Early tenant commitments and major infrastructure are turning Halo Vista into one of Phoenix’s most compelling retail corridors

Halo Vista is no longer just a vision on paper, it is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic commercial development stories in the Southwest.

What’s rising in north Phoenix, just steps from TSMC, is a true city within a city. A master-planned environment designed to support one of the most powerful economic engines in the country. And now, with major retail, hospitality, and commercial users beginning to take shape, the opportunity is coming into clear focus.

The early lineup is already doing a lot of talking

You can tell a lot about a project by who shows up first. In Halo Vista’s case, the opening act is strong. We’re talking about Costco anchoring the retail side, a dual-branded Marriott hotel bringing in both short-term and extended-stay guests, and a major auto mall led by DeRito Partners, a group Velocity Retail Group has worked alongside on landlord assignments, adding regional draw.

That mix is not random. It is intentional.

It creates traffic right away, not just future potential. It serves the people who will actually be there day in and day out, workers, vendors, travelers, while quietly setting the stage for bigger, more experiential retail down the road .

This isn’t your typical rooftops-first development

Most retail projects follow the rooftops. Halo Vista flips that script. This one is built around jobs first, and a lot of them.

That means the customer base shows up early. Not just on weekends, not just at night, but all day. Engineers grabbing coffee. Crews grabbing lunch. Business travelers looking for dinner close to their hotel.

For retailers, that kind of consistency is gold.

It also opens the door for a wide mix of uses, from quick-service and fast casual to fitness, healthcare, and everyday services. Then, as the project matures, you start to see the shift into more destination-style retail in areas like the Town Center and Lumen Square .

Big scale, but in a good way

At around 2,300 acres, Halo Vista is not trying to be subtle. But here’s the thing, scale like this actually works in your favor.

It gives the project room to grow the right way. Early phases focus on getting the basics right. Later phases layer in density, energy, and experience. Over time, it becomes a place people don’t just visit, they rely on.

Plans already call for a significant amount of retail and restaurant space designed to serve both the immediate area and the broader region . That kind of built-in demand is hard to ignore.

Yes, there’s construction… and that’s a good sign

Any project this size comes with infrastructure, and a lot of it. Road improvements, freeway upgrades, new access points, it’s all happening right now around Loop 303 and I-17. And while that can feel a little messy in the short term, it is exactly what sets the stage for long-term success .

Better access. Better visibility. Better flow. For retailers, that means the trade area only gets stronger over time.

This corridor is heating up fast

Halo Vista is not developing in a vacuum, and honestly, that’s a positive. More projects are being planned along the same corridor, which means more traffic, more visibility, and more reasons for people to come to this part of north Phoenix.

That’s how strong retail corridors are built. Places like Outlets North Phoenix already pull regional shoppers, and as new development layers in, that draw only grows.

Getting in early still matters

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Halo Vista is a long-term play, but the early window is where a lot of the advantage is created. This is when brands can lock in visibility, establish presence, and grow alongside the project instead of trying to break in later when everything is more competitive.

It’s not about timing the finish line. It’s about getting in at the right moment during the build.

Why this matters right now

Halo Vista represents more than a new development, it represents a shift in how retail and commercial environments are being built.

Anchored by TSMC and supported by major infrastructure and early tenant commitments, the project is laying the foundation for a vibrant, high-performing corridor that will shape north Phoenix for decades.

For retailers, investors, and developers, the message is simple, the momentum is here, and the opportunity is just getting started.

Velocity Retail Group is proud to announce that Brian Gast and the Gast Team have been recognized as a 2026 Top Broker Award winner by ConnectCRE.

This prestigious award highlights the top-performing brokers across the Phoenix and Southwest markets, recognizing professionals who demonstrate exceptional transaction volume, market expertise, and consistent execution in both leasing and investment sales.

A Standout Year of Performance

In 2025, the Gast Team delivered a remarkable level of production, completing over 1,119,812 square feet of retail transactions. Their work spanned a wide range of deal types, including tenant representation, land sales, and investment acquisitions, reinforcing their position as one of the most active and effective retail brokerage teams in the region.

