The recently completed ECO MESA apartment building has transformed a “postage-stamp”-sized infill parcel of land in Downtown Mesa into a community that boasts some of the most sustainable features in the industry. The community of 102 residential units — studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments — was built with a number of features that result in a high-performance building while reducing energy consumption. Key among those are the 405 solar panels that top the building, an efficient exterior shell system that results in better insulation and a more air-tight seal; and energy-efficient appliances in each apartment. And it has a full amenity package in addition to its sustainable features, including a well-equipped fitness center and sky deck with outdoor barbecue areas.
On what was once a parking lot at 127 W. Pepper Place, the nearly 180,000-square-foot, seven-story building is located in the heart of Downtown Mesa surrounded by museums, store fronts and a busy light rail thoroughfare. Designed by CCBG Architects, ECO MESA was developed by Habitat Metro and Willmeng Construction was tasked with delivering the project. The Willmeng team had to come up with some creative solutions to the limited-site challenges, including materials storage, parking and even the placement of the tower crane. Willmeng completed the project while maintaining open streets, continual light rail operations, and with minimal disturbances for the nearby businesses in Downtown Mesa.
“Five to six years ago, Mesa held a lot of empty storefronts, and this is the best transformation story in the Valley,” says CCBG Architects Managing Partner Brian Cassidy. “ECO MESA is a great testament for how we can take underperforming parking lots and make something exceptional out of it.”
Photo courtesy of Willmeng Construction
