The question has been buzzing around the Northwest Side: Which new businesses are going into the 77.81-acre Arizona Pavilions shopping center?
"We're anxious to see more restaurants and stores," said Barb Wisniewski, who lives in the nearby Sunflower development.
Arizona Pavilions is separated into two parcels on opposite sides of Arizona Pavilions Drive. It is on the corner of North Cortaro Road and I-10.
Continental Ranch Development LLC began building Arizona Pavilions around five years ago. It is being built in two phases, starting with the 41.37-acre east parcel, said developer Greg Wexler.
That parcel already contains many shops and restaurants, including major tenants Wal-Mart SuperCenter and Kohl's Department Store.
Arizona Pavilions is classified as a "power center," which means it has larger stores in it than a neighborhood shopping center, Wexler said.
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The 36.44-acre west parcel is where much of the new development, including the 48,000-square-foot Pavilions Theatres, is happening.
"We are looking at the retail coming in (on) the west side of Arizona Pavilions Drive with great anticipation," said Jim DeGrood, Marana's assistant town manager.
Having Arizona Pavilions in Marana helps the town in many ways, DeGrood said.
"Most obviously there's a certain amount of sales-tax revenue that comes from Arizona Pavilions," he said.
"But there are certain other benefits as well. Shopping close to the community cuts back on traffic."
Retail sales tax from Arizona Pavilions is a significant part of Marana's revenue stream, said Town Manager Mike Reuwsaat.
"Good, healthy retail means a good, healthy government," he said.
What's moving in
Here are the latest tenants going into the shopping center, according to Wexler.
● Pavilions Theatres: 12-screen, luxury movie theater. Expected to open in late summer .
Though it will open as a 12-screen theater, Linda Vista Cinemas LLC, the company operating it, hopes to eventually increase it to 16 screens, said Dan Cutler a partner in the company.
But the company won't know when or if it will add four screens until after the theater opens. Whether the screens are added will depend on the amount of business the theater gets, said managing partner Kent Edwards.
It will be a first-run theater, which means it will run films during their initial release, he said.
The facility will have stadium seating, digital projectors and sound and a theater that can also be used as a live venue for community events such as school plays. It will also feature party rooms, a video arcade and a café.
● Panda Express — Chinese fast-food restaurant. Scheduled to open Dec. 26, said Panda Express spokeswoman Christy Flanagan.
● Chili's Grill & Bar — Restaurant. Expected to open in January.
● In-N-Out Burger — Fast-food restaurant. Expected to open in late summer.
● Batteries Plus — Retail store. Under construction and expected to open in March.
What might be coming
The following stores are considering opening locations in Arizona Pavilions but are not definite, Wexler said:
● Pier 1 Imports.
● Petco.
● The Sports Authority.
● Famous Footwear.
● Ross Stores.
● Bed Bath & Beyond.
What's next
There are more businesses to come on both sides of Arizona Pavilions.
Arizona's Grimm Commercial LLC is negotiating with one fast-food restaurant, two sit-down restaurants and a gym, said developer Stephen Grimm.
Lots of new retail coming into Marana
The west parcel of Arizona Pavilions is experiencing a flurry of construction. Incoming businesses include a multiscreen theater and restaurants including an In-N-Out Burger and a Chili's Grill and Bar. About to open is a Panda Express. Other prospective tenants include Pier 1, Ross, Petco and Famous Footwear.
Source: Continental Ranch Development LLC.
We are looking at the retail coming in (on) the west side of Arizona Pavilions Drive with great anticipation."
Jim DeGrood
Marana's assistant town manager
