What Retail Developers Need to Know About Stanford Crossing

Following its growth is a solid development strategy and one that has led many developers to consider Lathrop, CA, one of California’s fastest-growing cities. However, growth alone doesn’t guarantee success. Sustainable demand, infrastructure readiness and long-term planning all play a role in evaluating a market.

As Stanford Crossing nears the final days of its residential buildout and commercial development continues, the master-planned community is emerging as a compelling opportunity for commercial developers. Read on for answers to the most common questions developers are asking about Lathrop.

Q: Why are commercial developers choosing Lathrop?

Right across the street from this available commercial real estate is a master-planned community that is slated to hold nearly 2,500 single-family homes and 250+ apartment residences. 100+ acres of commercial development in the community were planned from the start and are ongoing. Big developers like Sam’s Club have already started construction, with other key partners like AutoZone already open for business.

Q: What makes Stanford Crossing different from other development opportunities in the Central Valley?

While some areas of the Central Valley are still trying to catch up with the growth, Stanford Crossing and the City of Lathrop were designed for it from the start. The Central Lathrop plan includes:

1,520 acres for commercial and residential development
18,000 single-family and 350 multi-family residential units
5 million square feet of office and retail space

Q: Is residential growth sufficient to support future retail demand?

Residential growth at Stanford Crossing has done well, with all neighborhoods sold out. Between 2020 and 2025, Lathrop’s population grew from 29,000 to 39,000, averaging 37.5% in population growth.

Q: What types of commercial and retail uses are best suited for the project?

With Lathrop’s proximity to the Bay Area, mostly families and young professionals are moving into the area. They are opting for a much lower cost of living (around 24% lower) and a better quality of life outside the city. That group is primarily looking for:

Grocery and daily-needs retail, like salon services
Quick-service restaurants
Casual dining
Medical and professional services
Hospitality
Entertainment
Fitness and wellness options

Q: How ready is the site from an infrastructure and entitlement standpoint?

Stanford Crossing’s commercial sites are currently in active development with Sam’s Club already under construction. There is also ongoing infrastructure investment from the City of Lathrop to support current and future growth, including:

Q: How do existing and announced tenants influence future development opportunities?

Big names attract additional retail and Lathrop has already had several big retailers announce commitments. Current and announced retailers throughout Lathrop include:

Target
Sprouts
In-N-Out
Chick-fil-A
Starbucks
Chipotle
Sam’s Club

These businesses have also announced intentions to build in Lathrop:

Sutter Health Urgent Care
Cold Stone
Kung Fu Tea
Sourdough & Co.

Q: What visibility, traffic and accessibility advantages does Stanford Crossing offer?

Stanford Crossing has the strong advantage of being located right along Interstate 5, one of California’s longest and most well-known freeways. Approximately 156,000 vehicles pass daily along the 5,000+ feet of frontage on that portion of the freeway. That means substantial exposure for the businesses there. It’s also located within the large master-planned Stanford Crossing community and will draw significant neighborhood traffic, too.

Q: What development timeline should prospective developers expect?

Like the residential development at Stanford Crossing, commercial development is happening in phases, providing opportunities for both short- and long-term growth. As updates are ongoing, please contact CBRE for the latest property information, including pricing and availability.

Q: Are there opportunities for destination retail, dining, hospitality or entertainment concepts?

The answer is a definite yes. While no major entertainment operators have been publicly announced, several hospitality projects have been announced, including:

A Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel (construction anticipated to begin this year)
A Hyatt-branded hotel
An assisted living community

Stanford Crossing itself already includes several entertainment options, including:

35 acres of planned parks
The Lathrop Generations Center (contains skatepark, a parkour course and more)
Library facilities
Amphitheater and event spaces

Q: How can developers learn more about available opportunities?

You can check out the current opportunities in Lathrop often. Be sure to contact CBRE directly for the most up-to-date property information, including pricing and ongoing availability.

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