The second phase of Waukee Towne Center is moving forward after the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a site plan for utilities and other work in anticipation of an announcement about future tenants.

The 62-acre development, just southwest of the Hickman Avenue and Alice’s Road intersection, will be anchored by Target and include about 300,000 square feet of retail space, restaurants, an amphitheater, an 8-acre lake, a bike trail that connects to the regional trail system and an ice rink.

Development lots are beginning to fill in around the Target, which is under construction. In November, site plans were approved for a Chase Bank and a Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

Mike Pierson, owner of Pierson Cos., the Burlington-based firm behind the $132 million development, did not identify what other retailers or companies have expressed interest in the site, but said announcements were expected by late summer.

Pierson said he expected that much of what will occupy the Waukee Towne Center “will be new to the Des Moines market and Iowa.”

The site plan approved Tuesday is for utilities for those future buildings. It also included construction of a parking lot with 966 spaces and light fixtures.

While the site plan was focused on utilities for future development, the parking lot would also serve the Target store. Target announced in December 2022 that it would open a store in Waukee.

According to the staff report, the plan also provides for open space and a landscape buffer.

While Pierson, operating as Waukee Towne Center LLC, did not identify future tenants of the development, the plan showed several buildings for future development. Separate site plans for those buildings will be submitted for approval at a later date. All site plans approved by the commission, including the one approved Tuesday, also need approval by the City Council.

Pierson said the Waukee Towne Center will be a destination for not only Waukee residents but for people across Central Iowa.

“The Waukee Towne Center will feature unique amenities, dining and shopping, creating a great experience for local families as well as regional guests that will visit the center,” he said prior to the commission’s vote Tuesday.

Pierson said the growth that Waukee has experienced in recent years made it attractive for this type of development.

The Dallas County community, now with nearly 26,500 residents, is Iowa’s fastest-growing large city. The median age of its residents is 34; its median household income is $94,371, according to U.S. Census data.

The first phase of the development, which includes Target, is expected to have 185,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. Development of the first phase is expected to be completed in summer 2025. The second phase, which includes the site plan approved Tuesday, is expected to be completed by late 2029, and would include 85,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

Heather Behrens, marketing and communications director for the city of Waukee, said the Waukee Towne Center’s location makes it desirable for the development of retail and restaurants.

“The Target will draw not only local residents but those from surrounding communities, too, and of course the city is very excited about the amenities that are going to be part of this development,” she said. “We’ll see lots of residents and visitors getting to enjoy trails, a large pond and amphitheater in the future.”