Gilbert economic development director Dan Henderson calls the Downtown Heritage District a “30-year overnight success story.”

Now it’s time for the sequel. 

The 10-acre Phase 1 of Heritage Park is expected to open in September, featuring mixed-use development with the 288-residence multifamily community NOVEL Heritage Park, 30,000 square feet of retail space and a public courtyard. Subsequent phases will feature a 125-room boutique hotel and luxury residential units.

“The developers have worked for a very, very long time on the vision,” Henderson says.

“When we acquired this site — I think back in 2014-ish — we knew it was going to be a significant development. We had no idea at that time that it was going to amass 800,000 square feet of mixed-use development,” he adds about the project as a whole.

In September, the shells of the development will be handed over to the tenants, who put their stamp on the project. Phase two is set for a 2027 completion. 

Gilbert has long needed a project like Heritage Park, which encompasses the town block at Gilbert Road and Juniper Avenue, officials and stakeholders say.

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Breaking ground

In May 2025, stakeholders broke ground on Phase 1 of Heritage Park, which also includes a public town square with water features, landscaping, art and walking and biking trails.

The developer, Creation Equity, in partnership with Crescent Communities, are helming the project. 

“Crescent and Creation complement each other at that of that mixed-use component,” Henderson says. “Crescent Communities has around 80 multifamily communities that they have built. They’re a very trusted residential developer, and I think it’s just a great partnership.”

The two plan to integrate the project with the Power Line Trail and create a linear park, Water Tower Way, enhancing connectivity. 

This is complementing the Power Line Trail, which is a trail system that connects Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe and on into Phoenix.

“Think of it as, essentially, a no-vehicle [area] with a view of the water tower,” Henderson says.

“Hence the name Water Tower Way. It creates that unobstructed view of the water tower and creates a multitude of gathering spaces. In the future, we anticipate the farmers market will be relocated to Water Tower Way, along with pop ups, retail and live music. This is really where the vibrancy is going to come alive.”

Paradise for foodies

The culinary landscape is a major focus of this expansion, with the Flagship Restaurant Group already leasing a significant portion of the new space to bring popular concepts like Ghost Donkey, Palma, and Blue Sushi Sake Grill to the East Valley.

Future phases of Heritage Park will include a 125-room hotel, office, and additional parking. The project is expected to boost the local economy and community engagement significantly.

Henderson says the town does not require if the businesses have to be local, regional or national. The key is to have multiple developments in Downtown Gilbert.

“If we have a certain cuisine in the Heritage District, this will complement that and execute at a level that’s complementary to what’s currently down there,” he explains.

“That way there aren’t two of the same offers. You’re not really in competition, so to speak. You get a wonderful choice of where to dine. ‘What experience do we want today?’ That’s what I mean by ‘complementary.’”

Henderson and other stakeholders are looking forward to the finished project.

“It’s a great, great project; great developer and a great project team,” Henderson says.

“So many of the team members in Gilbert touch this project and will continue to interact with it. There are things you don’t really even think about — from the infrastructure to the drainage, from the parking to the landscaping to the trash service. All of those pieces are going to really be integrated so nicely.”

Collaborative approach

Creation’s co-founder David Sellers agreed that it is a collaborative effort, “driven by our exceptional development and construction teams, supportive town leadership and visionary tenants. 

“Together, we are committed to creating an iconic gateway into Gilbert’s Heritage District — one that enhances quality of life, celebrates local culture and offers an exceptional experience for both residents and visitors.”

LGE Design Build is spearheading construction. Phoenix Commercial Advisors (PCA) has been appointed to oversee retail leasing activities. 

State statute requires towns to develop a 10-year redevelopment plan. Before that, the town reached out to the community in 2015-2018 to gather its thoughts in anticipation of the plan. Also, it shared the timeline. The plan will sunset in 2028.

Henderson compares the Heritage District to a family’s living room, as it evolves to accommodate their needs.

“You bring all of these elements together and we call it our ‘community living room,’” he says.

“Think about the way in which you use your living room in your home, the types of conversations you have about, say, faith and family, and how you host and interact.”