Jeffrey Garza Walker, director of new business and development for PC & Development LLC, says the project at 83rd Avenue and Palm Lane is already 88% leased. The grocery store lease is Hacienda Market's largest to date.

"We're moving into the larger grocery market arena with this store and trying to compete with the larger food stores," Garza Walker explains. "What's unique about this is we're trying to combine a Hispanic grocery center with a Whole Foods concept."

Plaza Mayor's projected completion is April. But while buildings are going vertical on the 5.2-acre site, PC & Development also will break ground on a second shopping center at 35th Avenue and Baseline Road in Laveen. Much like Plaza Mayor, the 118,745-sf Laveen Village Center will cater to the Hispanic population. Laveen Village will be a lifestyle center rather than a neighborhood center. Garza Walker says there have been preliminary talks with the Phoenix leaders about putting a similar center at Central Avenue and Broadway Road near the CBD.