Virgata Property Co. is developing Virgata Commons, a 14-acre mixed-use project at the corner of FM 518 and FM 528 in Friendswood.

Phase 1 features 20K SF of retail space with three pad sites. The space is 85% leased with an available 3K SF end cap with a large storefront, rear patios and an option of adding a drive-thru.

New-to-Friendswood tenants include Orangetheory Fitness, MOD Pizza, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Chick-fil-A. The addition of a Chick-fil-A has been controversial among area residents, who say it is too "big city" a tenant for the small community.

Tenant build-out is expected to be completed in the fall.

“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,” Virgata Property Co. senior partner Jim Peterson said in a release. “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 backyard.”

The next phase is in the pre-development stage and is expected to break ground in early 2020. The expansion will include 30K SF of retail and office space.

“We’re excited to see Virgata Property Development move forward with developing this highly visible tract along FM 518 near FM 528,” City of Friendswood Economic Development Coordinator Karen Capps said. “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.”

Founded in 1999, Virgata Property Co. is a developer and landlord based in Friendswood.