Maricopa’s Past Unveiled: A Journey Through Google Street View

The streets of Maricopa have evolved significantly since the city was incorporated more than two decades ago.

Businesses have come and gone. Roads have been rerouted, and government complexes now occupy what were once agricultural fields.

Google Street View imagery dating back to 2011 captures the transformation. Here’s a closer look at some key changes in Maricopa over the years.

May 2011 – The Red Barn

The Maricopa Business Barn, known locally as “The Red Barn,” housed various businesses such as a hair studio, computer repair shop, and photography studio. Located at 19428 N. Maricopa Road, it once stood next to the John Wayne Parkway railroad tracks, replaced by an overpass in 2019.

In 2017, Wendy Webb, an executive at F.O.R. Maricopa food bank, purchased the barn and transformed it into the organization’s headquarters. The building, repainted “Hawaiian Blue,” now also hosts a tattoo shop, florist, and hair salon.

April 2015 – Blockbuster

After Blockbuster locations closed in 2013, the iconic ticket-shaped logo lingered at its former spot in the Maricopa Fiesta shopping center. By 2015, Anytime Fitness took over this location, moving from the other side of Bashas’ in the same shopping center.

June 2011 – Copper Sky Recreation Complex

Before Copper Sky Recreation Complex was built, the land was nothing but dirt. This $20 million complex, opened in May 2014, includes a 5-acre catch-and-release lake stocked with various fish and numerous sports fields, playgrounds, and a dog park. The aquatic center, which features a waterslide and rock-climbing wall, opened on Memorial Day 2014.

May 2019 – Overpass Construction

The State Route 347 overpass, built to alleviate traffic congestion caused by frequent trains, was completed in 2019. Some saw it as a solution, while others viewed the construction as a burden. Several businesses and homes, including NAPA, Spoon’s restaurant, and the Maricopa Fire and Medical Department’s administration buildings, had to relocate due to the project.

May 2011 – Radioshack

The Radioshack at 44600 W. Smith-Enke Road offered more than just electronics; it sold unique items like paintball guns and office supplies to stay profitable. Owner Ronald Beasley eventually moved the store to Maricopa Marketplace after commercial taxes and competition from Walmart impacted sales. Later, Barro’s Pizza expanded into the vacated spot.

December 2018 – Carl’s Jr.

A Google Street View car captured Maricopa’s original Carl’s Jr. at 21000 N. John Wayne Parkway just days before it closed. The restaurant was replaced by Wendy’s in 2019. Recently, Carl’s Jr. opened a new location on the opposite side of the parkway.

April 2015 – Fletcher’s

Fletcher’s Tire & Auto Service, which opened in 2005 at 20926 N. John Wayne Parkway, rebranded to Firestone Complete Auto Care in 2017 after Bridgestone Americas acquired the brand.

May 2011 – Desert Sunrise High School

The site of Desert Sunrise High School at 16200 N. Murphy Road was once home to nearly 1,000 pecan trees. Construction started in 2021, and the trees were repurposed for various uses, including food smokers and wood pellets. Around 30 trees were preserved on the school grounds to honor the site’s history.

June 2011 – City Hall

Maricopa City Center, now housing a police station, library, and city hall, broke ground in April 2012. Old Street View imagery shows the complex was once just a field of crops along North White and Parker Road.