Mesa economic development officials are currently working to finalize an agreement with developers for a proposed mixed-use real estate development known as The Craftsman at the intersection of Hawes and Elliot roads in the southeast Valley, as Southeast Valley News reported. The proposed project aims to transform an undeveloped plot in Mesa into a commercial and residential hub featuring 380 apartments alongside 40,000 square feet of commercial space. Within that commercial footprint, developers have designated 10,000 square feet specifically to accommodate high-end dining establishments intended to serve residents across southeast Mesa and nearby surrounding municipalities.
At present, the physical site chosen for the proposed development remains largely unimproved. The acreage currently holds only tall weeds and features a nearby food truck operating in the area. Despite the current unimproved state of the property, city leaders view the location at Hawes and Elliot roads as a prime opportunity to expand retail and residential capacity in the eastern portion of the municipality.
The Department of Economic Development officially introduced the preliminary plans for The Craftsman to the Mesa City Council during a meeting in late October. Following that initial presentation, city officials and council members have scheduled further review of the proposal. The Mesa City Council is slated to continue its formal discussions regarding the development during an upcoming meeting scheduled for Nov. 16. The mixed-use project cannot move forward into construction without obtaining final formal approval from the City Council.
Jaye O’Donnell, who serves as the director of economic development for the City of Mesa, discussed the broader economic environment surrounding the proposal. O’Donnell noted that the city is observing a new energy around retail, adding that municipal leaders and local residents are pleased with the recent momentum. O’Donnell stated that city officials firmly believe the expanding demographic base in southeast Mesa possesses the requisite financial tax base capable of supporting upscale, chef-driven restaurant concepts.
While specific commercial tenants have not yet been finalized, O’Donnell declined to reveal which specific merchants or restaurant operators might eventually open locations within the development. However, O’Donnell stated that residents living within Mesa as well as neighboring East Valley communities have demonstrated a clear interest in visiting and supporting dining spots that offer unique, special, and distinct culinary experiences.
To support the feasibility of high-end commercial concepts at Hawes and Elliot roads, city economic development leadership highlighted existing regional developments as positive indicators. Specifically, O’Donnell pointed to Medina Station, a retail and shopping development situated approximately 10 minutes away from the proposed Craftsman location, as evidence that a mixed-use project with upscale commercial elements can successfully operate and thrive in this sector of the municipality.
The effort to bring The Craftsman to fruition aligns directly with a broader, citywide strategic initiative managed by Mesa officials. According to municipal economic development leaders, the project forms part of a concentrated effort to draw top-tier retail brands and dining options into the city limits. By establishing desirable commercial destinations locally, municipal planners hope to encourage Mesa residents to keep their retail shopping and restaurant spending within the community rather than traveling to neighboring jurisdictions for those services.
As discussions continue ahead of the Nov. 16 meeting, city staff and developers will work toward establishing the definitive terms of the development agreement. If approved by the Mesa City Council, the development will officially convert the vacant property at Hawes and Elliot roads into a density-focused mix of multi-family housing, retail storefronts, and specialized restaurant venues designed to serve both local neighborhoods and adjacent East Valley cities.