During the recent Queen Creek Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on July 24, 2025, significant discussions centered around a proposal for the rezoning of a vacant 2-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Ocotillo Road and Ellsworth Loop Road. The site, currently zoned as C-2 (General Commercial), is being considered for a transition to Downtown Core zoning to accommodate a proposed 20,000 square foot professional office building.

The proposal aims to enhance the area’s urban landscape and align with the town's growth objectives. The applicant seeks to address three specific exceptions related to parking and landscaping standards. These include a request for a reduction in the depth of certain parking spaces from the standard 20 feet to 18 feet, a decrease in the width of some landscaping islands from 10 feet to 9 feet, and an adjustment to the allowable office floor area.

The proposed building design features a two-story structure oriented towards Ocotillo Road, with parking spaces strategically located to the south and east. A total of 86 parking spaces are planned, exceeding the minimum requirement, with a shared parking agreement in place for additional spaces on an adjacent property. The design also emphasizes pedestrian connectivity, with access points leading to both Ellsworth Loop Road and the existing office building to the east.

The architectural style of the proposed building incorporates desert contemporary and mid-century modern elements, aiming to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Notably, the design includes an outdoor second-story deck and artistic screen panels, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the site.

Public participation in the planning process has been minimal, with only one attendee at a neighborhood meeting expressing no concerns regarding the project. The applicant's representative highlighted the importance of this development as a reflection of Queen Creek's maturation and its shift towards more urbanized projects, which are seen as vital for attracting talent and fostering economic growth.

As the commission deliberates on this proposal, the outcome could significantly influence the future development landscape of Queen Creek, marking a step towards a more integrated and pedestrian-friendly urban environment. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations of the proposal's alignment with the town's general plan and zoning objectives.