Multibillion-dollar mixed-use project Legacy Park planned in Mesa

By Connor Van Ligten
Mail

A new 200-acre mixed-use development could signal the arrival of an urban oasis in Southeast Mesa.

Titled Legacy Park, the multibillion-dollar project from developer Vestar aims to bring resort, high-end retail, high-end dining and nearly 2,400 offices and apartments to the city.

It is one of the largest mixed-use developments being proposed in Arizona, according to media reports.

The project would be built near Mesa Gateway Airport and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus, according to the media reports, and would serve the communities of not only Mesa but also Gilbert and Queen Creek.

Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell said Legacy Park is going to be a transformative project for Mesa that will elevate the city.

“It will be a transformative project not just for Mesa but the entire East Valley. It checks so many boxes,” O’Donnell said. “It offers elevated hospitality, restaurants, retail, residential. It really is a true mixed-use integration of entertainment, residential, office and more.”

O’Donnell said the project will also have a great economic impact on the surrounding area, especially with its close vicinity to both Mesa Gateway Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“Based on where the population growth is happening and where industry is going, this is a premier location right off (State Route) 24 with access to get to the resort, to get to retail, entertainment, even offices,” O’Donnell said. “It will take just minutes to get there from Sky Harbor, central Phoenix and even North Scottsdale. Plus you have stunning views of the Superstitions and Red Mountain.”

Developer Vestar could not be reached for comment on a timeline.

O’Donnell said the project will be built in phases, with the estimation of breaking ground on the first phase in 2027. It will be a few years before Legacy Park will be open for business.

Still, O’Donnell has high hopes for the project and what may come of it in the future.

“Just having one phase of Legacy Park built out will enable Mesa to catch up not just from an elevated retail and hospitality perspective, but it really ensures that we’re leapfrogging over our neighboring communities,” O’Donnell said. “This will not only be a point of pride for Mesa but for the entire state.”