By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX
A new multifamily residential development is being proposed at East University Drive and North Miller Street in Mesa, and will provide modern housing to the students of Hillsong College.
Owner, Stalwart Acquisitions, LLC, in partnership with Hillsong College, is requesting a Development Incentive Permit (DIP) to allow certain deviations from certain development standards, in order to develop the multifamily project on approximately nine underutilized parcels within the RM-2 and RM-4 Districts.
“Through the DIP, the applicant is requesting a reduction to the required building and landscape setback along University Drive, a reduction to the foundation base area required between buildings and parking areas, a reduction to the throat depth between parking areas and entry drives into the site, a reduction to the landscape setback along the southern property line, a reduction to the required separation distance between buildings and parking canopies, and a reduction to required building separation,” according to the project documents.
The City of Mesa’s Board of Adjustment heard and recommended approval of the DIP at its April 7th meeting.
The project, known as Stalwart Housing, comprises a three-story apartment building located adjacent to University Drive, stepping down to a two-story apartment building. The buildings will house a total of 53 dwelling units composed of a mix of 4 one- and 49 two-bedroom units.
The project’s design will blend in with the surrounding buildings with the use of natural toned stucco, brick veneer and a composite shingle roof.
A one-story clubhouse/leasing office building will also be provided and will face Miller Street. The site plan shows residential amenities including a pool area with ramada and lounge seating, as well as turf game court spaces and bicycle parking.
Access to the development will be from both Miller Street and University Drive. A total of 111 parking spaces will be provided including 56 covered spaces and 55 uncovered spaces. The parking area will be placed along the east and south sides of the site. Pedestrian access will also be from both University and Miller.
Landscaping along University Drive will include 13 large trees to provide shade for pedestrians. The landscape setback at the southern end of the sight is proposed to be reduced in order to provide more parking spaces.
According to the project documents, the DIP request is the first of four steps Stalwart will take to develop the project. “The site will be going to the Planning and Zoning Board for Site Plan Review, the Design Review Board for review of proposed architecture and landscaping design, and lastly a Lot Combination to combine the nine separate parcels into one lot.” The project is scheduled to go before the Mesa Design Review Board today.
Stalwart Acquisitions, LLC and Hillsong College are the owners for the Stalwart Housing project and Todd & Associates is the architect. A request for the general contractor was not returned by press time.