Plans to remodel the existing AZ International Marketplace at the northeast corner of Dobson and Broadway in Mesa include splitting a suite into two to accommodate amusement purposes and a new grocery store.
The landscaping and design for the 14.5-acre multitenant commercial development were discussed during the March 11 meeting of the Mesa Design Review Board. Chair Dane Astle, Vice Chair Justin Trexler and board member Paul Johnson were absent.
A total of 759 parking spaces are required and 834 are to be provided.
“This is an existing multitenant commercial site with primary access from Broadway Road and Dobson,” Staff Planner Emily Johnson said. “There have been minor changes to the site plan including an addition of a recessed loading dock on the north elevation and 10 additional parking spaces on the southeast corner of the building.”
Marian McKersie of RKAA Architects Inc. is the applicant. Mekong Real Estate Investment Group LLC is the owner.
The remodeling is to include upgrades to the building’s interior, site work and facade, according to a written project narrative from RKAA Architects Inc.
“The project focuses on the existing AZ International Marketplace suite, which has a total area of 95,758 square feet. The objective is to demise the existing AZ International Marketplace into two: Suite 2 with 44,191 square feet and suite 3 with 51,567 square feet. The developer’s goal is to use suite 2 for amusement purposes and suite 3 for a new grocery store, while all the other tenants will remain,” it states.
“The existing garden center, currently used for storage, will be transformed into a community-friendly open space with four landscaped islands, shaded trees and bench seating. This pedestrian-friendly area will enhance the center’s overall appeal,” the narrative states.
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. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
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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