Mesa is preparing to welcome not one, but two major developments that will reshape the city’s southeast corridor near Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona Athletic Grounds, and ASU’s Polytechnic Campus.
Phoenix-based developer Vestar, in partnership with Pacific Proving LLC, has announced plans for Legacy Park, a $2 billion, 200-acre mixed-use “urban oasis.” In addition, Vestar is also leading a companion project, Legacy Towne Center, a 40-acre commercial development at the former Legacy Park youth sports site.
Legacy Park: A 200-Acre Destination
At full buildout, Legacy Park is expected to generate $56 billion in economic output and create more than 20,000 jobs over the next two decades. Key features include:
- A 600-room luxury resort hotel by The Athens Group (developers of Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton).
- 300,000 square feet of upscale retail and dining.
- 200,000 square feet of office space, with up to 3.4 million square feet of corporate campus space over time.
- 2,400 multifamily residences, including 700 in the first phase.
- A 20-acre urban park with a lake, designed as a regional gathering space comparable to Central Park.
The first phase, representing an initial $1 billion investment, is expected to break ground in 2027.
Legacy Towne Center: A 40-Acre Retail Hub
Just across the street, Vestar is also developing Legacy Towne Center, a 40-acre project aimed at addressing residents’ calls for more shopping and dining options within Mesa itself. Plans include:
- A 166,000-square-foot anchor tenant with a service station.
- 25,000 square feet of additional retail and restaurant space, split between two buildings.
- Four drive-through locations along Williams Field Road.
- Two hotels to serve visitors to the Arizona Athletic Grounds and Mesa Gateway Airport.
Unlike the long-term phasing of Legacy Park, Legacy Towne Center is expected to be built in a single phase, bringing more immediate retail and hospitality amenities to the area.
City & Community Impact
Local leaders have underscored the importance of both developments. District 6 Councilmember Scott Somers said:
“This is my top economic development priority for District 6, and I will do all I can to bring this to fruition. I still believe we can accomplish the vision we were promised.”
Together, Legacy Park and Legacy Towne Center represent the largest coordinated commercial development effort in southeast Mesa’s history, positioning the area as a premier destination for business, retail, tourism, and community life.