Key Transactions and Highlights

Among the team’s notable accomplishments:

• Represented Iron Courts in the $7.5 million acquisition of a 45,050-square-foot former LA Fitness property in Chandler, Arizona
• Facilitated the sale of 12.02 acres at Power Road in Mesa, Arizona, for a new retail development anchored by EOS Fitness and Aldi, with additional pads leased to McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Valvoline, and 7-Eleven
• Structured and executed a $15 million 1031 exchange, acquiring three off-market retail centers in the Phoenix metropolitan area

These transactions reflect the team’s ability to navigate complex deals while delivering strategic value for clients across multiple asset types.

Delivering Results Through Relationships and Expertise

The ConnectCRE Top Broker Award recognizes more than just volume. It represents a commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of the retail landscape, and the ability to consistently bring deals across the finish line.

Brian Gast and the Gast Team have built their reputation on strong relationships, market knowledge, and a hands-on approach to every assignment. Their continued success is a direct result of their focus on creating long-term value for their clients and partners.

Looking Ahead

As retail continues to evolve across the Phoenix market and beyond, the Gast Team remains focused on identifying new opportunities, delivering strategic solutions, and helping clients capitalize on growth across the Southwest.

Recognition like this is earned through consistency, trust, and a relentless focus on results, qualities that continue to define the Gast Team’s approach year after year.

Velocity Retail Group announced the launch of leasing for SanTan Crossing, a new premier restaurant and retail development located along Loop 202 at Williams Field Road in the Town of Gilbert. The project is being developed by Accelerated Development Services and leased by Velocity Retail Group.

SanTan Crossing is situated on a 21-acre site directly adjacent to SanTan Village Mall, one of the region’s dominant retail destinations. The property represents one of the few remaining marquee regional retail opportunities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, benefiting from immediate freeway access, strong visibility, and proximity to rapidly growing, high-income residential neighborhoods.

The development will feature approximately 57,402 square feet of restaurant and retail pad space, along with 21,900 square feet of inline shop space. Leasing is now underway for credit tenants, with shop space opportunities ranging from approximately 1,000 to 6,000 square feet, in addition to outparcel ground lease opportunities.

SanTan Crossing is positioned to attract upscale restaurant and retail users that traditionally target established trade areas such as Biltmore, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. The project’s location at the center of sustained population growth and retail demand makes it a strategic expansion opportunity for brands seeking high-quality real estate in the Southeast Valley.

Additional project updates will be announced as leasing progresses.

For leasing information, please contact Dave Cheatham or Darren Pitts at Velocity Retail Group or visit the property info page.

by Nick Law

In January, the tech world got a jolt when a Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, unveiled a new large language model that reportedly operates at a much lower cost than its U.S. competitors. DeepSeek claims it spent only $5.6 million to train its AI, while OpenAI’s GPT-4 reportedly cost over $100 million. While some skeptics question DeepSeek’s figures, the undeniable reality is that the need for data centers is skyrocketing, driven by the ever-increasing demand for AI and other technologies.

Andrew Batson, Senior Director of Americas Data Center Research and Strategy at JLL, shared during a webinar that while AI gets a lot of attention, it’s just one piece of the broader data center puzzle. “As the cost of AI declines, usage will increase,” Batson noted, referring to the economic principle known as Jevons paradox, where cheaper resources lead to higher demand. He pointed out that, while AI adoption is growing, traditional data-driven needs—like internet traffic, enterprise computing, and storage—remain the dominant drivers of data center growth.

And the big players aren’t sitting idly by. Major tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta have committed nearly $100 billion to build data centers in recent years. This enormous investment is helping support a global data center market that is expected to surpass $300 billion by 2026. According to Synergy Research Group, the total global spending on data center infrastructure has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 6% over the past five years.

Even with the AI hype, Batson emphasized that AI’s share of overall data center demand is still relatively small. The sheer volume of data being generated by the internet, enterprises, and new technologies remains the bigger driver. In fact, the data being produced globally is growing at an astonishing 23% annually. As for AI, it’s just one of many tech trends contributing to this data explosion.

