On May 7, Creation, in partnership with Horizon Real Estate Ltd., broke ground on The Switchyard, a $120 million mixed-use project poised to become Queen Creek’s first walkable, design-driven district, uniting sought-after restaurants, retail, offices and future residential.

Joining the restaurant mix are Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, a vibrant breakfast and brunch restaurant founded in Denver and known for its creative, high-quality dishes and welcoming atmosphere, and Shake Shack, a modern burger chain known for its Angus beef burgers and crinkle-cut fries. They complement the previously announced Postino, the all-day restaurant and wine café known for its cult-like following, welcoming hospitality and inspired spaces. Lease negotiations are underway for nearly all remaining spaces, with additional tenant announcements anticipated soon.

“The Switchyard represents Queen Creek’s first true walkable, mixed-use development, marking a milestone in the town’s continued growth and evolution,” said David Sellers, co-founder of Creation. “With construction now underway, we’re eager to see this place come to life, seamlessly blending retail, dining, office spaces, apartments and a vibrant outdoor environment. This will be a distinctive, community-centric destination unlike anything else in Queen Creek.”

Located on the northeast corner of Ellsworth and Ocotillo roads, The Switchyard encompasses 10 acres with 54,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and office space, plus a 215-residence luxury apartment community. The residential portion of the project is currently in the design phase, and construction is expected to begin within the year.

Creation commemorated the construction milestone by hosting a celebratory groundbreaking event yesterday. Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley and Vice Mayor Leah Martineau, joined by the town’s council members, attended the ceremony. As part of the event, The Switchyard donated $25,000 to Ryan House, a nonprofit organization that provides a much-needed break from caregiving for families navigating life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.

“Queen Creek is excited for The Switchyard project to break ground! It is one of several projects underway in our Town Center area that will help us bring the vision of our downtown core to life,” said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. “The Switchyard’s exciting project announcements align with our strategic priority of creating a quality lifestyle here in Queen Creek, as they will provide our residents with additional dining, retail, residential and office opportunities.”

Dallas-based architectural firm GFF Design, recognized for its extensive portfolio of award-winning retail and mixed-use developments, is the project’s architect. LGE Design Build, renowned as one of the Southwest’s leading design-build construction companies, will lead the construction. The Switchyard will open in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in mid-2026.

“Horizon is proud to further our relationship with Creation through the development of The Switchyard,” said Enzo Gabrielli, president of Horizon Real Estate Ltd. “We’re strong believers in the demand for high-quality retail and mixed-use environments in Queen Creek, and Creation’s design-forward approach positions this project well for future success.”