Mesa’s historic architecture is representative of this quintessential Southwestern city — its Craftsman bungalows, Period Revivals and the ubiquitous Ranch home provide visible links from its early settlement days in the late 1800s to its Post World War II expansion. Mesa’s distinctive historic architecture extends to its government and civic buildings, religious institutions, hotels, schools, hospitals, and roadside architecture. Today, Mesa residents desire a dynamic urban environment where its past architectural expressions remain as vital and visible reminders of its rich past.
To make this dynamic environment a reality, the City of Mesa is embarking on an update to its Historic Preservation Ordinance and its Design Guidelines for Historic Districts in order to advance the preservation planning policies outlined in the Mesa 2040 General Plan. An effective Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines are key tools in the protection and preservation of important historic resources – they provide the direction for how a community maintains and manages its architectural and historical character over the long-term.
A Historic Preservation Ordinance enables a community to protect its sense of place, maintain and revitalize its traditional commercial districts and older neighborhoods, increase community pride, and advance economic development goals. A strong Historic Preservation Ordinance should reflect the preservation needs and goals of its community and address the needs for protecting important historic resources. Updated Design Guidelines will help promote the proper conservation, adaptation and maintenance of Mesa’s historic landmarks, building resources and districts.
Project Phase 1: Analyze & Engage
The first phase focuses on defining Mesa stakeholder attitudes and needs related to historic district design guidelines and updating the preservation ordinance, as well as developing a baseline of information for analysis and decision-making. Phase 1 will also involve a wide range of private sector stakeholders and public agency representatives in determining preservation strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and desired results. This phase will culminate with the delivery of Issues and Engagement Summary Report indicating how the design guidelines format and guideline recommendations will be tailored to the issues, needs, and goals for appropriate design treatments within specific property types. The report will also include an outline, highlighting information and references to applicable zoning regulations and design review processes and a summary of key issues related to the general condition of historic buildings and building maintenance, additions, new replacement materials and new construction.
Project Phase 2: Zoning Ordinance and Design Guidelines
Phase 2 will focus on taking the results of the the first phase and recommended goals to draft the Zoning Ordinance and Design Guidelines for historic districts in the City of Mesa. The Design Guidelines document will outline standards and guidelines to historic building rehabilitation and maintenance, as well as background descriptions to architectural styles, property types and building forms, materials, and architectural elements significant to landmarks and historic districts. In addition, Guidelines will provide standards and guidelines for the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of both contributing and non-contributing properties in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to the fullest extent possible.
