Arte Moreno’s $24.5M Gilbert Land Buy: What “SanTan Crossing” Could Mean for Gilbert Real Estate

by Kendra Dursteler

If you’ve driven near SanTan Village lately, you already know that corner of Gilbert is changing fast. Now there’s another big headline: Arte Moreno (owner of the Los Angeles Angels) purchased a 21-acre vacant site for $24.5 million near one of the busiest retail corridors in the East Valley. The property sits at the southeast corner of Williams Field Road and South Market Street, right by SanTan Village, and the seller was Macerich (the company behind major mall development in the Valley). Moreno bought the land through San Tan Crossing LLC, and now we’re starting to see what may be coming next.

Why This Matters Right Now

Gilbert isn’t growing by accident—this area has become a magnet for new investment, new rooftops, and new retail. When a high-profile buyer picks up a prime corner like this, it’s usually because they see long-term demand. And for homeowners, that matters.

Here’s why this type of project tends to get attention in the Gilbert real estate market:

Convenience factor: New dining, shopping, and services can make nearby neighborhoods more desirable.
Buyer excitement: Relocating families often love being close to “life stuff” (groceries, restaurants, entertainment).
Momentum near major corridors: Proximity to Loop 202 and SanTan Village can be a strong selling point.
Neighborhood story: For sellers, nearby growth can help paint a picture of what it’s like to live in the area.

This purchase also lands right in the middle of major nearby projects already underway. Signature at SanTan Village is a large mixed-use development anchored by names like Whole Foods and Dick’s House of Sport, with Fogo de Chão also signed on. Just up the road, Northside at SanTan Village is bringing in new retail, restaurants, and a 134-key Marriott SpringHill Suites hotel. In other words, this isn’t a standalone project, this is a wave.

What We Know About “SanTan Crossing” So Far

Moreno’s newly acquired property isn’t expected to stay empty. Early materials posted by the development team describe the project as “SanTan Crossing” and position it as a new retail and dining destination. The site details show about 20.07 acres, with Phase I planned at approximately 52,891 square feet of retail/restaurant space, plus a future Phase II listed as “TBD.”

What the early layout suggests (in plain English): this looks designed to be a cluster of “go-to” spots, not just one big box.

You’ll likely see a mix of:

Restaurant pads (some could include drive-thru options)
Retail storefronts in a multi-tenant building
Everyday services that fit the high-traffic corridor
Room for future expansion depending on demand and tenant commitments

Specific tenants haven’t been publicly announced yet, but the developer indicates that national restaurant and retail discussions are underway, which usually means recognizable brands.

What Happens Next and When It Could Open

Even without an official groundbreaking announcement yet, the project is clearly moving forward. Leasing and marketing materials are already circulating, and the listing indicates a target availability timeline around early 2027 for Phase I.

Because the site is already positioned in an established commercial zone and surrounded by active development, the path tends to be more straightforward than starting from scratch in a new area.

What This Could Mean for Gilbert Homeowners and Home Values

When commercial growth expands near established neighborhoods, it often brings a mix of benefits, more convenience, more destination-style dining, and more reasons buyers feel confident choosing the area.

For buyers relocating to Gilbert, the SanTan Village corridor becomes even more attractive when they can live close to new amenities without driving across the Valley. For sellers, nearby development can also strengthen the “lifestyle story” around a home, especially in neighborhoods where families value:

being near shopping and dining
quick freeway access
newer parks and entertainment
a “growing-with-you” part of town

It won’t impact every neighborhood in the exact same way, but in general, continued investment is one reason Gilbert stays high on the list for move-up buyers and those looking for luxury homes in the East Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Where is the SanTan Crossing site located?
It’s at the southeast corner of Williams Field Road and South Market Street, near SanTan Village in Gilbert.

2) How big is the land purchase by SanTan Mall?
The deal covers about 21 acres (reported as roughly 20 acres plus an additional ~1-acre piece).

3) What is planned for SanTan Crossing in Gilbert?
Early plans describe a retail and dining hub with multiple pads/buildings and a first phase estimated at ~52,891 square feet.

4) When will SanTan Crossing in Gilbert open?
Marketing materials indicate early 2027 availability for Phase I, which typically suggests construction timing is being planned backward from that target.

5) Will this raise home values nearby in Gilbert?
Commercial development can increase demand in nearby areas because it improves convenience and lifestyle, especially for relocating buyers. The real impact depends on the specific neighborhood, traffic patterns, and how the project is executed.

6) What should sellers in the East Valley do with this information?
A smart approach is to use it as part of the neighborhood story, especially if your home is close enough to benefit from the convenience but not directly impacted by traffic or noise. A local pricing and positioning plan can help maximize that advantage.

The Bottom Line

Arte Moreno’s $24.5M purchase is more than a headline, it’s another signal that the SanTan Village corridor is still a major growth engine for Gilbert. With SanTan Crossing showing early plans for ~52,891 square feet of new retail and dining and a potential early 2027 opening window, this is a project worth watching.

If you’re curious how changes like this could impact your home’s value, or you’re thinking about buying or selling in Gilbert, I’m always here to be of assistance and can walk you through what this growth means for your specific neighborhood and price range.

"Kendra Dursteler was such a delight to work with! She made buying our first home a breeze and I truly felt like she kept our best interest in mind throughout the entire process. She’s very knowledgeable and made sure that we understood as much as possible at every step. We will absolutely be using her in the future for any selling and buying needs!" - Ariel L.

For personalized assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. As one of the top realtors in Gilbert, I'm here to help you every step of the way.

Kendra Dursteler, | License #SA693343000

Call or text 480-630-5144

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