Phase 1 of Virgata Commons includes three pad sites and some 20,000 square feet of retail space.

FRIENDSWOOD, TX—Development is underway on Virgata Commons, a 14-acre mixed-use project at the corner of FM 518 and FM 528, according to Virgata Property Company. Phase 1 includes three pad sites as well as more than 20,000 square feet of retail space.

“The Friendswood community has been anxious to develop this plot of land for some time and we’re happy to deliver prominent national retail concepts to an area where they have been in high demand,” said Jim Peterson, senior partner at Virgata Property Company. “As we continue into Phase 2 of the development at the start of 2020, we’re looking forward to attracting more national retail brands to Friendswood and offering a multi-faceted development to folks in our own back yard.”

Tenant buildouts during the first phase are expected to be completed in fall 2019. The current tenant roster is comprised of national concepts new to Friendswood including Orange Theory Fitness, MOD Pizza, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Chick-fil-A.

“The opportunity to bring in national brands to the community was a big factor,” Peterson tells GlobeSt.com. “Also, the high visibility of the property at a major intersection, the major grocers at that intersection and its close proximity to surrounding communities were all very attractive.”

Currently, 85% of the space is leased with a 3,000-square-foot end cap remaining. This end cap has a large storefront and rear patios, with the option of adding a drive-thru for a restaurant space.

Phase 2 is in the pre-development stage and is expected to break ground in early 2020. The second phase will include the development of an additional 30,000 square feet of retail and office space.

“Once completed, Phase 2 will be seamlessly connected to Phase 1 of the project, said David Boone, partner at Virgata Property Company. “Given the high demand we encountered in leasing Phase 1, we’re confident that this additional space will be well received.”

In 2016, the total population of Friendswood was 7,780 and average household income was listed at $151,964. The number of households that year was 2,783 and the median age was 44.3 years in 2016, according to the city of Friendswood.

“We’re excited to see Virgata Property Development move forward with developing this highly visible tract along FM 518 near FM 528,” said Karen Capps, economic development coordinator at the city of Friendswood. “With the new Virgata Commons, we expect to welcome shoppers from surrounding communities and across the region to Friendswood to enjoy a wide variety of options for dining, fitness and much more.”