GILBERT, AZ – The retail landscape of the Southeast Valley is undergoing a sophisticated transformation as Western Retail Advisors (WRA) announces a wave of high-profile lease agreements at Northside at SanTan Village. The development, a premium mixed-use project spearheaded by Okland Capital and San Tan Development Group, has rapidly become the focal point of Gilbert’s burgeoning luxury dining and entertainment sector.
Headlining the latest round of commitments is the award-winning Japanese concept Roka Akor, which is set to bring its world-renowned robata-style dining to the Gilbert community. Alongside the culinary giant, the project has secured leases with Aria Nail Bar and the now-open Sandbox VR, signaling a near-complete occupancy for the retail and restaurant component of the 20-acre master-planned site.
Main Facts: A Hub for High-End Lifestyle and Hospitality
Northside at SanTan Village is positioned as an upscale alternative to traditional shopping centers, focusing on a "lifestyle-first" architecture that emphasizes social interaction and high-caliber branding. The retail portion of the project totals 37,894 square feet across six buildings, designed to cater to the affluent and rapidly growing demographic of Gilbert, Arizona.
The announcement of Roka Akor’s entry into the Gilbert market marks a significant milestone for the development. Recognized by Bon Appétit as one of the "Top 10 Sushi Spots in the U.S.," Roka Akor represents a level of fine dining that has historically been concentrated in Scottsdale’s luxury corridors. Its expansion into Northside underscores the shifting economic gravity of the Phoenix metropolitan area toward the Southeast Valley.
In addition to the fine dining anchor, the development has successfully curated a mix of wellness, beauty, and "eatertainment" tenants:
- Sandbox VR: A state-of-the-art virtual reality experience that has already opened its doors, drawing significant foot traffic.
- Aria Nail Bar: A premium personal care service slated for a Spring 2027 opening.
- Existing Tenants: The project is already anchored by Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, an 11,000-square-foot powerhouse that debuted in mid-2026. Other operational tenants include The Workshop Pilates, The NOW Massage, Face Foundrié, and The Milkshake Factory.
Currently, the development is approaching full capacity, with only two premium retail units remaining available for lease.
Chronology: From Vision to Full-Scale Realization
The trajectory of Northside at SanTan Village reflects the broader post-pandemic trend of "flight to quality" in commercial real estate.
Mid-2024 to Late 2025: Groundbreaking and Strategy
Okland Capital and San Tan Development Group identified the San Tan Village Corridor—specifically the land fronting the Loop 202 freeway—as the ideal location for a mixed-use destination that could blend professional hospitality with community-centric spaces. The strategy focused on securing an "anchor of excellence," which led to the early commitment from Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille.
Mid-2026: The First Wave of Openings
The project officially entered the market in mid-2026 with the grand opening of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. This 11,000-square-foot establishment set the tone for the development, proving that there was a massive, untapped appetite for high-end dining in the Gilbert area. Following this success, boutique wellness brands like The Workshop Pilates and The NOW Massage began their build-outs, establishing Northside as a daily-needs destination for health-conscious residents.
Late 2026: The Experiential Pivot
Sandbox VR opened its doors in late 2026, marking the project’s shift into "experiential retail." This move was designed to ensure the center remained active during both daytime and evening hours, creating a synergy between the high-tech entertainment of Sandbox and the premium dining of the surrounding restaurants.
2027 and Beyond: The Future Milestones
The development is currently on track for its next major phase. Aria Nail Bar is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2027, followed by the highly anticipated debut of Roka Akor in mid-2027. Looking further ahead, the master plan includes a 134-key hotel, which will be situated immediately north of the retail center, providing a built-in customer base and further cementing Northside as a regional tourism and business hub.
Supporting Data: Demographics and Development Metrics
The success of Western Retail Advisors in leasing Northside is backed by compelling demographic data that makes the San Tan Village Corridor one of the most attractive retail markets in the Southwestern United States.
Regional Connectivity
Northside’s location on the east side of Santan Village Parkway provides unparalleled visibility and access via the Loop 202 freeway. The project’s reach is defined by the following metrics:
- 5-Mile Radius: Over 274,000 residents.
- 10-Mile Radius: More than 1 million residents.
