Verde Investments gains Mesa City Council unanimous approval at First Mall site
Staff Reports | Community Updates
Mesa City Council Tuesday, Dec. 10, unanimously approved the rezoning application for the abandoned brick-and-mortal retail destination of yesteryear locals call ‘The Fiesta Mall.’
Coined ‘Fiesta Redefined,’ the redevelopment proposal now under way at the 80-acre site is spearheaded by Arizona-based Verde Investments.
“This unanimous vote speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit of Mesa,” David Leibowitz, a spokesperson for Verde Investments, said in a prepared statement.
“We are deeply grateful to the Mesa City Council, city planning staff, and the residents and business owners who provided valuable input to ensure this redevelopment meets the needs and aspirations of the community. Together, we’re turning an outdated site into a new gem for the city and the East Valley.”
Mr. Leibowitz says the the project promises to create a vibrant mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly community, including new housing, retail shops, restaurants, office space and recreational amenities.
The Fiesta Mall, which was once a shopping destination akin to the Metrocenter of northwest Phoenix was once beloved by the community, but has been completely vacant since 2019. With demolition complete, Mr. Leibowitz explains the Fiesta Redefined project envisages a live-work-play community featuring:
- Up to 4,000 new units of housing.
- Up to 1.85 million square feet of retail and commercial space.
- Over 500,000 square feet of open space, including walkable, bike-friendly, and pedestrian-focused amenities.
The approval by Mesa City Council allows significant zoning designation shifts — moving from limited commercial to infill development district-2 — making it possible for Verde Investments to adapt to project needs as they emerge.
“We’ve worked closely with Mesa’s planning team and leaders to craft a redevelopment plan that reflects the community’s values and aspirations,” Mr. Leibowitz said. “This approval paves the way for a thriving, dynamic destination that will boost Mesa’s economy, create jobs, and help address the Valley’s housing shortage.”
Verde Investments has tapped Nelsen Partners as the architectural firm of record on the project.