The global “datasphere” is set to grow at a staggering pace. According to IDC, the global datasphere will reach 175 zettabytes by 2025, up from 59 zettabytes in 2020. The rise of technologies like AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and cloud computing are expected to consume more data than ever before.

By 2025, AI will account for about 20% of data center workloads, and by 2030, that figure could rise to 50% as AI becomes integrated into nearly every aspect of business and technology.

The Big Picture: AI and Data Centers Are Driving Arizona’s Economy

Arizona, especially the Greater Phoenix area, has become a key hotspot for data center development. Why? For starters, the region is appealing due to its low risk of natural disasters, affordable real estate, and proximity to tech hubs like Silicon Valley. This combination makes it an attractive location for companies looking to build out their digital infrastructure.

The demand for data centers in Greater Phoenix is sky-high, with the market consistently posting near-zero vacancy rates. A report from Colliers International reveals that Phoenix saw a record-breaking 460 megawatts of data center leasing activity in 2023. By the end of 2024, that number is projected to jump to 600 megawatts, with vacancy rates remaining below 5%.

This is a stark contrast to some other markets in the U.S., where leasing activity has been slower and vacancy rates higher. The low vacancy and fast-growing demand in Phoenix show just how important the region is becoming in the global data center ecosystem.

Arizona’s appeal is also reflected in its growing role in some of the largest data center projects in the country. For instance, a new $10 billion data center campus is being developed in Goodyear, which is expected to provide over 200 megawatts of capacity upon completion. It’s clear: Arizona is not just keeping up with the demand; it’s leading the charge.

AI and Water Use in Data Centers: A Growing Concern

Despite this boom, Arizona has faced criticism over water use, particularly with data centers known for their large water consumption. In a state where water is already a precious commodity, municipalities are starting to push back on new data center developments due to environmental concerns.

But the industry is evolving. Iron Mountain Data Centers has introduced new air-cooled technologies that drastically reduce water use. JD Beatty, Senior Manager of Site Selection for Iron Mountain, explained that these new facilities use a closed-loop system, making their water consumption comparable to other large industrial buildings. According to Beatty, “The newer data centers are significantly more water-efficient than those built just a few years ago.”

Arizona is actively addressing these concerns. Dan Diorio, Senior Director of State Policy at the Data Center Coalition, pointed out that each data center job has a multiplier effect: for every job directly created by a data center, another 6.5 jobs are supported elsewhere in the local economy. This includes jobs in construction, retail, and services. In 2023 alone, thedata center industry generated more than 88,000 jobs in Arizona, contributing $7.6 billion to the state’s labor income.

Looking Ahead: Arizona’s Role in the Future of AI Infrastructure

It’s not just about the number of jobs, either. Data centers are a massive contributor to Arizona’s economy. In 2023, the sector contributed $25.5 billion to the state’s GDP, with $2.1 billion in tax revenue. These numbers highlight just how integral data centers have become to the state’s economic health, and that’s without factoring in the long-term benefits that AI and emerging technologies will bring.

Looking ahead, Arizona’s data center industry will continue to grow as AI and other tech innovations demand more space, more power, and more storage. The state’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust infrastructure make it a prime player in the global tech ecosystem. And with the rapid pace of AI adoption, Arizona is perfectly positioned to support the next generation of digital infrastructure.

As AI evolves and becomes more ingrained in everyday life, the demand for data storage and computing power will only increase. And Arizona will be there, powering the digital future one megawatt at a time.

New 14-Acre Project to Bring Retail Opportunities to Rapidly Growing Corridor

Velocity Retail Group is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the Heritage Park Retail Development, a significant commercial project that will enhance Northwest Marana’s growing retail landscape. Located at the southeast corner of Tangerine Road and Lon Adams Road, this 14-acre development will offer a range of retail opportunities, with pads available for ground lease, purchase, or build-to-suit.

The event, hosted by the Marana Chamber of Commerce, brought together local officials, business leaders, and project stakeholders to celebrate the next phase of development for this high-growth corridor. Amanda Wiggins, President & CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony with welcome remarks, setting the stage for a series of notable speakers.

