Many of you are asking – what exactly is an Aerotropolis? The simple answer – it’s an aviation-oriented urban business cluster stretching approximately 20-25 miles outward from the airport. The former Williams Gateway Airport, recently renamed the Phoenix-Mesa Airport, could potentially create another major urban core unlike any other in the valley.
Mesa is still growing rapidly, now 38th overall in population in the country, with plans to continue growing exponentially if the visionaries have their way. They plan to create an internationally-known destination with high-rises, resorts, and a sustainable and efficient mix of transportation and residential centered around the airport, which will become an Aerotropolis. John Karsada, a professor at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is credited with visioning and creating this Aerotropolis idea, which utilizes the airport as the hub of the new urban core.
In-depth studies have been done and are currently analyzing this region to really prove it has the potential for this growth. The Urban Land Institute, which researches and analyzes projects, cities and regions, did an initial study. Some of the raw statistics are up to 65,000 students, 5,000 new hotel rooms and seven new golf courses to start. Mesa recently contracted with HDR Engineering Inc. for another in-depth study of the Gateway Area.
It is far too early to predict the future for this region, but the facts are this: the Phoenix-Mesa Airport is commercial now, serving mostly smaller markets and freight transportation; the former General Motors Proving Grounds was recently bought by DMB Associates with plans to build a master-planned community; and Cessna, one of the world’s leading aircraft companies, plans to build a major Service Center at the airport. As soon as more information is released on this potential new High-Rise city, we will let you know.
