City Council Study Session, March 23, 2026
Votes on Senior Housing Ground Lease Option - 1731-37 W University Drive
What happened
Mesa City Council study session reviewed a senior affordable housing public-private partnership at 1731-37 W University Drive, where Helix Apartments (Commonwealth Development Company) will develop 62 units for seniors 55+ with affordability periods up to 75 years.
- Jurisdiction
- Mesa, AZ
- Governing body
- Final authority
- Date
- March 23, 2026
- Decisions
- 4 zoning decisions
- Outcome
- Voted
Free sample: decision 1 of 4
Senior Housing Ground Lease Option - 1731-37 W University Drive
Council reviewed and indicated support for authorizing city manager to enter option to lease, option to purchase agreement with Helix Apartments (Commonwealth Development Company) for 0.92 acres at 1731-37 W University Drive for 62-unit senior affordable housing. Initial 50-year term with 25-year extension option. Ground lease $100/month during construction, $1,999.99/month after completion. Developer must secure LIHTC in 2026 or 2027 cycles. April 1 deadline for LIHTC application requires council approval at this meeting.
- Developer must be awarded LIHTC in 2026 or 2027 fiscal years; must partner with nonprofit for support services; affordability maintained for full lease term; city retains right to inspect property maintenance
The other decisions are listed below by title. The full write-up, verbatim conditions, and the audio at each vote are in Pro.
Meeting Summary
Mesa City Council study session reviewed a senior affordable housing public-private partnership at 1731-37 W University Drive, where Helix Apartments (Commonwealth Development Company) will develop 62 units for seniors 55+ with affordability periods up to 75 years.
Key Decisions (4)
Senior Housing Ground Lease Option - 1731-37 W University Drive
CMAR Contract for Sewer Infrastructure - Higley/202 Area
911 Technology Upgrade to Eventide Software
Facility Asset Management Software - $1.2M
Development Activity (2)
Helix Apartments
Residential
Sewer Infrastructure Project
Infrastructure
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Seniors are one of Mesa's fastest growing populations entering homelessness…
Housing Demand
City staff reported very high demand and very low supply…
Infrastructure
Significant development activity near Higley/202 corridor involving ADOT, Longbow development,…
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