Why Now is the Time to Develop in Lathrop

For years, Lathrop has ranked among California’s fastest-growing cities. Today, that growth is translating into something even more important for retailers and developers: real commercial demand. New residents continue to arrive, major national brands are committing to the market, and commercial infrastructure is rapidly taking shape around Stanford Crossing.

Recent data from the City of Lathrop shows the city reached approximately 40,942 residents in 2026 and remains one of California’s fastest-growing cities, posting 5.5% annual growth and ranking second among California cities over 30,000 residents.

The Stanford Crossing residential community in Lathrop, almost fully sold out and directly across the street from this commercial space, has been one of the more popular residential areas. It includes approximately 1,500 single-family homes with planned space for future apartments, positioning it as a key commercial opportunity in Lathrop and the greater San Joaquin County market.

Commercial Development Advantages

While some commercial development has already begun, there are still several excellent lots available and the city is streamlining the process.

• Prime Location: Lathrop is located right where I-5, I-205, and Highway 120 intersect, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Central Valley.
• Growing Consumer Base: A rise in residential growth means a rise in demand for retail, services, offices and a wide variety of amenities.
• Business-Friendly Climate: The city of Lathrop is rolling out the welcome mat for businesses. They’ve streamlined permitting and retail incentive programs to attract quality commercial tenants.

Stanford Crossing: A Prime Commercial Destination

Stanford Crossing spans two strategically positioned retail centers: North and South. These sit long I-5 at Lathrop Road and Louise Avenue, respectively. Located at Golden Valley Parkway and McKinley Avenue, Stanford Crossing’s location and family-focused neighborhoods make it an ideal place for retail, office and mixed-use businesses.

• Highly Visible Sites: The commercial properties here offer excellent freeway exposure along I-5 and flexible parcel sizes.
• Integrated Community Context: Businesses here will benefit from proximity to established neighborhoods, schools, hotels and existing retail centers.
• Strong Trade Area & Traffic: There is heavy daily traffic in this neighborhood, and the nearby commercial area is expanding rapidly. The retail center here is designed for daily-needs businesses, including retail, quick service restaurants and other services.
• Commercial Projects Opened, Underway or Planned at Stanford Crossing Include:
  • Sam’s Club (anchor, first location in San Joaquin County)
  • AutoZone (now open)
  • Wendy’s (confirmed)
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton (breaking ground summer 2026)
  • Chevron
  • Blue Rain Car Wash
  • Ono Hawaiian BBQ
  • Senior Living (planned adjacent)

Additional national retailers including Target, In-N-Out, Dutch Bros, Starbucks, Taco Bell and others have already established a presence in the surrounding Lathrop market.

Together, these projects demonstrate the continued commercial momentum in and around Stanford Crossing. What was once primarily a residential growth story is now evolving into a mixed-use destination supported by retail, hospitality, service businesses and community amenities.

Explore the latest site maps and available parcels on our Commercial Opportunities page, and follow construction milestones on our Development Updates page. As new businesses continue to commit to the area, available sites are becoming increasingly limited.

Excellent Timing for Commercial Opportunities

Commercial development often follows residential growth, creating a window of opportunity for businesses looking to establish themselves in an emerging market. At Stanford Crossing, that window is narrowing. Residential development is nearing completion, several commercial projects are already underway or operating, and available parcels are becoming increasingly limited.

Updated commercial plans continue to define the vision for retail, hospitality and mixed-use development throughout the area. Businesses entering the market today have the opportunity to establish visibility and customer loyalty as Stanford Crossing continues to mature into one of Lathrop’s premier commercial destinations.

Rich Opportunities for Commercial Growth in Lathrop

In one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Lathrop offers considerable potential for commercial development.

Stanford Crossing, in particular, offers a unique combination of residential density, freeway visibility, expanding commercial activity and development-ready sites. With major retailers entering the market and new projects continuing to take shape, the community is well-positioned for long-term commercial success.

Please connect with CBRE for more details regarding availability, pricing, and next steps, or read more about what’s coming next to Lathrop.