The story of Tempe Marketplace began long before the destination became what it is today. In 2004, our Founder, Scott Johnson, partnered with Vestar to lead the pre-leasing efforts for an incredibly promising site at the intersection of the 101 and 202 freeways in Tempe, close to Arizona State University. The challenge was significant because the property was a former landfill. Transforming it required determination, innovation, and even the use of one of the largest cranes in the world, brought in from Scandinavia to operate around the clock.

Once Harkins Theatres committed to the project, additional tenants followed, helping bring the vision of a family-friendly mixed-use center to life. Today, Tempe Marketplace stands as a major example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, strategic leasing, and a willingness to take on complex challenges.