Gilbert’s Growing Up...And the Brundrett Building Might Be the First Big Clue

Let’s be hones...Downtown Gilbert has always been more small-town charm than big-city skyline. But that might be starting to change.

Right in the heart of the Heritage District, between The Farmhouse Restaurant and Norwood Furniture, something new is quietly rising: The Brundrett Building. And while it’s not a skyscraper by any stretch, it is a sign that Gilbert is ready to evolve—just a little.

Here’s what you should know.

What’s Being Built?

The Brundrett Building is a four-story, mixed-use project designed to fit right into the downtown vibe—but elevate it at the same time.

Here’s what’s planned:

• Ground floor: Restaurant or café space — great for grabbing a bite before walking the strip.

• Two middle floors: Office space for local businesses and startups who want to work in the middle of the action.

• Top floor: A rooftop bar and enclosed patio with year-round views of the Water Tower and downtown scene.

So yes—it’s literally bringing Gilbert to new heights.

A New Kind of Downtown Flow

What really makes this building interesting isn’t just its height—it’s the layout.

There will be a direct outdoor walkway connecting the building to Water Tower Plaza, making it super walkable and ideal for business flow, lunch meetups, happy hours, and weekend strolls.

In other words, it’s designed to be part of Gilbert—not just another building in Gilbert.

Testing the Limits (In a Good Way)

The project was initially planned to be 68 feet tall but was later scaled back to 55 feet after public input. Why’s that matter?

Because this marks a shift. It shows that Gilbert is open to going vertical—as long as it fits the character of the area.

It’s not about building up just to build up. It’s about being thoughtful and intentional with how we grow—and The Brundrett Building might be our test case.

What This Could Mean for Gilbert’s Future

Projects like this send a clear message: Downtown Gilbert isn’t just for dinner anymore. It could become a true destination for:

• Elevated rooftop bars and dining

• Local office spaces with walkable perks

• A more integrated, mixed-use district that blends work, play, and community

This is the kind of development that could pave the way for even more exciting concepts, while still keeping the heart of Gilbert intact.

Final Thought

We all love the warmth and character of Downtown Gilbert—but thoughtful growth like the Brundrett Building shows that we don’t have to choose between charm and progress.

If it turns out the way it’s planned, this could be the start of a downtown that’s not just somewhere you go for dinner, but somewhere you actually live, work, and hang out.

Let’s keep an eye on this one—it just might be the blueprint for Gilbert’s next chapter.