Downtown Mesa is getting a facelift, thanks to a collaboration between the City of Mesa and the Downtown Mesa Association. The Mesa Faade Improvement Program is doling out grants topping off at $250,000 to give a boost to the aesthetics of the main drag's commercial and mixed-use buildings. The goal? To revamp the Historic Downtown core, with a hefty total investment of $4.4 million.
It's an open call process, rolled out by the City of Mesa, where applicants throw their hats in the ring. The concepts that make the cut are those getting a nod from the City's Design Review Board and Historic Preservation Board. Now with all the pitches in, construction is off and running. MesaNow.org reports a lineup of spots about to glow up, including Sonoran Rows, and Everybody's All Day Caf, both gearing up to start soon, and Tortoise and Hare already in progress. Rebel Wine Lounge, Outcast Doughnuts, and a bunch of other locales are on the roster too. Not to forget, a couple of empty lots are also on deck for a transformation.
Local business is the heart of downtown, and even amidst the jackhammers and scaffolding, these shops are open for business. The Downtown Mesa Association isn't missing a beat, launching a digital salvo of social media posts and slinging up signs to draw folks in. Terry Madeksza, president and executive director of the Downtown Mesa Association, gushed over the city's backing. "We are so excited to see the City's continued investment on Main Street," she told MesaNow.org, emphasizing the importance of shoring up the small, local businesses to help them "survive and thrive."
The Faade Improvement Program is a brainchild of the Central Main Plan, a blueprint with ambitions of creating a downtown Mesa that's all about quality, foot-friendly spaces that are a magnet for new businesses, residents and visitors alike. It's not just a one-and-done deal either. This program has made its mark since 2018, prettifying the storefronts along Main Street, which in turn has stirred up business, reduced turnover and jacked up job creation. "We saw such positive impact from the first round of facade improvements, and we are excited to see how this second round will transform downtown Mesa," said Jeffrey McVay, Manager of Urban Transformation with the City of Mesa, according to MesaNow.org. He sees the downtown area as an epicenter of culture, employment, entertainment, and living that reflects Mesa's past and future.
But it's not all on the city's dime. Property owners who want in on this program need to pony up a slice of the construction costs. It's a stake that shows they're not just in it for the ride, but are partners in the downtown area's revival. Wander over to downtownmesa.com for the deets on getting in on the Faade Improvement Program plan.
