Mesa City Council has unanimously approved a development agreement for Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing, a $3 billion mixed-use project representing the largest development in Mesa’s history. As a result, the East Valley suburb overcame significant regulatory challenges such as annexation, zoning ordinance and retail tax incentive agreements. The development will occupy approximately 200 acres east of Ellsworth Road between State Route 24 and Williams Field Road, just north of the Arizona Athletics Grounds. In the meantime, the project is poised to change the economic landscape of southeast Mesa with significant job creation and tax revenue generation.
The project includes hotels, a public lake and park, retail shops, restaurants, office space and multifamily housing throughout the development. In particular, Vestar, a leading real estate developer, will be the master developer for the phased implementation. Thus, Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing is a transformational opportunity for the residents of Mesa and the regional economy.
Another mixed-use development that is taking shape in a different form is the Torch skyscraper that is expected to make headway in Downtown Manhattan. The project has closed its $1.25bn financing. With the agreement, one of the city’s most ambitious projects for hospitality and entertainment looks a little closer to reality. About 40 of the 60 levels that were completed were done with the assistance of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.
Legacy Park Gateway Crossing Substantial Economic Impact Over Three Decades
Over 30 years of development, City officials estimate that Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing will create nearly $60 billion in total economic output and over 13,000 jobs. In particular, the project will generate tax revenue to support critical city services, parks and infrastructure throughout the entire city’s jurisdiction. City Manager Scott Butler highlighted the project’s far-reaching impacts beyond the development site. In addition, secondary property tax and general fund revenue from municipal operations will be generated throughout Mesa as a result of the development of Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing. The phased buildout provides for a gradual economic activity and employment creation over the 30-year development period.
Legacy Park Gateway Crossing Construction Commences 2028 With First Phase Opening 2029
Construction of the project is slated to start in early 2028, with the first phase opening in October 2029. Specifically, the phased approach allows incremental revenue generation and community benefit realization as development progresses. Vestar President and CEO David Larcher said the project is a “generational project that can really define a community’s identity. The approval process involved the development of a theme park district and the development incentives for retail.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing
- Project Value: $3 Billion
- Location: East of Ellsworth Road, State Route 24 to Williams Field Road, Mesa, Arizona
- Developer: Vestar
- Status: Development agreement approved September 15, 2026
Scope
- 200-acre mixed-use development
- Hotels
- Public lake and park
- Retail shops and restaurants
- Office space
- Multifamily housing
- Theme park district
Project Highlights
- Largest development in Mesa’s history
- Nearly $60 billion projected 30-year economic output
- 13,000+ jobs projected over 30 years
- Phased buildout beginning 2028
- First phase opening October 2029
- Tax revenue supporting city services and infrastructure
Key Developments
- Mesa City Council unanimous approval September 15, 2026
- Annexation ordinances passed
- Zoning ordinances approved
- Theme park district created
- Retail development tax incentive agreement entered
- Construction targeting early 2028 start
Key Challenges
- Managing 30-year phased development timeline
- Coordinating complex mixed-use programming
- Balancing public and private interests
- Traffic and infrastructure management
- Meeting first phase October 2029 opening target
Outlook
- Construction beginning early 2028
- First phase opening October 2029
- Phased buildout through 2040s–2050s
- $60 billion economic output over 30 years
- Tax revenue supporting Mesa municipal services
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