advisors (WRA) remains at the forefront of the retail brokerage industry, specializing in master broker services, tenant representation, and landlord representation. With a footprint spanning over 30 states, WRA leverages deep market intelligence to navigate the complexities of modern retail, ensuring that both property owners and tenants achieve long-term success. For more information, visit W-Retail.com.
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