Mesa continues its growth in southeast Mesa with the City Council approving The Craftsman, a 386-unit apartment and retail complex, at Elliot and Hawes Roads on May 6. This dynamic mixed-use project includes residential units, retail spaces, and urban plazas, marking the first vertically integrated mixed-use development in District 6.
Located in the Hawes Crossing Planned Development Area, The Craftsman adheres to the requirement of 35% non-residential use to promote commercial and employment activities.
Scott Somers, Councilmember District 6 said, “A new multi-family development on Elliot Rd and 80th Street in Hawes Crossing is the first vertically-integrated mixed use development in Mesa District 6. The project has retail and live/work space under residential. While The Craftsman isn’t a ‘perfect’ mixed-use project, it is proof-of-concept. It demonstrates that such a project is feasible in southeast Mesa. The vision for a Town Center-style development with sit-down restaurants, entertainment venues, and local shops is achievable if our city’s developer partners reach for higher quality with a focus on placemaking.”
Councilwoman Jenn Duff mentioned, “It’s very important as an example of what mixed-use is and how to do it successfully and make a statement, and hopefully we see more opportunities, and then there are I know other areas doing mixed-use.”
The Craftsman features a mix of residential and commercial spaces, including:
- 386 apartments
- A two-story building with 12 apartments above six retail spaces
- Two urban plazas
- A building with four live/work units on the ground floor and 18 units above
- Five single-story garages with 11 parking spaces
- A drive-thru restaurant
Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury said, “We really need to look at this particular product when we’re looking at parking standards and make sure that we’re not under-parking these so that they don’t cause problems down the road for our neighborhoods.”
In addition to The Craftsman, the council tentatively approved a rezoning request for The Cottages, a 37-townhouse project at Sossaman Road and Main Street, pending a May 20 hearing. This development will feature two-bedroom units with amenities such as a swimming pool, shade structures, and a dog park.
The Cottages will also provide active outdoor spaces, including a pickleball court and barbecue facilities, with the court relocated to the west side of the site based on council suggestions. Twelve additional guest parking spaces have been added near the pool.
Both projects signify Mesa’s commitment to enhancing community living through innovative mixed-use developments.
