Good morning, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway corridor.
- 🏗️ View 202 proposes a change from housing. Industrial and commercial uses go before Mesa’s Planning and Zoning Board Wednesday.
- 🛍️ Gateway Crossing proposes more shopping. A 37-acre center is planned at Williams Field and the 24.
- 🏫 BASIS Mesa hosts campus tours. Separate visits cover elementary grades Tuesday and middle and high school Thursday.
- 📍 Still tracking three neighborhood projects. Carried-forward updates include dates that need refreshing.
Ellsworth and Starfire could get industrial space instead of housing
A proposal before Mesa’s Planning and Zoning Board on Wednesday, October 28, would shift housing-zoned land at Ellsworth and Starfire toward industrial and commercial development along Eastmark’s main retail and commute corridor.
Key facts
- Location: About 21.6 acres at the southwest corner of Ellsworth and Starfire.
- Proposed split: Roughly 17.1 acres would become light-industrial zoning, with 4.5 acres designated for commercial uses.
- Current zoning allows apartments and commercial development. The application still carries the name “View 202 - Multifamily Rezone,” but the requested change moves toward industrial uses.
- A companion request would change the city’s long-range land-use map from a residential designation to an employment designation.
- City staff recommends approval with conditions. Both requests are listed for Wednesday’s public hearing.
The distinction matters for residents following what will fill the Ellsworth frontage: this is a proposed change in what can be built, not an announcement that a particular business is opening. The supplied agenda descriptions do not identify tenants or a construction schedule.
What to watch: Wednesday’s board action on the rezoning request and the accompanying land-use map change.
Around the corner
Battery storage proposed west of Ellsworth
Two separate proposals would add facilities that store electricity in batteries near Starfire, west of Ellsworth. Both go before the Planning and Zoning Board October 28, with staff recommending approval with conditions.
- 🔋 Ellsworth I Energy Center. About 21.8 acres, roughly 2,450 feet west of the southwest corner of Ellsworth and Starfire.
- 🔋 Ellsworth II Energy Center. About 20.3 acres, roughly 1,200 feet west of the northwest corner of Ellsworth and Starfire.
Both sites already have light-industrial zoning; these applications seek zoning changes and review of the proposed layouts to allow battery storage. The supplied descriptions do not give storage capacity or construction dates. Project narratives: Ellsworth I and Ellsworth II.
Gateway Crossing proposes a 37-acre shopping center
More shopping space is proposed at the southwest corner of Williams Field and the 24: Gateway Crossing would cover about 37 acres, with approximately 360,895 square feet of commercial space. Its permit and site-plan requests are scheduled for October 28, and staff recommends approval with conditions.
The agenda description does not name stores or an opening date, so this remains a development proposal rather than a confirmed shopping destination. Project details.
Still Tracking
Carried-forward project notes follow, with the Sprouts opening status updated.
- 🛒 Sprouts at EastMarket (Ray and Ellsworth). Now open, according to Mesa’s October retail update; the earlier Q4 2026 opening forecast is outdated.
- 🏢 Liv at Eastmark (NE corner Ellsworth and Ray). 208 apartments across 12 buildings, recently approved. Construction next.
- 🔧 Brakes Plus Mesa (Ellsworth and Elliot). Auto shop still working through council site plan tweaks.
The week
Monday, October 26
💻 Understanding AI at Gateway Library. The adult class starts at 1 PM and covers what current AI can do, its limitations, and its risks. Class details.
Tuesday, October 27
🌳 Eastmark’s landscape meeting is open to residents. The resident-led committee meets with Cohere staff and landscape vendors from 9 to 10:30 AM in The ’Mark classroom, 10100 E. Ray Road. Meeting details.
🏡 New Neighbor Welcome explains Eastmark’s programs and resources. The gathering runs from 6 to 7:30 PM at The ’Mark, 10100 E. Ray Road. Advance registration is requested; children are welcome, and light refreshments and appetizers are included. Registration details.
Wednesday, October 28
🎨 Teens can help make Gateway Library’s next mural. The noon collaborative art session is for ages 12 through 18, with no artistic experience needed. The finished work will be displayed in the Teen Zone next month. Program details.
From the schools
🏫 BASIS Mesa at Eastmark offers two grade-specific tours. Families considering the school can visit its campus at 5010 S. Eastmark Parkway, near Ray, for a closer look at classrooms and curriculum.
- 📚 Kindergarten through fifth grade. Tuesday, October 27, from 9:15 to 10:15 AM. Tour details.
- 🎓 Sixth through twelfth grade. Thursday, October 29, from 10:15 to 11:15 AM. Tour details.
🏈 Eastmark High School hosts Combs Wednesday. The freshman/sophomore football game starts at 6 PM on October 28. Game listing.
