Overview
Planning for the redevelopment of the site known as “Transform 17” has been underway for the past year by the Miravista (MVH) Holdings team, and the team is looking forward to introducing the phasing concepts for the development.
The 27-acres located at the southwest corner of University and Mesa will be a horizontal, mixed use project developed to connect to other planned and completed redevelopment around downtown Mesa. Its strategic location near the Mesa Convention Center, the Mesa Amphitheater, the Museum District, and ASU offers the Miravista team an opportunity to bring a dynamic mix of high-quality employers, retail and dining uses, and housing into the area. The demand for attached for-sale and for-rent housing near the walkable downtown, and near the METRO light rail stations, will remain strong in the coming years.
Miravista has assembled a world class team of architects, economic development leaders and planners to create a vision and planning framework that will create an urban destination for downtown Mesa. The team planning this project is focused on creating a vibrant focal point for Mesa residents and visitors. The site is envisioned to be a complement to the neighborhoods; and economically viable to ensure that the project will be developed on a phased timeline.
Concurrent to the planning, Miravista has commissioned a number of market studies to understand the potential and sustainability of the development uses at this important site. MVH has been conducting studies on the public infrastructure that is in place and how/if can be used, or needs to be redeveloped or moved to create a high-quality mixed-use development at the site.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Miravista’s community outreach process is intended to engage neighbors, businesses and community leaders and solicit feedback about the development framework and design guidelines that the City will review and ultimately approve as part of the development process. Miravista is requesting to rezone the property from Downtown Core (DC) to Downtown Core with a PAD (Planned Area Development) Overlay (DC/PAD).
During the past 10 months, Miravista has met with stakeholders from local businesses, ASU, and many others to gather input and feedback on the potential uses at Site 17. The next phase of community engagement will bring together local stakeholders as part of a public process.
April 4, 2022
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom: http://www.gblaw.com/nexusmesa
April 7, 2022
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Charles K. Luster Building Community Room
640 North Mesa Drive
Mesa, AZ 85201
The PAD creates a flexible framework for the development, and allows the developer to meet market opportunities, while protecting the neighborhood by creating design guidelines for the project. The PAD articulates design and development standards and requirements where the developer must adhere to equivalent or superior standards. The General Plan character area designation on the property is Downtown and Transit Corridor.
This overlay district allows for innovative design and flexibility in projects of sufficient size that are planned for development as a cohesive unit and it may also be used to organize a development in phases by using conceptual development plans and deferring specific site plan approval to a future date. The intent of this district is to provide for creative, high-quality development.
HISTORY
Transform 17 is a development project consisting of 27 acres of City-owned land located at the southwest corner of University and Mesa Avenues.
The property was acquired and assembled by the city of Mesa in 1980s and 1990s. The properties were cleared and the City has been planning for redevelopment of this site, after years of vacancy.
City staff presented a conceptual master plan to the Mesa City Council in March 2019 and subsequently released an RFP for development of the site. On April 1, 2021, the Mesa City Council approved an MOU and exclusive dealings agreement with Miravista Holdings to develop a master plan for a wellness-oriented development with residential, office and commercial uses. The master plan is anticipated to establish a phasing plan for development of the entire site and details for the first phase of the development.
The Vision
Site 17’s vision is defined by six overarching themes and broad objectives. The successful revitalization of this development can be achieved through concrete goals, planning initiatives, and proposed projects to implement these objectives.
Includes uses and amenities that animate the district throughout the day and during all seasons of the year
Establishes a framework for development that is sensitive to the physical and visual character of nearby historic districts and neighborhoods
Provides a rich mix of dense urban uses; includes numerous types and forms of buildings that create an interesting and distinctive place
Supports and expands downtown development, growth, and investment rather than competing with the existing downtown core
Provides a connected network of open spaces and shared auto, walking, and biking routes and transit stops that are safe and comfortable
Provides uses and amenities that are currently missing in the downtown or contribute to the viability of existing or planned uses
ABOUT MIRAVISTA
Miravista Holdings is a boutique development firm specializing in brownfield redevelopment, urban infill, and adaptive reuse projects throughout Arizona and California.