Where is Mesa Proving Grounds?
The property is located south of Elliot Road and east of Ellsworth Road, adjacent to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The property is located within a currently unincorporated area of Maricopa County, and is included within the Mesa planning area.

What is Mesa Proving Grounds?
Mesa Proving Grounds is a 3,200-acre parcel that was purchased from General Motors in 2006. Mesa Proving Grounds is part of the 5,000-acre General Motors (GM) Proving Grounds, which has operated since 1953 to test vehicles in a hot vehicle weather atmosphere. The property is within the Williams Gateway area, which includes Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, ASU Polytechnic Campus and nearby commercial and residential properties.

What will happen to the GM vehicle testing operations?
The property is currently being leased to General Motors, which will continue to use the site for testing durability, vehicle handling, water and dust intrusion and emissions, until relocation of its operations to Yuma, Arizona.

Who is DMB?
DMB is an Arizona-based, diversified real estate investment and development firm with real estate holdings through affiliated companies. Founded in 1984, DMB’s projects include signature commercial properties resort/recreational and primary home communities, country clubs, health clubs and spas. DMB is known for developing projects that complement and enhance the greater communities of which they are a part. In Arizona, those properties include DC Ranch, Market Street and One Scottsdale, in Scottsdale; Centerpoint on Mill, in Tempe; Verrado, in Buckeye; and Marley Park, in Surprise; among others.

What is DMB proposing to do with the property?
DMB’s goal for Mesa Proving Grounds is to develop a visionary and carefully conceived land plan that reflects the city’s goals for this site. The company has embarked upon a listening and learning process as the planning for the long-term use of the site commences.

What are the next steps in planning the future of Mesa Proving Grounds?
DMB is currently meeting with community leaders and residents to learn the opinions and priorities for the future of Mesa and how all parties might work together to create a self-sustaining plan that will assure Mesa’s future as a thriving 21st century city. Continued outreach and public participation will include surveys, forums, one-on-one and small group meetings, and other public involvement opportunities.

What is the timing for Mesa Proving Grounds’ development?
The vision for the project will unfold in phases in the next year. DMB plans to seek necessary entitlements in 2008, working closely with City of Mesa representatives. In 2009, DMB’s focus will be on seeking the necessary permitting and approvals in order to develop the required infrastructure for the site.

Will the property be annexed by the City of Mesa?
DMB will submit an application to annex the property into Mesa. Currently, the property is located within unincorporated Maricopa County; however, it is included in the Mesa planning area.

How will this project benefit Mesa?
Mesa Proving Grounds is located within the Williams Gateway area, an area positioned to become the next economic engine for the City of Mesa and the East Valley region. The City of Mesa has set the stage for this area to become the jewel in the crown of the region. Mesa Proving Grounds, along with other critical engines such as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, ASU Polytechnic, Mesa Community College, and Gilbert-Chandler Community College, is one significant piece in this important area.

Mesa Proving Grounds has the potential for producing significant jobs and sales tax revenue. It will also enable Mesa to capitalize on such existing assets as ASU Polytechnic and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

How does this effort relate to the planning efforts by the City of Mesa and the Airport?
Concurrent with the Mesa Proving Grounds planning process, the City of Mesa is also engaged in the following planning efforts: an update to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Master Plan followed by an update to the Part 150 study, the creation of a Williams Gateway Sub-area Plan, an update to the City Transportation Plan and a rewrite of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

DMB is mindful of the City’s objectives for each of these planning processes and will participate with the City and these efforts as we move forward with the MPG plan.

What is DMB’s strategy for development near the airport?
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is a vital asset to Mesa and the future of the region, and DMB understands this significance. DMB will continue to work closely with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, the City, and other area interests while developing a sound plan that considers the special needs and tremendous opportunities related to creating a thriving, self-sustaining airport-focused community.