The northeast corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road is a vital, high-potential site for economic development within the Town of Carefree. Recognized as a key opportunity for generating long-term revenue and enhancing the community’s commercial offerings, the Town has been actively working with the property owner, Empire Group of Companies, and a developer to bring a high-quality project to this prominent location.

Following the decision by the previous development team to discontinue their plans, the Town announced at the April 7, 2026, Town Council meeting that a new developer, SimonCRE, is currently working with the property owner. Represented by Western Retail Advisors, a marketing brochure outlining the vision for the property has been released and is available on their website (https://w-retail.com/properties/?propertyId=1633830-lease). Western Retail Advisors noted that the project is expected to be anchored by a national grocer (currently at lease) and will serve as the premier retail destination in the Carefree / Cave Creek corridor.

Carefree Mayor John Crane noted, "We are excited to be working with SimonCRE. While there remains much work to be done, we are hopeful that our patience will be rewarded with a prestigious retail center that will make all of us proud.”

The Town of Carefree is actively collaborating with SimonCRE to advance plans for a thoughtfully designed, high-quality retail development that aligns with the community’s character and long-term vision. This effort reflects the Town’s continued commitment to strategic growth, economic vitality, and creating destinations that serve both residents and visitors.

Additional updates will be shared as the project progresses.

In 2018, the northeast corner parcels comprising Carefree Quarter were granted zoning and conceptual site plan approval by the Town of Carefree.