Economic Reporter

City of Mesa | Office of Economic Development

April 2026

A Year of Deals, Developments, and New Opportunities

Over the past year, Mesa’s retail landscape has continued to gain momentum, marked by a steady stream of announcements, groundbreakings, and grand openings that reflect the strength of our market and the confidence of our partners. Projects including Eastmarket Shopping Center, anchored by Sprouts, and Medina Station featuring a restaurant row signal continued investment in key growth areas, while new hotels including SpringHill Suites and Cambria support Mesa’s expanding visitor economy. Additionally, concepts like Taroko Sports, Slick City, and Dink & Dine have opened in Riverview, adding to the vibrancy of our retail and entertainment mix.

Major project announcements like the multi-billion-dollar Legacy Park development in Southeast Mesa and The Palo District at the former Fiesta Mall site, will shape the future of retail in the region. This level of activity reinforces Mesa as a market opportunities grow.

Building on this momentum, Mesa’s Office of Economic Development remains focused on attracting high-quality development, elevated brands and unique concepts. Enhancing outreach to brokers and developers, a website refresh and updated marketing materials, make it even easier to explore retail districts and do business in Mesa. We invite you to take a closer look at what is happening in Mesa and where your project can be part of what’s next.

Jaye O’Donnell
Mesa Economic Development Director

If you have a site or information you want considered for future inclusion or you want to speak with Mesa’s Office of Economic Development, contact Hayley Freestone, Project Manager, at Hayley.Freestone@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-5176.

Learn more about retail development opportunities in Mesa at MesaAzRetail.com.

Where Big League Moments Meet Everyday Experiences

As the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs, the Riverview District continues to thrive as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and retail. This season, Sloan Park welcomed more than 240,000 fans, marking the 13th consecutive year of leading Cactus League attendance and reinforcing Riverview’s strong regional draw. Building on that sustained visibility, the district continues to see new investment and activity, with recent openings like Dink & Dine, Taroko Sports, and Slick City expanding the mix of interactive entertainment and dining. The recent announcement of The Den on Rio Salado near the ballpark will further enhance the visitor experience and extend activity throughout the year, featuring a campus with a four-story hotel for public and team-related lodging and a five-story residential building for seasonal baseball players. Anchored by developments like UNION and Wrigleyville West, and located at the intersection of Loops 101 and 202, Riverview remains a premier destination and gateway to the East Valley, attracting visitors from across Mesa and the surrounding region.

Cubs Baseball Spring Training kids

From first pitch to family time, Sloan Park anchors the energy of Chicago Cubs Spring Training, with Mesa Riverview District offering a seamless mix of retail, dining, and entertainment nearby.

DEMOGRAPHICS
206,150 Trade Area Population
$102,193 Average Income
33 Median Age

TRAFFIC COUNTS
Loop 202/Loop 101 Interchange to Dobson Rd.– 155,950
Loop 202/Loop 101 Interchange to Rio Salado Pkwy. – 146,850

Available Retail Opportunities

Mesa Riverview Available Retail Opportunities Map

 

Mesa Riverview Big Box retail space for lease
1a. Riverview Big Box

For lease
35,000 SF

 

Riverview Pad for lease in Mesa
1b. Riverview Pad

For lease
6,500 SF
Restaurant opportunity

 

Retail Space for lease at Mesa Riverview
1c. Riverview Retail

Six spaces for lease
1,400 – 2,450 SF

With a trade area reach of more than 800,000, Mesa has a place for every retailer. From boutique storefronts to expansive retail units in thriving commercial districts, Mesa offers prime locations, new build and redevelopment opportunities, and both leasing and purchase options. Position your clients for success and explore our available retail properties today.

Interested in these opportunities or looking for more?
Contact us!
Hayley.Freestone@mesaaz.gov.

Mesa In the News