After a deliberative process, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority (WHPDA) announced the selection of Scottsdale-based legacy developer Sunbelt Holdings to lead the development efforts for the property’s 3,300-acre project known as Wild Horse Pass. Located at the southwest corner of I-10 and the new Loop 202 freeway, new commercial development will provide new revenue streams to the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) by responding to current market demand. Sunbelt Holdings will provide master developer services for Phase 1 of the 10 million square-foot project.
The newly envisioned Wild Horse Pass master plan, developed by a project team consisting of CallisonRTKL, Kimley Horn, and Elliott D. Pollack & Company, was recently approved by the Gila River Indian Community. The site is planned for a large-scale sports and entertainment district including additional hotels, a wellness center, an event center, an outdoor amphitheater music entertainment venue, sports facilities, outdoor recreation and parks, restaurants, retail, and an office park.
“This expansion furthers our vision to provide additional economic development opportunities for Wild Horse Pass, GRIC, and the Greater Metropolitan Phoenix area,” said Donald Antone, Chairman of the WHPDA Board of Directors.A highly-respected leader in creating successful master planned residential communities and iconic commercial development properties in Arizona for over 40 years, Sunbelt Holdings will lead the master planned development effort, providing asset management, construction management, and marketing services for the master plan.
“Sunbelt Holdings’ proven expertise and reputation in master plan development, their blue-ribbon portfolio, and deeply-rooted community connections made them the ideal partner for this expansion project,” said David White, WHPDA General Manager.
The existing Wild Horse Pass property includes Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Whirlwind Golf Club, Aji Spa, Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, Phoenix Premium Outlets, KOLI Equestrian Center, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Bondurant High Performance Driving School and the destination’s newest tenant, Phoenix Rising Football Club. As the United Soccer League (USL) Championship club, and Arizona’s highest-ranked association football team, Phoenix Rising FC has carved out a roadmap to relocate and develop its new home at Wild Horse Pass. The development includes a larger-capacity stadium, improved training facilities, and an enhanced fan experience. The club’s occupancy will commence for the start of the 2021 USL Championship season with play beginning May 1.
“The new development plan will create exceptional entertainment and lifestyle experiences, new jobs for Community members, and will evolve our culture and legacy,” said White.
Development is underway and Phase I is planned to be completed over the next 10 years. Announcements of new projects and users will follow in the next several months.
“We are grateful to have been selected to partner with Wild Horse Pass Development Authority and the Gila River Indian Community at a pivotal time for the development,” said John Graham, Chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings. “We are committed to honoring the legacy and culture of the community and creating a sense of place that will pave the way for the future.”
