Executive Summary Managing the change that will take place within the Central Main Area will take creativity, flexibility, and forethought. Action is needed now to prepare the groundwork for the significant economic development and urban transformation that will take place with the extension of light rail. This Executive Summary of the Central Main Plan provides a quick overview of the area, the Vision for transformation, and an Action Plan for immediate implementation.
A History of Change Mesa’s Central Main Area includes the original Mesa square mile plus additional area, primarily to the east along Main Street. The size, demographics, and mix of land uses within this area make it comparable to many smaller cities. The Central Main Area includes Mesa’s center for government, culture, and business. Main Street through Mesa has a history of change. In the downtown area, Main Street was once a strong, active commercial center for Mesa and the East Valley. Over the years, as competing development has occurred, other communities have grown, and Mesa has sprawled out, Main Street through Downtown became primarily an auto-oriented commercial corridor backed by low-density, single-residence neighborhoods. While the Downtown core contains several exciting and interesting places, they are disconnected and the area as a whole is underdeveloped and underutilized. Today, there are many elements that create a catalyst for change in the Central Main Area. These catalysts include the extension of light rail, the Mesa Arts Center and demographic and economic changes that support an increase in mixed-use, urban living. The Central Main Plan has been developed to capture the momentum of change and guide that momentum to a common vision for action that will result in a Downtown that is alive with activity and a place where people want to be.
5