MesaCONNECTED Transit Oriented Development Plan
The MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting sustainable growth and development along a proposed streetcar route in Mesa, Arizona.
The plan focuses on creating vibrant, walkable, and mixed-use communities around transit stations. Its key objectives include improving transit accessibility, enhancing mobility options, fostering economic development, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The plan also emphasizes the importance of affordable housing, open spaces, and sustainable infrastructure. By integrating land use and transportation planning, the Mesa CONNECTED TOD Plan envisions a more connected, efficient, and livable city for residents and visitors.
MesaCONNECTED
CORRIDOR & STATION AREA VISION
HALF MILE BUFFER
LIGHT RAIL ROUTE
PLANNED STREETCAR ROUTE
FUTURE STREETCAR ROUTE COMMERCIAL/RETAIL
MULTI-FAMILY
SINGLE-FAMILY
Regional Station Areas
Regional Station Areas are pivotal hubs for economic, cultural, and social activity within the region, drawing visitors not only from surrounding neighborhoods but also from the broader city and East Valley. These areas are characterized by a high-density mix of housing, employment, and retail and entertainment options that serve a regional market. As major transit hubs, they experience high transit ridership and robust pedestrian and bike activity, making them central to the region’s mobility network.
Urban Station Areas
Urban Station Areas are vibrant, mixed-use hubs defined by a medium density mix of housing, employment, and retail spaces that cater to the local community. Located near transit stations, mixed-use buildings typically combine residential or office spaces with retail on the ground floor, creating active streetscapes and providing convenient services and amenities for both residents and visitors.
In addition to these mixed-use structures, standalone single-story retail buildings may line busier roadways, offering further local services and enhancing the area’s commercial vitality. As you move farther from the transit stations, the character of these areas transitions into a dynamic blend of medium-density multi-family residential development and a mix of commercial and community spaces, providing a balanced, vibrant neighborhood environment. This combination of residential, retail, and office uses promotes walkability, supports local economic activity, and fosters a strong sense of community.
Neighborhood Station Areas
Neighborhood Station Areas are smaller-scale transit hubs designed to serve as commercial and service centers for surrounding residential communities. These areas typically feature single-story commercial buildings along main roadways, small office or professional buildings, and a mix of medium-density multifamily residential development, such as cottage courts, bungalow courts, rowhomes, and small apartment buildings. The primary focus of Neighborhood Station Areas is to provide convenient commercial and office spaces that support local jobs and services, making them key assets for residents within walking distance.
MesaCONNECTED STATION AREA PLANNING
As part of the planned Streetcar extension, the MesaCONNECTED corridor is expected to add approximately 11 transit stations. Many of these stations will be strategically located, some within bustling urban centers and others within residential neighborhoods, making it convenient for transit riders to access work and other destinations. In some areas, growth and transformation are expected to occur rapidly, while in others, incremental changes are anticipated to take place.
Three distinct station area types have been identified and classified based on their shared characteristics, considering both the existing context and the opportunities for TOD: Regional Station Area, Urban Station Area, and Neighborhood Station Area.
LEGEND
REGIONAL STATION AREA
URBAN STATION AREA
NEIGHBORHOOD STATION AREA
LIGHT RAIL ROUTE AND STATIONS
PLANNED STREETCAR ROUTE
PROPOSED STREETCAR ROUTE
HALF-MILE BUFFER
RAILROAD