‘We Build Spaceships’ temporary banner approved for Virgin Galactic site in Mesa
A rendering of the ‘“Build Spaceships” banner on the building.
City of Mesa
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Virgin Galactic is on the airport’s west side, south of Ray Road on the east side of Sossaman Road.
City of Mesa
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
The airport is operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. PMGAA consists of representation from Apache Junction, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Gila River Indian Community.
A temporary building banner that states “We Build Spaceships” can be placed at Virgin Galactic at Mesa Gateway Airport, the Mesa Board of Adjustment decided recently.
The board voted 5-0 June 4 as part of a consent agenda with other items to approve a special-use permit for the modification of a comprehensive sign plan. Boardmembers Nicole Lynam and Gerson Barrera were absent.
Virgin Galactic is on the airport’s west side, south of Ray Road on the east side of Sossaman Road, Staff Planner Charlotte Bridges said at a study session prior to the meeting.
“The proposal is to allow a 1,040-square-foot banner-type sign to be applied at that west elevation of the building for one year,” she said.
Monica Ireland of Virgin Galactic is the applicant. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority is the owner.
Virgin Galactic requested the permit because the sign needed to be larger than what is allowed, according to a written project narrative.
“The ‘We Build Spaceships’ graphic feature is intended to highlight the amazing fact that Virgin Galactic is building spaceships in its assembly facilities at the Mesa Gateway Airport. Due to the size and orientation of the building, the banner needs to be larger than the allowable signage square footage in order to maximize visibility and make the intended impact; the allowable square footage would be lost on the facade and not visible” it states.
The seven-member Board of Adjustment conducts public meetings to hear and decide requests for variances, special-use permits and interpretations of the city of Mesa zoning ordinance and sign code. Members are appointed for staggered terms of three years, 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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