Jennifer Lindley, downtown development manager for the Town of Queen Creek, told the council on Nov. 1 that private investment in the downtown area has accelerated and that nearly 230,000 square feet of commercial development is currently under construction.

“At Downtown Queen Creek today, we have approximately $200,000,000 of private investment and just under 230,000 square feet of commercial projects under construction,” Lindley said. She described recent and under‑construction projects that include a 124‑room hotel (opening early 2027), The Perch mixed‑use development, a new Circle K store concept, the Switchyard project with announced tenants such as Postino’s and Shake Shack, and the Rusty Buckles Saloon renovation.

The update included before‑and‑after images and a timeline of planned openings; Lindley said development totals are about 57 times greater than the 4,000 square feet that were underway in 2023. She said the town’s downtown core zoning, recent connector roads and targeted property acquisitions helped set the stage for the private investment.

To manage community expectations during construction and to promote the area, Lindley said the town will roll out a marketing effort it calls the growth campaign. The materials include on‑site signs and a social media reel designed to reframe construction as a sign of future amenities. Lindley said the campaign will appear in strategic downtown locations and online in the coming weeks.

Council members praised the work. “It is so exciting to see all our planning and all our hard work coming to fruition,” Council member Benning said, noting spillover benefits for nearby corridors such as Ocotillo and Ellsworth roads.

The update did not include new requests for funding or regulatory actions; Lindley said staff will continue permitting and outreach as tenants finalize lease agreements. The council did not take formal action on the presentation.