NewMark Merrill’s Future San Bernardino County Shopping Hub Signs 11 Tenants

Why It Matters

The near‑full pre‑lease demonstrates strong retailer confidence in Victorville’s growing market, highlighting the continued relevance of brick‑and‑mortar assets in a region fueled by affordable housing and job growth. This development signals robust demand for mixed‑use retail centers in Southern California’s high‑desert corridor.

Key Takeaways

• 11 new tenants signed before construction begins
• Desert Sky Plaza II is 85% pre‑leased, adding Target, Ross, 7‑Eleven
• 30‑acre, 297k‑sq‑ft project boosts Victorville retail footprint
• NewMark Merrill’s $3B portfolio underscores confidence in brick‑and‑mortar

Pulse Analysis

Victorville’s retail landscape is undergoing a transformation as developers capitalize on the city’s rapid population growth and expanding job base. The high‑desert region, bolstered by affordable housing initiatives and supportive local government, is attracting national retailers seeking to tap into a burgeoning consumer pool. This environment has revived confidence in physical storefronts, countering narratives that e‑commerce alone will dominate the market.

Desert Sky Plaza II epitomizes the modern mixed‑use shopping center, combining big‑box anchors like Target’s newest prototype with a diverse slate of quick‑serve and sit‑down eateries, service providers, and specialty retailers. The project’s 85% pre‑lease rate—secured before a single shovel hits the ground—underscores the potency of a well‑curated tenant mix. Design firms MMA Architecture, Architects Orange, and engineering firm Kimley‑Horn have crafted a layout that accommodates drive‑thrues, freestanding pads, and flexible retail spaces ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 square feet, catering to both national chains and local operators.

For investors and developers, NewMark Merrill’s aggressive expansion reinforces the enduring premium of brick‑and‑mortar real estate. With a portfolio exceeding $3 billion across more than 110 centers, the firm’s confidence signals that strategic location and anchor diversity can drive sustained foot traffic and lease stability. As remote work reshapes consumer habits, the premium on physical gathering places—where social interaction and community experience thrive—appears set to rise, positioning projects like Desert Sky Plaza II at the forefront of the next wave of retail development.