21st Century Urbanism

We believe in a vision of the future that requires that we do things differently than today. From our response to the land, to our patterns of development, to the way we will build, Mesa Proving Grounds will have a character of its own that we call 21st Century Desert Urbanism.

Desert

• Recycle existing test tracks and roadways for use in new road base and paving materials
• Urban grid rotated 22° to maximize views and solar orientation
• Use of non-automobile trips encouraged by tight urban forms, enjoyable walkable   streets, shaded walkways and slow and safe streets which allow multiple modes of transportation in the same space – Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, Golf Carts, Bicycles, etc.
• Mixed-Use urban setting shortens travel distances required for the activities of daily life – work, live, play, worship, shop, dine (reducing vehicle miles traveled)
• Street trees, neighborhood parks, Great Park and golf course assist in mitigating the heat island effect
• Integrated storm water management reduces water use in common landscape  areas, aids in aquifer recharge and assists with quality issues
• Non-potable irrigation infrastructure system reduces the demand for potable water

Urbanism

• Vibrant life
  • 24-hour entertainment district
  • Always new people to engage in conversation
  • Many civic and cultural events
    
• "Everything in my backyard"
  • Convenient and desirous shopping, recreational and educational opportunities
  • Entertainment, resorts, arts, cultural and civic venues
  • Rejuvenating spiritual and relaxation facilities
    Ample employment opportunities
  • Easy access to destinations via the airport
  • Easy access to the Phoenix Metro area
    
• Everything placed with intention to maximize the synergy of uses
  
• Tight pedestrian-oriented (walkable) settings, narrow streets, clever infrastructure and drainage solutions provide a framework and urban setting that increases the intensity of the experience. This urban intensity ensures the success of a greater number of divergent uses to thrive economically, adding to the richness of life in MPG
  
• Compact development is organized in pedestrian oriented neighborhoods with convenient access to work, recreation, transportation, shopping and the other destinations of daily life

Living experiences could include neighborhood park parties and fine dining at local restaurants; music and movies in the Great Park, and therapeutic retreats at resort spas; volunteering to collect food and clothing donations and hosting charitable events to raise funds for non-profit organizations; and leadership engagement programs and signature events that celebrate our community heritage.

"As Mesa continues to grow and our economy suffers through this recession, we must look for ways to support economic growth and boost the tax base. We need to find ways to pay for essential city services such as fire, emergency medical and police that are suffering under the current budget cuts."

Bryan Jeffries, United Mesa Fire Fighters