Emerson Holdings, a family-owned land investment firm based in Scottsdale, is playing a pivotal role in shaping Maricopa’s future by turning vast stretches of desert land into areas ready for housing, retail, and jobs.
The company has roots in a strategy called Land Bank. Chase Emerson, a partner at the firm, has been active in Maricopa, following in his father’s footsteps, who has quietly amassed land in the area for decades. Currently, Emerson Holdings manages around 3,200 acres within and near the city, focusing on transforming raw desert into viable land for builders and employers through zoning adjustments, engineering approvals, and floodplain solutions.
“There’s a lot of work going in,” Emerson explained. “You’re planning out everything from tree placements in the park to the layout of community amenities and lot sizes. It demands a comprehensive team of experts to create a community that builders want and people want to live in.”
Among their major projects is Murphy Park, located at the intersection of Steen Road and Murphy Road, which looks quite barren at the moment. This 480-acre site was acquired in 2021 and was initially zoned for residential use. Emerson Holdings has since reclassified it to include 400 acres of commercial land, a move Emerson believes will improve the region’s appeal and attract Fortune 500 companies to set up in Maricopa.
“We felt that bringing in employment was not just good for our site but beneficial for the city overall,” he stated. “This will bolster Maricopa’s outlook and strengthen the value of other properties.”
The company also manages properties like “Maricopa 66” and additional parcels close to the Papago Road corridor and Hidden Valley area. According to Emerson, assessing these properties involves thorough examinations of transportation plans, access to utilities, and floodplain maps.
“Floodplains are significant,” he noted. “We often find ourselves crafting solutions for floodplain concerns that can take years to gain approval, all so builders can acquire the land and develop communities.”
Maricopa’s increasing attractiveness can largely be traced back to enhanced transportation networks, new master-planned neighborhoods, a dependable water supply through Global Water Resources, and the anticipated expansion of State Route 347.
“There aren’t many places on the outskirts of Metro Phoenix with the vital resources Maricopa offers,” Emerson mentioned, referring to its ample water supplies, developing lands, and transport links.
Residents of Maricopa have shown mixed emotions about the city’s rapid expansion on social media, with some raising concerns about preserving the small-town feel. Emerson acknowledged these sentiments but also highlighted the advantages of growth.
“More homes support retail and create more jobs,” he said. “It means people can live and work in Maricopa instead of commuting.”
As Emerson Holdings continues to explore new projects, they move their current initiatives closer to development. “What’s beneficial for the city is beneficial for us,” Emerson remarked. A recent interview revealed that land investment firms like theirs might actually reduce home prices in the Phoenix area.