Regional outdoor shopping mall in Gilbert

San Tan Village celebrated its newest addition yesterday with the grand opening of Macy’s.  San Tan Village located at Williams Field and the Santan 202 freeway is comprised of two sections; the shopping center and the urban village.  For a layout of both click on San Tan Village Shopping Center layout.   The list of stores is almost endless as seen in the Story Directory  The layout of the the urban village is nothing new, but the uncommon outdoor layout for the shopping center is a unique twist, especially for Phoenix when  outdoors in the summer is synonymous  with 110 degree days.  That misting system better work!

Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)

It was not too many years ago that a commerical development of this magnitude would have been frowned upon by the residents of Gilbert, especially if it included a Wal-Mart.  However, a realization that Gilbert needed a stronger tax base resulted in more commerical developments along the new 202 freeway.  I remember hearing a quote once that the NIMBY mindset was an improvement from earlier days that were characterized by Citizens Against Virtually Everything (CAVE).  Thank heavens things have changed.

The shops have been clustered according to age groups, and the picture to the left is of the children’s play area which is surrounded by stores such as Disney, Pumpkin Patch, Gymboree,  Naartjie, and The Glitter Box.   The 202 Santan Freeway makes this regional outdoor mall accessible and within minutes of Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa. 

Link to satellite view of Santan Village

Places to eat include Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Famous Dave’s, Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar, Cantina Laredo and the Kona Grill among others.  After a relaxing dinner, the Harkins Theatres complex is just a short walk away.

Hale Centre Theatre in downtown Gilbert

Come and enjoy local live entertainment in downtown Gilbert.   One of 5 theatres in 3 states, the Hale Centre Theatre is the longest, continuously running center stage theatre in the country. The Gilbert Hale Centre Theatre opened in July 2003.  The unique center stage arrangement ensures everyone of having a good seat.  The company originally started in Glendale, California in 1947 to a meager opening night audience of 6, but it has not  missed a week of presenting high quality, affordable entertainment since its humble beginning.  You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy such productions as The King & I, Sleeping Beauty, Charley’s Aunt, She Loves Me, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, and more.  Ticket prices range from $17 – $24.

Water Tower Plaza across from Hale Centre Theatre

Adding to the quaint hometown feel of  downtown Gilbert is the recent addition of Water Tower Plaza directly across from Hale Centre Theatre. The plaza is at the base of the Gilbert water tower that supplied water to the firetrucks from 1927 to 1985, and includes the town’s first jail, a tiny adobe building.

   A unique feature to Water Tower Plaza is the 19,000 pound granite ball atop a granite pedestal floating on a layer of water. One thing is certain is that the the plaza will be a favorite place to cool off during the summer months.

Local dining favorites such as Joes Real Barbeque, Liberty Market Restaurant, and Oregano’s are within walking distance of the theatre, offering a fantastic combination of dinner and theatrical performance.

All of this is located within minutes of such popular waterfront lake communities such as The Islands, Val Vista Lakes, Lago Estancia, Wind Drift, Playa del Rey Estates,  Stonebridge Lakes and Crystal Point Estates.  For assistance locating homes in these waterfront communities or Gilbert, feel free to click on Finding a Home in Gilbert.

And here’s a link to the map  view of Hale Centre Theatre.