City moves to resurrect downtown garage
May 21—The city is moving on plans to convert the long-vacant Hibbert parking garage in downtown Mesa into a renovated, secure city employee parking garage with a dramatic exterior.
City officials hope the project will free up parking spaces closer to the core of downtown's dining and nightlife scene as it shifts employee parking from more central garages into Hibbert.
Downtown parking has been a major concern ahead of an expected influx of new residents as a string of apartment projects near completion.
Last week, the Design Review Board looked at the city's plans for renovating the 862-space garage on the northwest corner of Main Street and Hibbert, which includes triangular mesh cages hanging from two sides of the garage.
The feature is meant to add security and beauty to the garage and will include programmable LED lighting.
"We're anxious to make this look nice," a city official told the board. He added that a consultant brought the design concept to planners, and it was difficult to find a comparison in the Valley.
Board members offered praise and a few minor suggestions.
"I think it's a really nice enhancement," board member Kyle Bell said.
Chair Scott Thomas predicted the updated garage would be "a great upgrade to downtown."
The garage was built in 1998 by Brown and Brown Chevrolet to store cars, and it's sat vacant for years following the departure of AutoNation, the successor to Brown and Brown.
After purchasing the garage for $8 million last year, the city plans to upgrade the garage with new secured pedestrian entrances that will make it easier for employees to access.
Last year staff estimated the city would invest $3 to $4 million to update the garage.
The garage might generate some revenue for the city: at the time of the purchase, the city also made a deal to lease up to 300 spaces to the seller, Sunbelt Holdings, to support the developer's downtown projects.
The renovation program includes the installation of 35 electric vehicle chargers in the garage.
