Fiesta District

Mesa, Arizona

Mesa’s Fiesta District project provided design for the open space, streetscape, and urban design elements along Southern Avenue. The Fiesta District was the first step in transforming the District to create a more balanced multi-modal/pedestrian-friendly environment and encourage private development for long-term economic sustainability. This project spans 1.8 miles, from the Tempe Canal east to Extension Road. A key task for this project was a multi-modal transportation study. This study reviewed travel demand along the corridor which was the basis for quantifying vehicular, pedestrian, and bicyclist impacts associated with the proposed revitalization. The project includes a road diet, wide pedestrian sidewalks, and a multi-use path, stormwater harvest swales, pedestrian amenities, custom lighting, themed bus shelters, iconic entry monuments, artistic graphics on power poles, and a dense street tree system. There are also five pocket parks, which incorporate iconic architectural shade structures, custom programmable accent lighting features, a water feature, and additional pedestrian and bicycle amenities. The overall improvements have begun to ignite private investment in the District – and there has been a significant increase in pedestrian and bicycle use along this exciting revitalized corridor.