A massive luxury resort and retail development called Legacy Park can move forward after getting a vote of approval from the Mesa City Council.
The council approved annexing the proposed southeast Mesa property, a development agreement, and a sales tax deal to support some of its construction. The vote was unanimous.
Once developed, Legacy Park and adjoining retail and hotel project Gateway Crossing will be the largest retail and hospitality development in the Mesa's history, City Manager Scott Butler said.
"It's rare in public policy to get a second chance to realize a vision," said Deputy Mayor and District 6 Councilmember Scott Somers.
Somers referenced an earlier development proposal in 2009 anchored by the Gaylord Hotel that fell through due
to economic headwinds.
"Now we have a new partner that brings patient money that can really deliver that premier destination," he said.
Legacy Park can now take shape on 197 acres northeast of Ellsworth Road and Williams Field Road. Gateway Crossing will rise on 36 more acres south of Williams Field Road and State Route 24, according to a city presentation.
City staff estimate the two projects will have a $58 billion economic impact on the city over a 30-year period.
Both Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing fit into Mesa's larger goal of capturing more sales tax revenue from events hosted in the city.
The Arizona Athletic Grounds, located across the street from the project, brings in about 2.4 million visitors annually. Most choose to stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale due to a lack of available hotel rooms nearby, Butler said.
Local developer Vestar plans to break ground on the first phase of the project in January 2028 with a 600-room luxury resort scheduled to open in October 2029.
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Reporter Harrison Mantas, who covers Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, can be reached at hmantas@azcentral.com. Follow him on X @HarrisonMantas or Instagram @harrisonmantas.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa approves $58B hotel, shopping Legacy Park development
