This has been a unique time in history for us with many things slowing down or pausing for the protection of public health. But in the midst of all this, development in Surprise has continued to flourish, and there are some exciting things to look forward to.
For the foodies in the city, we have a new ice cream shop, Handel’s Ice Cream, and Mexican restaurant, Mr. Mesquite Taqueria in the Prasada/Loop 303 corridor. A Starbucks is also set to open in the area.
Costco continues to move forward with a newly advertised opening timeline of this fall. I know that many of you are excited for the doors to open, and it won’t be long now.
Our city’s first microhospital is hiring and almost ready to open. Abrazo Surprise Hospital expands our city’s ability to care for community health — something we deeply understand the need for during this time.
A second Legacy Traditional School is under construction in the city at the northwest corner of Cotton Lane and Cactus Road, adjacent to the city’s first luxury resort-style community, Sterling Grove by Toll Brothers. Education is an important foundation for a sustainable community, and we are lucky to have quality options for our children here in Surprise.
City Center also has some big projects in the pipeline. Several new multi-family residential projects are in process, including a new housing facility for the Kansas City Royals Major League Baseball team. The facility will be built north of Greenway Road and east of Bullard Avenue. Now, both the Royals and Rangers will have a home here year-round.
Plus, a new Springhill Suites Marriott is under review in City Center.
In the Surprise Rail Plex industrial district, 36,000 square feet of flexible storefront industrial, retail and office space was just completed, growing options for commercial and industrial businesses.
The wide range of development happening across the city right now shows that we are maturing, growing and able to support an exciting mix of new projects.
When the Census wraps up this year, we are aiming to have a complete count of our population. The data from the Census helps businesses decide where to locate.
It’s just one of the many reasons that it’s important to fill out the survey. If you haven’t already, please take it online at my2020census.gov. You can also call 844-330-2020 or send in the paper form that was mailed to you.
New businesses aren’t the only thing we are celebrating right now. Our Economic Development team has been hosting Virtual Ribbon Cuttings to help local businesses get the word out that they have reopened.
When you support your local restaurants and retail stores, you not only help keep unique offerings here in Surprise, you also create local jobs and keep tax dollars at home where they can be used for parks, street maintenance, police and fire-medical.
I am proud to be the mayor of a city that understands the importance of community and the value of supporting each other. As we look forward, remember to be kind and think safe, Surprise. We will return stronger than ever.
Editor’s Note: Skip Hall is Surprise’s mayor. He is running for his first full term in the position in the Aug. 4 election against official write-in candidate Cheryl Packham.
