Mesa officials break ground on $75M downtown mixed-use project

PHOENIX – Main Street in downtown Mesa will begin to take on a new look after officials broke ground Monday on a $75 million mixed-use project.

The first phase of the 3.3-acre Grid was expected to be completed later this year.

When the midrise development is finished, it will feature rowhouses, micro and luxury apartments, restaurants, shops, parking and office space.

“The GRID is exactly the type of development we want to see in downtown Mesa,” Mayor John Giles said in a press release.

“I’m excited to see another crane in downtown Mesa’s skyline.”

In January, Arizona State University began work on its first academic building in the area. ASU @ Mesa City Center planned to open in spring 2022.

Private Benedictine University, a partner in the development, is also nearby.

Student living was part of the thought process behind the Grid.

The four-level build near Mesa Drive will make use of an overlooked Pomeroy Parking Garage and incorporate part of Gateway Park.

“It’s very unique to build up and over a city-owned parking garage,” Giles said. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The public-private project is personal for one of the developers, Karrin Taylor Robson, a partner with Palladium, who grew up in the area.

“Downtown Mesa has special meaning to me,” Robson said in a press release.

“The GRID will bring new residents who can enjoy the lively downtown lifestyle and this vibrant city that I admire.”

Breakdowns of the residences will put 196 sky apartments on floors four through seven. Each unit will have a balcony, fireplace and glass walls.

The 15 rowhouses will be three-level walk-ups and each will have a private entry door and its own parking space in the garage.

The 75 micro-units will be limited to about 400 square feet apiece, but whoever lives there will have floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains.

Every resident will have rooftop lounge and outdoor pool privileges, as well as access to the fitness sites.

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