The owners of a 60-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Southern Avenue and Signal Butte have unveiled their plans for the Medina Station development.
The roots of this endeavor trace back to 2021 when the land, acquired for a sum of $13.5 million in an Arizona State Land Department auction, caught the attention of the developer, Bela Flor Communities. The parcel currently resides in Maricopa County, but Bela Flor Communities is concurrently pursuing annexation into Mesa, accompanied by rezoning and site plan review processes.
Medina Station is designed to be a diverse and vibrant community that combines the best of residential and commercial spaces. It features a striking blend of 851 residential units and a sprawling 250,000 square feet of commercial space. Approximately 30 acres of this development are earmarked for a commercial center hosting around 16 stores and restaurants, including five drive-thru eateries, with popular fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A among the offerings.
The commercial portion of Medina Station, developed by Vivo Partners, has kept the community guessing about its anchor tenant, although speculation suggests that Target is planning to take center stage. Mesa city planners, however, have made it clear that they intend to secure a development agreement with Bela Flor to ensure a true mixed-use development. The agreement will encompass restrictions on the number of drive-thru establishments in the commercial area and guarantees concerning the balance between commercial and residential elements.
In pursuit of their vision, Bela Flor seeks to obtain reductions in the required number of parking spaces for multifamily housing and an increase in the maximum building height, reaching up to 60 feet. Described as a “horizontal mixed-use development,” Medina Station will dedicate half of its site to a shopping center and the other half to apartments. The residential component includes two distinct apartment communities alongside a 55-plus independent living apartment building, developed by Greystar Worldwide and Hawkins Companies.
Ryan Manteuffel, a partner at Hawkins Development, emphasized their commitment to creating a unique living experience at Medina Station. He mentioned that this would include eco-friendly design elements, shared spaces, recreational facilities, and integrated retail spaces catering to residents’ daily needs. Manteuffel highlighted the site’s proximity to U.S. Route 60 and the abundant employment opportunities surrounding Eastmark as key factors that make this development a perfect fit for multifamily residential units.
The master plan for Medina Station prioritizes walkability, emphasizing cohesion and connectivity between the commercial component and the three residential communities. Bela Flor Communities echoes this vision, aiming to create a seamless and harmonious living experience.
Medina Station is slated to unfold in two phases, with the initial phase featuring the construction of the commercial and a substantial portion of the residential units. An estimated 18 to 24 months from the groundbreaking, the first residents are expected to move in, with the second phase commencing thereafter, contingent upon market demand and construction progress.
Casey Treadwell, a partner with Vivo Partners, expressed optimism about completing the commercial section by the end of 2025, underscoring its potential as a regional attraction. “It’s the first thing that people hit coming from the east,” Treadwell noted, highlighting the easy access from the north and south.
Vivo Partners has been diligently collaborating with the City of Mesa’s staff to develop design standards that resonate with the community’s aspirations. They are determined to elevate the shopping center through an art program and lush landscaping, providing gathering spaces designed to foster community interaction.
In addition to quick-service restaurants, Vivo is actively recruiting full-service dining establishments, aiming to elevate Medina Station’s commercial center to a higher standard of excellence.
As the plans for Medina Station continue to take shape, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this remarkable development will have on the East Mesa area, offering a fresh and modern living experience combined with a dynamic and attractive commercial landscape.
