LGE Design Build has completed phase 2 construction of Heritage Marketplace in downtown Gilbert with trendy new restaurant and retail businesses such as Sushi Brokers and Tuft and Needle.

Nico, a new restaurant by chef Gio Osso of Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale, has also opened in the completed Phase 1 building.

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The groundfloor will feature restaurants and retail stores, while the second floor of Heritage Marketplace will house offices (Photo courtesy of LGE Design Build)

Phase 2 tenants include Sushi Brokers, Farm & Craft, Clever Koi, Grubstak, Even Stevens, Tuft and Needle, Brown Law Firm, and Security Title Agency. Tenants are expected to open by fourth quarter 2016 or first quarter 2017.

An integral part of Gilbert’s historic Heritage District, Heritage Marketplace is a family friendly, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development in downtown Gilbert located on the northwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue.

“Gilbert’s Heritage District has experienced a renaissance thanks to developments like the Heritage Marketplace,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “The Heritage District, now more than ever, is a place where residents and visitors alike congregate to enjoy the entrepreneurial restaurants, retail, entertainment, learning and arts and culture developments. It is a place where workers are excited to spend their day in the luxurious office space provided by developments like Heritage Marketplace. Ultimately, the Heritage District will continue to be the heart of the community and a clean and safe place for families, students, and co-workers to gather.”

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Phase 2 tenants include Sushi Brokers, Farm & Craft, Clever Koi, Grubstak, Even Stevens, Tuft and Needle, Brown Law Firm, and Security Title Agency. (Photo courtesy of LGE Design Build)

The second phase includes two buildings totaling 32,000 square-feet with ground floor restaurant and retail space, and second floor office space. The north building is about 10,000 square-feet and the south building is about 22,000 square-feet. Phoenix-based Cawley Architects and AV3 Design served as architects for the Phase 2 shell.

“Heritage Marketplace has grown rapidly,” said Dave Sellers, president of LGE Design Build. “This unique mixed use infill project was designed to create walkable, street-focused retail that collides with office, generating considerable energy in downtown Gilbert.”

In Phase 1, LGE completed 31,000 square-feet of dynamic mixed-use office/retail/restaurant space, earning AZRE’s 2016 RED Award for Mixed Use Project.

Tenants included Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Pomo Pizzeria, Barrio Queen, Zinburger and Petersen’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, Pacific Pharmacy Consultants, EcoTec and People’s Mortgage.

Nico opened in the Phase 1 building in May. The 3,217 square-foot restaurant features a back bar with sliding chalkboards, large wall mirrors and an outdoor patio. LGE Design Group served as the architect for Nico’s restaurant.

Osso decided to locate Nico, named after his 2-year-old son, in Heritage Marketplace because he lives in Gilbert and enjoys the entertainment district’s energy.

“It’s a home away from home. I want to get to know my neighbors. I don’t think I could have picked a better place than Heritage Marketplace,” said Osso, who owns Nico with business partner Brad Kircher.

Nico, a chef-driven concept with a family atmosphere, also caters to special occasions.

“I’m focused on the experience from the greeting to the boutique wine list, craft cocktails, highest quality ingredients and impeccable service. You feel comfortable from the moment you walk in,” said Osso, a James Beard Award-nominated chef. Osso’s Virtu restaurant was named one of the top 25 restaurants in the country by Esquire Magazine.

LGE has plans for another dynamic retail development to the south of Heritage Marketplace, tentatively called Gilbert Market, which will include 38,000 square-feet of restaurant, retail and entertainment businesses. Construction start date and users to be announced soon.

Across the street at 323 N. Gilbert Road, LGE is constructing Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, designed to connect with the town’s agricultural roots.