General Plan Update

Mesa’s 2050 General Plan draft is now available for public review and comment. The 2050 General Plan is our roadmap for Mesa's long-term growth, prosperity and well-being. From January 4 to March 4, 2024, Mesa residents can engage in the update process by reviewing the updated Plan and providing input. There will be public meetings in each City Council district and meeting details can be found at tomorrowsmesa.com. Public participation is crucial for ensuring that the Plan accurately reflects the aspirations and priorities of our community.

Should Mesa City Council approve the Plan in mid-2024, Mesa residents will vote on the Plan during the November 2024 election. Visit tomorrowsmesa.com to find upcoming Open Houses.

Development Services Awards

The Development Services Department held its first annual Development Community Partner Awards during a recent breakfast meeting of the Development Advisory Forum. Four awards were presented:

Best Architectural Design: Power Townhomes (Jon Gillespie, Pew & Lake).  This 38-unit townhome development features seven different building types and building materials. The contemporary design used massing and articulation such as cantilever living areas above garages and wing walls to create shadow and define space. Pictured - Rachel Nettles, Colin Doyle Kenyon, & Jon Gillespie.

Best Site Layout: The Residences at Cubs Way (Sean Lake, Pew & Lake). The 416-unit multiple residence project has a four-story building placed close to the street creating an active pedestrian experience. A six-level parking garage is located on the north side of the site and is encased in residential units hiding its presence. Two pedestrian bridges connect the north and south buildings across the project's ”main street” providing connectivity between amenities and the parking garage. Amenities include a resort style pool and spa, a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour athletic center and co-workspace. Pictured - Sean Lake and Nana Appiah.

Best Adaptive Reuse: The Post. The former U.S. Post Office on Macdonald’s Starved Classicism architecture and its lack of detail makes the adaptive reuse so stunning. The original wood floor has been repurposed as a wall, the original ceiling wood beams have been exposed and the stark building materials, like the terra cotta walls, have been preserved and remain in place for all to see. Pictured - Mary Kopaskie-Brown and Carmen Rodriguez.

Best Overall Project: Anton Mesa (Ben Graff, Quarles & Brady). The 550-unit multi-family project in the Fiesta District entails redevelopment of a large portion of an existing commercial center, thoughtfully integrating high-density residential among remaining commercial uses. Buildings are placed near the adjacent streets to interact with the streetscape and enhance walkability.  The project features a number of amenities including two pools, two clubhouses, bocce ball courts, firepits and a large open space. Pictured - Heather Basford and Ben Graff.

CALENDAR

Public Meeting Calendar

ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS

Upper/Lower Level Council Chambers is located at 57 E. 1st St.

January 24
Planning  & Zoning Board
4 p.m.
Upper Level Council Chambers

February 6
Historic Preservation Board
6 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

February 7
Board of Adjustment
5:30 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

February 8
Planning & Zoning Board
4 p.m.
Upper Level Council Chambers

February 14
Design Review Board
4:30 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

February 21
Development Advisory Forum
7:30 a.m.
The Studios at Mesa City Center, 59 E. 1^st St.

February 21
Planning & Zoning Board
4 p.m.
Upper Level Council Chambers

March 5
Historic Preservation Board
6 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

March 6
Board of Adjustment
5:30 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

March 12
Design Review Board
4:30 p.m.
Lower Level Council Chambers

March 13
Planning & Zoning Board
4 p.m.
Upper Level Council Chambers

March 27
Planning & Zoning Board
4 p.m.
Upper Level Council Chambers

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

All City Council meetings start at 5:45 p.m. in the Upper Level Council Chambers

• January 22
• February 5
• February 26
• March 4
• March 18

COMMUNITY EVENTS

January 27
All-America City Day
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Downtown Mesa

February 10
Mesa Marathon
All day throughout Mesa

March 9
I Love Mesa Day
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Downtown Mesa

DigEplan

On Jan. 29, Development Services is implementing a new electronic document review called DigEplan. The new software will provide easier upload capabilities for submittal and improve transparency and communication with all applicants. In anticipation of the implementation, we are hosting an open lab for the Development Community to check out the new system and ask staff any questions.  The open lab will be on Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 200 S Center, Building 2, Room 121.

