Big changes for Happy Valley Road and 83rd Avenue in Peoria are underway. In a 2.2 million dollar deal, MCD Land Development bought 9 acres of land with the intention of building a high-traffic retail center. The 70,000-square-foot shopping center is off of SE Corner 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley and is to be named 83 Marketplace.

However, this purchase is not without controversy. As part of the deal, MCD Land Development bought land formerly reserved for the Islamic Center of Peoria.  The Islamic center was to be home to a new mosque in the area. Plans for the new mosque soon came to a grinding halt after facing stiff opposition from West Valley residents. 

Thanks to the West Valley residents, the land can now be used to serve the community.  MDC President Mark Cavan says that this deal will “further enhance the residential landscape in this vibrant and growing area of North Peoria.”

The property in question is a prime location because it is a major artery just north of Loop 101 which connects from the I-17 to Loop 303. This area is within 2 miles of more than 4200 home sites in development. The retail center would be able to serve not only the future areas of development but also the people of Westwing Mountain and Rock Springs. 

Mr. Cavan went on to say that “The interest from users has been overwhelming.” So far the community seems satisfied with the land deal. In fact, even the vice mayor of Peoria Bridget Binsbacher has welcomed the development of the shopping center. If all goes as planned construction on the project could start within the first 4 months of 2017.