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Preserving Character. Inspiring Investment. Mesa Works.

Adopted in March 1999, the Mesa Town Center Redevelopment Plan provides a long-term framework to guide revitalization and investment in Mesa’s historic core. The goal: to create a vibrant, walkable downtown through strategic land use, adaptive reuse, and catalytic development.

The plan encourages a dynamic mix of uses designed to stimulate continued economic and cultural growth, including:

• Mid-rise office buildings
• Urban residential developments
• Hotels
• Specialty retail
• Arts, culture, and entertainment spaces

Major Transformations & Accomplishments

Over two decades, the Town Center Redevelopment Area has seen numerous transformative projects that have energized Downtown Mesa:

Adaptive Reuse Projects

• Mesa Citrus Growers Building → High-tech manufacturing hub
• Southside Hospital → Benedictine University campus
• City Courthouse → Mesa Center for Higher Education

Public Amenities & Infrastructure

• Pioneer Park Renovation
• Infrastructure upgrades in alleyways
• Sprinkler Cost Assistance Program

Private Investment Highlights

• Encore on First – Downtown residential living
• One MacDonald Office Renovation

Cultural Catalysts

• Mesa Arts Center – Anchor institution attracting 400K+ annual visitors
•  i.d.e.a. Museum – A family-friendly STEAM-focused destination
• Natural History Museum - Home to dinosaurs, Native American history, and archeological exhibits celebrating the Southwest's deep past
• Public Art & Creative Placemaking – A growing collection of murals, sculptures, and installations including Sculpture in the Streets, utility box art, and interactive pieces that celebrate local culture and community stories

 Downtown Mesa Is Connected and Growing

Downtown Mesa is directly served by Valley Metro Light Rail, offering seamless access to:

• Downtown Phoenix
• Sky Harbor International Airport
• Arizona State University

This makes Mesa Town Center a prime location for talent attraction, business investment, and higher-education partnerships.

 What’s Next for Town Center?

Mesa’s ongoing redevelopment vision includes:

• Continued adaptive reuse of historic and underused buildings
• New mixed-use and infill development
• Public-private partnerships that elevate Downtown’s economic and cultural offerings

Contact the Office of Economic Development

Valley Metro Light rail serves Downtown Mesa from Downtown Phoenix, Arizona State University, and Sky Harbor International Airport.

  09102025