Construction to transform Gilbert Potato Barn begins this fall

PHOENIX – The town of Gilbert approved plans for a multimillion-dollar mixed-use development to expand and develop a historic barn this fall.

The Higley Barns, a project that was approved in June, will transform the 20,000 square-foot Old Potato Barn in Gilbert near Higley and Recker roads.

In addition to the barn, three buildings will be added to the 3-acre property to provide an additional 32,000 square feet of space.

“It has always been our vision to create a community-focused collection of restaurants, shops and home products in a landmark location that has such history in Gilbert,” Jeremy Smith, co-owner of Central Arizona Supply, said in a press release.

“The Higley Barns will become a mercantile for goods, services, history, art, music, entertainment and culinary, all within a gathering place that enriches the surrounding community in a meaningful way.”

The Smith family, who owns Central Arizona Supply, has managed the property since 2015. The family is planning to open its 12th Central Arizona Supply location.

Half of it will be located in the barn, which will house its plumbing and appliance showroom. The second half of the location will be in one of the new building which will house the company’s warehouse.

The other half of the barn and other building will be available for lease or purchase.

The barn was originally built in 1966 to store potatoes. It was later turned into a furniture showroom for Potato Barn until the company moved to a larger location in 2011.

Construction will start this fall and should be completed by summer 2021.

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