ECO Mesa

Published Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Overview

Repurposing a small, underutilized lot in Downtown Mesa, AZ, ECO Mesa is the future of urban living, designed with sustainability, walkability, and community living in mind. The seven-story building spans 179,227 square feet, featuring 102 residential units—including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments—while accommodating local restauranteurs and retailers offering a broad variety of experiences for residents and the community on the ground floor. Situated in the vibrant center of Downtown Mesa's cultural hub, ECO Mesa is close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues as well as the light rail system providing quick access to the entire valley.

Green Features/Practices

Lot Design & Development:

• Infill lot repurposing underutilized space to add value to area

Resource Efficiency:

• Exterior materials, such as EIFS and cellulose insulation, selected to help keep cool air in and provide privacy

Water Efficiency:

• Sustainable rainwater catchment system irrigates the landscaping

Energy Efficiency:

• Rooftop solar panels provide over 50% of the building's energy needs
• Efficient double-insulated walls results in better insulation, improved air-tight seal, and reduced sound transference
• Energy-efficient appliances in each apartment

Indoor Environmental Quality:

• Air throughout the community and units is constantly recycled for natural, fresh air

Health & Wellness Features:

• Amenities include a heated pool, game room, lounge with a kitchen, fitness center, sky deck with barbecue areas, co-working space, EV charging stations, bike storage, and car ridesharing.

About ECO Mesa

Located in Mesa, Arizona, ECO Mesa is a seven-story structure sitting on what was once a parking lot. Comprising of 102 residences of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, this project incorporated high-performance, energy-efficient features, topped by a 405-panel solar array on the roof that captures up to 289 megawatt hours of energy annually. Its strategic position in Downtown Mesa places it within easy reach of museums, shops, and the light rail.

The site's limited space presented unique logistical challenges, from material storage and parking to the placement of the tower crane. Despite these constraints, construction was carried out while keeping adjacent streets accessible, maintaining light rail service, and minimizing disruption to local businesses.

ECO Mesa is a sustainable apartment complex with many features that make it spacious and comfortable with modern, energy-saving appliances. Every apartment home at ECO Mesa features tasteful, modern finishes including quartz countertops, wood-style flooring, stainless appliances, and efficient lighting and plumbing.

Beyond its sustainability focus, ECO Mesa offers a wide range of amenities, including heated pool, game room, fitness center, co-working space, and a sky deck with barbecue areas, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

ECO Mesa also contains multiple pieces of art, most notable being a large piece integrated alongside the exterior east-side garage screen, by Jacob Butler, a celebrated artist belonging to the Salt River Maricopa Native American Community. The art (shown in left column) depicts a family of four quail, known for their community-oriented nature, and is titled "Family Ties."