- Traffic Exposure: Tens of thousands of vehicles pass the site daily on the Loop 202, offering high-impact signage opportunities for brands like Roka Akor and Perry’s.
Leasing Availability and Layout
Despite the rapid absorption of space, two strategic opportunities remain:
- Unit A (2,832 sq. ft.): Located on the northwest corner, fronting San Tan Village Parkway. This unit includes significant patio space and is positioned to capture traffic entering from the main thoroughfare.
- Unit B (1,487 sq. ft.): Located on the northeast corner, bordering the future hotel site. This unit is optimized for a fast-casual concept or high-end boutique, also featuring dedicated patio space.
The "shared paseo" design of the development—a 20-acre master plan—includes a walking loop and programmed year-round events. This design philosophy is supported by data suggesting that "walkable" mixed-use environments see 20-30% higher dwell times than traditional strip malls.
Official Responses: A Vision for Community and Growth
Leadership from the developer and the incoming tenants have expressed a shared vision of Northside as more than just a retail center; it is being viewed as a "gathering place" for the next generation of Gilbert residents.
Dario Dell’Anno, Chief Operating Officer of Roka Akor, emphasized the cultural fit between the brand and the development. "In Japanese, Roka means gathering around the fire, and that is exactly what Northside was built for," Dell’Anno stated. He noted that while the Scottsdale flagship has flourished for 18 years, the Southeast Valley represented a logical and exciting next step. "Growth only works for us if every new Roka feels like Roka. We’re grateful to have found that at Northside."
Blake Bunker, Managing Partner at Okland Capital, highlighted the intentionality behind the project’s curation. "Gilbert continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona, with an increasing demand for more upscale and unique dining and entertainment options," said Bunker. "We were very intentional about designing Northside around where we believe the community is headed. The goal was to create a place where people want to spend time, connect with each other, and enjoy being part of the community."
Alberto Caballero of Western Retail Advisors, who serves as the project’s exclusive leasing broker alongside Bryan Babits, noted the synergy created by the planned hotel. "Add in the hotel planned immediately to the north, and you have a large built-in customer base ready to be served," Caballero remarked. He pointed out that the remaining spaces are ideal for breakfast or lunch concepts that can capitalize on the growing surrounding workforce.
Implications: The Evolution of the "Southeast Valley" Identity
The leasing success at Northside at SanTan Village carries significant implications for the town of Gilbert and the broader Phoenix metropolitan area.
1. The Decentralization of Luxury
For decades, high-end dining and "Top 10" national culinary brands were almost exclusively the domain of Scottsdale or the Biltmore area in Phoenix. The arrival of Roka Akor and Perry’s Steakhouse in Gilbert signals a "decentralization of luxury." It suggests that the Southeast Valley now possesses the wealth density and consumer sophistication to support the highest tier of the hospitality industry.
2. The Rise of "Eatertainment" and Wellness Clusters
The tenant mix at Northside—combining Sandbox VR with Pilates, massage therapy, and fine dining—reflects a modern retail strategy known as "clustering." By grouping wellness services with high-end entertainment, the developers have created a "sticky" environment. A customer might visit for a morning Pilates session, return for a business lunch at Perry’s, and bring their family back in the evening for Sandbox VR. This ecosystem reduces the reliance on traditional department store anchors and creates a more resilient economic model.
3. Impact on Local Employment and Tourism
The inclusion of a 134-key hotel within the 20-acre master plan transforms Northside from a local shopping center into a regional destination. This will likely spur further development in the San Tan Village Corridor, attracting corporate travelers and tourists who seek a "stay-and-play" experience. The influx of high-end brands also creates hundreds of specialized jobs in the hospitality and service sectors, contributing to Gilbert’s economic diversification.
4. Setting a Benchmark for Future Developments
As Northside approaches 100% occupancy, it serves as a proof-of-concept for other developers in the Southwest. The success of the "paseo" design and the integration of shared outdoor spaces will likely influence how future retail projects are designed in suburban markets, moving away from sea-of-asphalt parking lots toward human-centric, walkable environments.
In conclusion, Northside at SanTan Village is not merely adding stores; it is defining a new standard for suburban living in Arizona. With Roka Akor’s 2027 debut on the horizon and the final retail units expected to move quickly, the development stands as a testament to the power of intentional design and strategic brand curation in a rapidly evolving market.
