Target Is Coming to Delaware: What to Know About Trailhead Crossings
Phase one broke ground the same day Target was confirmed.
Target is confirmed for phase two of Delaware's Trailhead Crossings development, announced the same day phase one broke ground on Sunbury Road with seven confirmed businesses including Chipotle and Chick-fil-A.
If you've been watching the growth along Sunbury Road in Delaware, this is the news that makes it official: a major national retailer is coming to one of Central Ohio's fastest-growing corridors. Here's what's actually confirmed, sourced directly from Delaware Source's reporting.
Is Target Actually Confirmed for Delaware?
Yes. GTZ Properties Managing Principal Mitch Goltz confirmed to Delaware Source on October 1, 2026, that Target will be part of phase two of the Trailhead Crossings development. The Target location will sit on a 16-acre parcel directly east of the phase one development, currently owned by Nutter Farm Inc. according to the Delaware County Auditor's website. Goltz said the store likely won't open until 2028 or 2029, noting it's a "much bigger project" than the smaller retail and restaurant spaces opening in phase one.
Goltz also indicated proposed residential development is planned for the area north of the stream that runs through the property, suggesting Trailhead Crossings will eventually combine retail and housing within the same overall development. That mixed-use direction is worth watching closely for anyone tracking the long-term character of this specific corridor.
What's Actually Opening First at Trailhead Crossings?
Phase one broke ground the same day Target was confirmed, October 1, 2026, on a vacant lot of more than 10 acres in front of the Seattle House Apartments and across from City Barbeque on Sunbury Road. Seven businesses are confirmed for this first phase: Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pacific Dental, Take 5 Oil Change, and a national daycare provider that hasn't yet been publicly named. Additional building slots in phase one remain unfilled as of the groundbreaking.
Goltz told Delaware Source construction crews haven't yet begun building, but those buildings are expected to start going up within the next few weeks, with most of the retail tenants targeting a spring opening, likely around May 2026. That timeline gives Delaware residents a genuinely close window to watch this corridor's transformation play out in real time.
How Big Is the Overall Trailhead Crossings Project?
Substantial. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Goltz described the full project as encompassing over 50 acres of land once completed, bringing in more than a dozen new businesses and over $100 million in total new investment to the city of Delaware. As part of the development, GTZ will also extend Biltmore Drive east to connect the new businesses, adding genuine infrastructure alongside the retail growth.
The project follows a February 2026 zoning approval when Delaware City Council unanimously rezoned the original 10.3-acre parcel at Sunbury Road and Skyview Lane from agricultural-adjacent Community Commercial to Commercial Planned Unit Development, clearing the way for construction. Goltz said the development process from start to finish typically runs about 24 months, and this specific project had been in the works for well over a year before the February rezoning even took place.
Why Is This Development Happening in Delaware Specifically?
Goltz pointed directly to Delaware's growth trajectory as the reason GTZ chose the location. At the groundbreaking, he described Delaware County as "on fire" and said GTZ is proud to be contributing to the corridor's ongoing growth and momentum. Delaware City Manager Paul Brake backed that characterization with specifics, noting that 16 businesses have already opened or are set to open along Sunbury Road in just the past year alone, including a Chase bank, 7Brew, McDonald's, and a new Kroger that held its grand opening October 2, 2026.
Goltz also confirmed GTZ is working on other, as-yet-unannounced projects in the city and county, signaling this isn't a one-off investment but part of a longer-term commitment to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Target at Trailhead Crossings actually open?
GTZ Properties says Target likely won't open until 2028 or 2029, since it's part of the larger phase two development rather than the initial phase one retail buildings.
What businesses are opening first at Trailhead Crossings?
Phase one includes Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pacific Dental, Take 5 Oil Change, and a national daycare provider, with most expected to open around May 2026.
How large is the full Trailhead Crossings development?
Once completed, the project will encompass more than 50 acres, bring in more than a dozen new businesses, and represent over $100 million in total new investment in Delaware.
Where exactly will the Target be located?
On a 16-acre parcel directly east of the Trailhead Crossings phase one development, currently owned by Nutter Farm Inc. according to the Delaware County Auditor.
Why is so much new retail development happening in Delaware right now?
Delaware City Manager Paul Brake noted 16 businesses have opened or are set to open along Sunbury Road in just the past year, reflecting the broader growth GTZ Properties cited as its reason for choosing the location.
If this kind of growth along Sunbury Road has you curious about what it's actually like to live in or near Delaware right now, I'm always happy to talk through it.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Facts in this post are sourced from Delaware Source's October 1, 2026 and February 18, 2026 reporting, linked above. All real estate services are provided in compliance with Fair Housing laws, RESPA, TCPA, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and Ohio Real Estate Commission advertising regulations. Equal Housing Opportunity. Chrisi Hagan, Collins Lassiter Group, Red 1 Realty.
