By BEX Staff for AZBEX
The City of Mesa plans to issue requests for qualifications and proposals in the coming months as part of an extensive “brand refresh” for its downtown area.
Much of the multi-project plan is being orchestrated in association with Arizona State University.
A local news outlet reported the projects under consideration include an eight-story mixed-use building at 51-55 E. Main St., converting a U.S. Postal Service building into a Creative Technology building for ASU, a new post office and a connecting covered path that will be known as The Light Walk.
A City official cited “a resurgence of activity” in the downtown area in recent years as the motivation for the effort.
The space at 51-55 was originally built in the 1980s, according to another article. Mesa originally intended the space as part of the Mesa Arts Center, but it was ultimately left out of the plan.
The Mesa City Council has authorized release of a bid application to find developers to rework the site. Under the preliminary vision, the first floor is planned for retail space, with the second floor providing event space in support of MAC. The remainder would likely be Class A office space.
The City plans to retain ownership of the site and enter into a ground lease with the eventual developer. Officials said financial details have not yet been established and would be part of the submissions.
Across the city, there is nearly 1.5MSF of Class A office space housed in 13 buildings. Nearly a third of that space is vacant. There is currently no Class A office space downtown. A portion of the planned office space is expected to be used by ASU, and City officials hope it will serve as a draw to attract other occupants.
The presence of light rail and the ASU Media and Immersive eXperience Center, which was delivered in 2022, are credited as primary drivers reigniting interest in downtown Mesa.
Another news source listed Mesa’s total planned downtown capital investment at $230M over the next couple years.
ASU Media Center for Creative Technology
The redevelopment vision also includes a USPS facility at 135 N. Center St. that will be used as part of ASU’s Media Center for Creative Technology. The building is under lease through May 2028. Redevelopment construction is expected to take 18-24 months.
The project will include student interaction areas and studio space and may also feature classrooms and office space for ASU faculty.
A smaller post office will be built nearby.
The Creative Technologies building is estimated at around $25M, while the new post office is expected to cost $3.3M-$3.4M. Associated infrastructure projects for the redevelopment are estimated at $5M.
The proposed projects will be taken up again by the Mesa City Council in six months. Discussions will include moving ahead with the lease and a cost-sharing agreement with ASU for the Creative Technologies building, as well as a possible long-term USPS lease for the new postal facility.
Downtown Mesa Light Walk
Mesa is also considering development of a “Light Walk” that would start at University Drive and end near the Mesa City Hall at Main Street, going past the MIX Center, Mesa Convention Center and the planned ASU Creative Technologies Building.
Planned as a nearly mile-long thoroughfare that would promote interconnection in the area, the Light Walk could potentially feature special events, food trucks and market spaces. The walkway would be covered and landscaped for shade and aesthetic appeal. Water features are also envisioned for the project.
City officials estimate the Light Walk could have around $16M in annual economic impact and serve as a point of attraction for downtown Mesa’s retail and restaurant operations.
