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Gilbert History: Gilbert is a young, affluent community East of metro Phoenix. Incorporated on July 6, 1920, Gilbert Arizona is a relatively new community that has seen tremendous growth in residential and commercial real estate during the past two decades. The 2003 Gilbert Community Profile provides a broad overview of this growing town and metropolitan area, including demo-graphics, business resources, and community resources. It is an excellent reference for businesses and residents alike.
Gilbert Arizona was the hay capital of the world: In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William "Bobby" Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, eventually became known as Gilbert. Gilbert was a prime farming community, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. It remained an agriculture town for many years, and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920s. Gilbert AZ began to take its current shape during the 1970s when the Town Council approved a strip annexation that encompassed 53 square miles of county land. Although the population was only 1,971 in 1970 the Council realized that Gilbert would eventually grow and develop much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. This proved to be a farsighted decision as Gilbert positioned itself for growth in the 1980s and beyond.
Gilbert Arizona in todays world: Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In the last two decades, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to over 138,000 in January 2003. As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. To proactively direct the growth and development of the community, the Town Council adopted the General Plan 2001 on July 10, 2001, which revised existing elements, added those required under Arizona "Growing Smarter" legislation, and incorporated new land use and economic growth considerations.
Gilbert Arizona in the future: The Town of Gilbert is continuously planning for the future in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. As the Town continues to grow so does Gilbert's commitment to providing residents, businesses and employees with the best possible services, programs and accommodations. Several new projects, recently completed or currently under construction, demonstrate this commitment. These include the new Public Safety Complex, Community Development Building, Freestone Recreation Center and the Town's continued investment in the Heritage District. There are several great neighborhoods and communities in Gilbert AZ with many homes for sale to meet the needs of just about anyone.
New Regional Mall in Gilbert Arizona - In 1998, Gilbert established zoning for the Town's first regional mall. Westcor, the developer of Superstition Springs, Chandler Fashion Center and many other shopping centers in the Phoenix area, will develop the regional mall. The mall will be adjacent to the new Santan Freeway, bordered roughly by Greenfield Road, Ray Road, and Williams Field Road as it makes its way through central Gilbert. Construction of the freeway reached the mall site in 2006. The power center, located just south of the mall site, have been open since Fall 2004.