City Eyes Mixed-Use Craftsman Project in Mesa
Economic development officials are working on an agreement with developers for a 19-acre mixed-use project at Hawes and Elliot roads.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Commercial
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The Craftsman is a proposed mixed-use development on a 19-acre site at Hawes and Elliot roads in Mesa, with 380 apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space. City economic development officials are working on an agreement with the developers, and the plans still need City Council approval.
Why it matters
The project is part of a citywide effort to attract retail and restaurants and encourage residents to shop and dine locally. The city believes southeast Mesa has the tax base to support upscale, chef-driven restaurants.
The figures come from the city's presentation of development plans, which lay out a 19-acre site with 380 apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space, including 10,000 square feet for high-end restaurants. The city has not yet confirmed final terms, and council approval remains pending.
The players
Jaye O'Donnell
O'Donnell is Mesa's director of economic development, overseeing the city's efforts to attract retail and restaurant investment.
Medina Station
Medina Station is a shopping development about 10 minutes from the project site that city officials cite as a model for similar success.
The details
Mesa's Department of Economic Development presented The Craftsman plans to the City Council in late October. Jaye O'Donnell, Mesa's director of economic development, pointed to Medina Station, a shopping development about 10 minutes away, as an example of a similar project's success.
Timeline
Late October 2026: Economic development department presents plans to City Council.
Nov. 16, 2026: City Council continues discussing The Craftsman.
Market Landscape
The Craftsman follows the model of Medina Station, a shopping development the city cites as a success about 10 minutes away. The project extends Mesa's strategy of pairing retail and dining with residential growth in the southeast part of the city.
Residents in southeast Mesa could see new apartments, retail space, and upscale restaurants if the project wins council approval. The development would add dining and shopping options closer to home for those in the area.
The takeaway
Mixed-use projects that combine housing with dining and retail can shape how a neighborhood grows. Watching the November council discussion will show whether The Craftsman moves forward.
What happens next
The Mesa City Council will continue discussing The Craftsman on Nov. 16, 2026.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more Commercial real estate news in Mesa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
Live Poll
Should Mesa approve new mixed-use developments with apartments and restaurants?
