Mesa, Arizona
Mesa Convention Center, Mesa Amphitheatre, and Delta Hotels Optimization Analysis
In a joint initiative between the City of Mesa, Arizona, and Arizona State University, Hunden Partners was engaged to conduct a market analysis and financial feasibility study of a proposed convention center, amphitheater, and hotels featuring state-of-the-art technology. New academic programming was a pivotal aspect of what excited the potential for a transformational, high-tech, walkable district in downtown Mesa. Hunden’s analysis informed forward movement of the interconnectivity featured in a broader plan.
Situation
With more than 500,000 residents, Mesa is the second-largest city in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The area has experienced significant recent and planned development, including the Arizona State University Mesa City Center, which opened in 2022. This joint initiative between the City of Mesa and Arizona State University established new academic programs focused on digital and sensory technology, experiential design, gaming, media arts, and film production. The campus’s presence in downtown Mesa influenced the direction of the MCC’s redevelopment and the broader convention district’s evolution.
At the time of the study, the MCC lacked modern technology capabilities, flexible meeting space, and strong connectivity to surrounding amenities. The goal of the study was to identify opportunities to transform the convention center area into a high-tech, walkable district serving residents, students, and visitors.
Approach
Hunden Partners completed a market analysis and financial feasibility study, including an economic impact analysis, for the future optimization — or potential repurposing — of the Mesa Convention Center (MCC or Project), the Mesa Amphitheatre, and surrounding hospitality assets in Mesa, Arizona.
Hunden’s analysis resulted in detailed recommendations for four primary components of the campus. These included enhanced interconnectivity between the hotel and MCC facilities, targeted building upgrades to incorporate flexible event space, technology improvements to support performance tracking and visitor experience, and amenity enhancements at the Mesa Amphitheatre.
Impact
Following Hunden Partners’ study, the City of Mesa evaluated $18 million–$30 million in convention center upgrades and $10 million–$17 million in amphitheater improvements as part of its broader plan to modernize and better connect the downtown district.
