Jefferson House to Open in Downtown Peoria
The shipping container-based commercial hub will arrive in the city’s downtown area in late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Jefferson House, a new commercial project featuring shipping containers, is expected to open in late 2026 at 83rd Avenue and Jefferson Street. The facility will house a variety of retail shops, a hair salon, and six food and drink establishments.
Why it matters
The development serves as a key component of a city-led, $15 million revitalization effort intended to boost the downtown Peoria corridor. It aims to transform the local business landscape by providing a shared space for independent vendors and community amenities.
The hub will feature six food and drink locations and will be anchored by Good Trouble, which plans to offer 20 beer taps. The facility represents part of a $15 million city-led investment in the downtown district.
The players
Kell Duncan
He is the developer tasked with managing the construction and site operations for the shipping container project.
Lance and Gavin Linderman
They are the restaurateurs partnering with the city of Peoria and the lead developer on the project.
Hope Peshlakai
She is the founder of Hope's Frybread, which is slated to occupy one of the food service spaces at the new hub.
City of Peoria
The local municipal government is funding and leading the downtown revitalization effort.
The details
The facility will include a courtyard, a splash pad, and an integrated sound system, with the architectural design scaled back from two stories to one during construction. Tenants will include Hope's Frybread, Stoop Kid, Local Hive Pizza Co., Chewk's Cookies, JOOS, Good Trouble, The Book Haul, Lovely Goods, and Fade & Blade Studio.
Timeline
2011: Hope Peshlakai started a roadside frybread stand.
April 2024: The Jefferson House project was officially announced.
September 2026: Novel Ice Cream withdrew from the project.
Late 2026: The Jefferson House is expected to open.
Market Landscape
The project follows the established national trend of using shipping container architecture to create high-density modular commercial spaces in suburban and urban cores. This positioning allows the city to cultivate a unique, low-overhead environment that differentiates the downtown corridor from traditional shopping plazas.
Residents can anticipate the arrival of several popular local vendors, including a dedicated cookie shop and a frybread stand, at the new downtown location. The development provides a centralized space for dining and shopping that is expected to enhance local foot traffic and leisure options.
The takeaway
The Jefferson House demonstrates how modular construction can be used to accelerate urban revitalization efforts. Future retail projects in the area may look to this development as a benchmark for balancing community amenities with diverse commercial tenant layouts.
Further reading
Learn more about new businesses coming to the region on the Peoria Openings & Closings page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Phoenix New Times.
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