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.
