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Before shoppers can fill their bags at an upcoming mall in Buckeye, Arizona, drones will have to map the future market’s sprawling construction site.
Phoenix-based general contractor Haydon officially broke ground in late November on the $275 million Verrado market in the Grand Canyon State, according to a press release shared with Construction Dive.
To build the 500,000-square-foot development, Haydon plans to integrate advanced construction technology to streamline operations and improve project oversight. These innovations include tools for precise design coordination and real-time progress monitoring, said Heather Marin, Haydon’s chief operating officer.
“We will use BIM services for topography, in addition to collision detection,” said Marín. “We will also use drone technology for aerial photography and site progression throughout the project.”
In addition to construction technology, Marin added that early planning efforts allowed Haydon to identify key challenges, including material supply chain issues with significant lead times and the need to coordinate deliveries to to several tenants.
“Getting involved early in the project allowed us to partner with the client and have a clear understanding of which materials would have a long lead time, so we could place material orders early while working through the balance of the design” , Marin said. “Understanding the complexity of the project early on allowed us to ensure that we were able to find the right business partners who could complete the project on time with the right amount of labor while providing a competitive offering to the market.”
The pre-planning process also helped Haydon anticipate key tenant deliveries, including Target and the Harkins movie theater chain. The center has a 75,000 square foot facility with a luxury theater, restaurant, sports viewing area, game room, bowling alley and private event spaces. Once completed, the property will have more than 50 shops and restaurants, according to Vestar.
The retail construction sector has seen mixed momentum recently, with spending on commercial projects such as malls almost flat. 10% in the last yearaccording to data from the US Census Bureau. However, optimism is growing as federal rate cuts and increased developer confidence point to potential upswing in activity.
Designed to serve as a hub for the growing Buckeye community, Verrado Market will include spaces for socializing, including a central lawn and stage for concerts, community events and gatherings. Haydon plans to integrate sustainable building practices into the project, including energy-efficient materials, solar power, water harvesting systems, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging stations.
“Communication is key,” Marin said. “Working hand-in-hand with our customers and business partners on deliverables and any challenges that may arise, and consistently communicating our milestone completion dates, will be critical.”
Haydon hopes to complete the project by the end of 2026.
