An Aldi supermarket is to be developed in a remodeled former 99 Cents Only space at the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Main Street in Mesa.
The development’s look and landscaping were discussed by the Mesa Design Review Board Dec. 9, according to the meeting’s agenda.
Sterling Margetts of Kimley-Horn is the applicant. Aldi Arizona LLC is the owner.
The applicant requested a height exception to allow a new entry feature with a shed roof that is 35 feet, 2 inches tall with a midpoint height of 31 feet, 6 inches for the major tenant in a group commercial center, Planner Charlotte Bridges wrote in a staff report.
Staff finds the proposed project meets the review criteria for a height exception outlined in the Mesa zoning ordinance, she wrote.
The proposed inline Aldi grocery store includes tenant improvements for an existing 25,850-square-foot building, according to a written project narrative from Kimley-Horn.
“The project will consist of proposed architectural enhancements, a new front hardscape reconstruction, parking lot revitalization and regrading, as well as a new northern driveway,” it states. “The design team understands that the proposed elevation redesign for the Aldi building introduces a new theme of the shopping center; however, the team feels that several material and color elements are compatible.”
The new entry feature for the supermarket will integrate a raised parapet above the door, add display windows surrounding the entrance and a new covered entry and cart storage area. The covered cart storage area will screen the carts from view and provide shade over the proposed clear glazing providing visibility into the store, according to a written project narrative from Sean Unsell, senior studio director and associate principal for RDC.
“Due to the significant investment that Aldi is proposing, we feel that this is an opportunity to revitalize the shopping center that will benefit the community. The existing building’s architectural theme is outdated and is in need of significant repair,” it states. “The proposed colors and material are natural tones that work well with a variety of architectural themes that surround the property.”
The all-volunteer Mesa Design Review Board is unique in that its composition is set by the zoning ordinance to include two architects; two from other design professions such as landscape architecture, engineering, urban planning, interior design or other design-related background; one contractor or developer; and two residents, according to the city’s website.
Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines, https://www.yourvalley.net/civility-checklist/.
Meet Richard Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.
Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions.
Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.
Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.
Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.
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