A huge proposed marketing complex on the eastern edge of Casa Grande recently has taken some big steps toward becoming reality, with the development company’s getting federal approval and naming a high-profile CEO.
The 1.5 million-square-foot complex is to be a wholesale and retail center based on a concept in which foreign business people are granted U.S. visas in exchange for making a major investment and creating jobs. Customers would flock to Casa Grande and spend money locally while making their purchases.
After some long delays the developer, AZ Sourcing, has
received federal approval for visas under the EB-5 pro- gram. The company has hired Steve Betts as CEO. He formerly was CEO of SunCor Development Co., which was a subsidiary of the parent of Arizona Public Service Co.
Casa Grande officials have spent much time investigating PhoenixMart and working with its proponents. Former Pinal County Supervisor David Snider helped with that as well, recognizing that the project needed to be in the city to provide the necessary infrastructure. The project also has required extensive review from the Arizona Department of Transportation because of its highway access.
Work to gain final approval from the city and state for plans is underway. Groundbreaking is planned late this year.
Delays in the project, originally planned for a 2012 groundbreaking, have produced countless questions from Casa Grande’s year-round residents and winter visitors alike. Of course, not everything proposed gets built. But this project now seems to be closer to becoming reality. The fact that this one is so unusual has made it difficult for most people in the community to understand.
In the meantime, another frequent subject of discussion, Sam’s Club, is moving ahead. The warehouse store also had been delayed in the past, bringing frequent questions from residents that now have clear answers.
