Groundbreaking set for Friedman's development

<p>The developer of the Friedman's-anchored Deer Creek Village Shopping Center on North McDowell Boulevard plans to break ground on the 36.5-acre project in the first week of May. </p><p>Barring any weather delays, that should result in the project being completed 10 to 12 months later, in the spring of 2014. </p><p>This is later than the summer or fall opening that the developer originally predicted would take place in 2013, a delay that David Proctor of Friedman's attributed in part to the time it's taking to plan for the new, “flagship” Friedman's Home Improvement store, which will include new components like a “living wall.” Originally, a more uniform Lowe's was anticipated to fill the main tenant spot in the development.</p><p>The developer, Merlone Geier, says it is close to closing agreements with other tenants in the development and plans to announce the deals closer to the groundbreaking.</p>