Questions or want to attend the open lab? Contact Heather.Basford@mesaaz.gov 

IMPORTANT!!

New Electronic Document Review (EDR) Software coming soon!

DIMES will be down January 27 & 28 for implementation.

Improving Experiences In Mesa's Development & Permitting Services

Development Services is seeking feedback on your experience(s) working with the City in regards to land development and permitting services.  This feedback will drive innovation, visioning, and  improvements, so Mesa continues to deliver timely, predictable and consistent experiences.  Please take a few minutes to complete this 10 question survey: Development Review Community Feedback Survey.  The survey will close on Jan. 26.

Development Project Updates

The Post 

Downtown Mesa now has The Post, a new City-owned community and event space that involved the architectural restoration and transformation of Mesa’s first 1st-class Post Office, 26 N. Macdonald, which operated in the building from 1936 to 1970.

The building renovation included the installation of new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire sprinklers, elevator, restrooms, interior finishes and incorporated new technology in sound and lighting equipment, bringing The Post up to meet code requirements while maintaining many of the 1930’s original building features.

• The interior of the front façade of the original building features a variety of blocks that are now exposed. While most Depression-era construction details were functional rather than decorative, the City retained the decorative details that did exist. For example, the tile on the floor at the original entrance of the building resembles a welcome mat for patrons who entered the Post Office.
• There is an interior window that appears to lead to nowhere. Discovered during the recent renovation, the window was once located on the rear façade of the original building.
• A horizontal band of windows on a mezzanine level added during an expansion of the building in the 1960's is part of The Post. The space, now a conference room, served as the Postmaster’s office, with the upper windows allowing him to check on the staff and operations on the main floor.

The Post will eventually include a Neon Garden and outdoor event venue featuring iconic neon business signs preserved by Mesa Preservation Foundation and the City of Mesa.

Eco Mesa

The housing and retail project on Pepper Place in downtown Mesa celebrated its grand opening Nov. 28.  Eco Mesa has 102 solar-powered apartment units and 3,100 square feet of retail space. It also includes several sustainable elements such as rooftop solar, low-flow water features, double-insulated walls, high efficiency water heating, carshare, and public and private electric charging stations. The project also converted 76 public parking spaces to a public parking structure.

Eco Mesa’s investment in sustainability sets an example for future downtown development and is an example of following the guidelines of Mesa’s Climate Action Plan.

Building A Climate Ready Community  The new Gateway Library, which will be located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway in southeast Mesa, has been designed with sustainability in mind. The site is located adjacent to the Eastmark Great Park and, as a result, the building layout is purposefully designed to connect and integrate to the adjacent outdoor opportunities. Various low water, desert adaptive planters surround the library and provide great opportunities to capture and maintain stormwater onsite. Roof stormwater drainage is also directed via surface flow to these landscape areas.  New trees and landscaping will help reduce urban heat. The parking lot is designed as a pedestrian plaza that can easily convert from a parking area to a pedestrian zone to host small community-based events. Construction is anticipated to start spring of 2024 and conclude in summer of 2025.

Customer Experience and Kudos For Development Services Department Employees

Clifton Berry with Blandford Homes praised Senior Civil Engineer Aaron Ament and Senior City Plans Examiner Michael Pena for getting permits approved quickly for construction to start on Burden Orchard at Pioneer Landing, a new development at Val Vista and Thomas. “I am so grateful for both of you helping get the plans to the finish line. I know it wasn’t a smooth process all the time, but you didn’t give up on us. Really means a lot to me.”

Aurora with Red Hawk praised Senior Civil Engineer Aaron Ament for his help in obtaining permits. “Thank you very much for all of your help and support through this process. I know that we have a long way to go but I just wanted to take a quick moment to say Thank you for your time and support we really appreciate it.”

Permitting 480-644-4273  |  Planning 480-644-4726  |  Building Inspections 480-644-2428

https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/development-services