Representatives from Rio West Development & Construction, the local developer behind the project, shared their vision for Heritage Park and its role in shaping Marana’s commercial future. Walter Hoge of Rio West expressed excitement for the project, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this development, which reflects our dedication to fostering growth and delivering valuable amenities to the Marana community.” Brad Hoge added, “Heritage Park is designed to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses alike, and we look forward to its positive impact on the area.”

Marana Mayor Jon Post also addressed the attendees, emphasizing the town’s ongoing economic expansion. “Rio West is a huge milestone, and it takes a lot of work to get here. This project is exciting, not just for the shopping, the stores, and the amenities, but for what it represents,” said Post. “Our growth is strong, and we’re building the right future for our community.”

Following the remarks, attendees gathered for a ceremonial photo opportunity with golden shovels, marking the official groundbreaking of Heritage Park.

Positioned across from the newly opened Gladden Farms Marketplace, which is anchored by a 123,000-square-foot Fry’s Marketplace, Heritage Park will serve as a key retail destination for the Gladden Farms Master Planned Community and the broader Northwest Marana trade area. Given the rapid residential and commercial growth along the Tangerine Road corridor, demand for retail and service-oriented businesses continues to rise.

Velocity Retail Group, which represents Rio West Development in marketing the retail pads, has strong interest from a mix of national and local tenants. Brian Harpel of Velocity Retail Group highlighted the strategic advantages of the site: “Heritage Park presents a unique opportunity for retailers to establish a presence in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing corridors.” Eli Castronova, also of Velocity Retail, added, “With flexible options for ground lease, purchase, or build-to-suit, we are confident that Heritage Park will attract a diverse mix of tenants who will thrive in this dynamic community.”

For leasing inquiries and more information, please contact Velocity Retail Group.

Velocity Retail Group is pleased to welcome Chris Evjen as a Vice President and Account Manager with the firm. With over 25 years of experience in retail real estate, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

His background includes serving as a real estate manager for major retailers and working in brokerage to assist clients with market strategy, site selection, and negotiating transactions. His deep understanding of key markets—including Arizona, New Mexico, El Paso, Nevada, and Southern California—makes him a strong asset to Velocity Retail Group and its clients.

As Vice President, Account Manager, Chris will work directly with Darren Pitts, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Velocity Retail Group, to drive execution for major accounts. His role will focus on facilitating and implementing best practices to ensure that clients receive the highest level of service.

“We are excited to have Chris join our team. His background of being both on the retailer side and brokerage side is a great blend of experience that will immediately be able to provide value to our clients,” said Darren Pitts, executive vice president and co-founder.

Chris’ responsibilities will include coordinating client transactions from inception to completion, managing high-volume accounts, and ensuring seamless communication between clients and the execution team. His attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of real estate operations will help support Velocity Retail Group’s commitment to delivering top-tier service in an evolving retail landscape.

A long-time Arizona resident, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University. He and his family reside in north Phoenix.

Velocity Retail Group is pleased to welcome Joe Hoye as a Vice President with the firm. Joe is a respected professional in the commercial real estate arena and brings a diverse background in retail real estate brokerage to his role at Velocity Retail.  With nearly two decades of industry experience, Joe will utilize his expansive knowledge of the Arizona market to help his clients exceed their goals.  By creating a deep level of relationships throughout his career will be an asset to Velocity Retail’s existing clients.

“Having a tenured broker such as Joe join our team brings an additional level of expertise and retail knowledge to the table for our clients,” said Dave Cheatham, President Velocity Retail Group.

Before joining Velocity Retail Group, Joe honed his skills at Newmark, a national real estate services firm, where he spent more than a decade representing institutional and private landlords in the leasing and sale of retail properties. Prior to his time at Newmark, he served as Regional Leasing Director for the Southwest at Westwood Financial Corp., overseeing leasing efforts for a diverse portfolio of retail assets.

Joe is known for providing superior results for his clients and maximizing the asset value of their shopping centers by successfully leasing vacancies.  Over the course of his career, Joe has successfully represented dozens of institutional, regional and private owners of shopping centers, as well as retail tenants. His deep industry knowledge, strategic approach, and client-first mentality make him a valuable resource for Velocity Retail Group’s clients.