Medina Station East Mesa: Your Insider Guide to the $150 Million Dining & Retail Hub

From Instagram Reel to full story: If you caught my quick Reel about O-H-S-O Brewery joining the lineup, you already know Medina Station is heating up. Today we’re digging deeper—right down to council votes and construction timelines—so you can see why this 64-acre project at Signal Butte & Southern is the East Valley’s next big thing.

By the end of this guide you’ll know the anchors, the first-to-market eateries, and how a proposed $6.3 million city incentive could fast-track sidewalks, lights, and Arizona-friendly shade structures. Let’s explore!

Project Snapshot: Size, Cost, and Timeline

Developer SimonCRE purchased 64 acres to build roughly 305,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, and multifamily homes—an investment topping $150 million. Groundwork started in early 2025, with the first doors expected to open by summer 2026.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The site splits into 40 acres of storefronts plus 23 acres slated for 650-plus apartments, giving residents the rare chance to live, shop, and dine without hopping on US-60.

Location, Location: Why Signal Butte & Southern Matters

East Mesa’s growth corridor hugs household communities like Eastmark and Bella Via, yet big-box shopping still lags. Medina Station fills that gap on the southeast corner of Southern Ave. & Signal Butte Rd., less than two minutes from the US-60 on-ramp.

Key Drive-Times

  • 5 min – Banner Gateway Medical Center
  • 8 min – Legacy Sports Complex
  • 10 min – Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Confirmed Anchor Tenants

Target will build a 148,000-sq-ft store—Mesa’s first new Target since 2004—while Dick’s Sporting Goods plans an 84,000-sq-ft, two-story flagship.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Early leasing is brisk: industry coverage says 70 percent of retail space is already pre-leased.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Restaurant Row: A Foodie First for East Mesa

The marquee feature is a walkable “Restaurant Row” lining shaded sidewalks. Site plans call for ten sit-down eateries, each chosen for having under 100 U.S. locations—meaning plenty of first-to-Arizona flavors.

Expected names so far:

  • O-H-S-O Brewery + Distillery (local craft haven)
  • Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
  • Café Zupas
  • Einstein Bros Bagels

The $6.3 Million Question: City Incentive Vote

Mesa City Council will review a $6.36 million sales-tax reimbursement package on July 1, 2025. Funds would offset public infrastructure—think roads, sewers, streetlights—that make the entire district walk-ready.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

To unlock the cash, SimonCRE must pull building permits within six months and finish public works inside a year. If the vote passes, construction could accelerate by several months.

Housing Component: 650+ New Apartments

Roughly 23 acres on the eastern flank are set aside for mid-rise multifamily. Early concepts suggest three- and four-story buildings with 700 units, pocket parks, and a jogging path that loops directly into Restaurant Row for true live-work-play convenience.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Expect amenities like resort-style pools and co-working lounges—features popular with nearby tech workers at Apple & Boeing campuses.

Economic Impact for the East Valley

City staff project Medina Station could pump $400 million into the local economy over its first decade through construction jobs, new retail sales, and boosted property values.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The development also responds to resident surveys showing a “dining-desert” east of Ellsworth Rd.—a void Medina Station aims to fill.

How Medina Station Compares to Nearby Centers

Superstition Springs vs. Medina Station

While Superstition Springs Mall leans toward legacy chains and enclosed space, Medina Station champions open-air patios and boutique regional brands—perfect for an alfresco-loving Arizona climate.

Queen Creek Marketplace vs. Medina Station

Queen Creek’s retail is solid but sits 15 minutes away. Medina Station brings similar offerings closer to Mountain Vista residents and slices commute times in half.

What’s Next? Construction Milestones to Watch

  1. July 1, 2025 – Council incentive vote
  2. Q3 2025 – Vertical construction begins
  3. Spring 2026 – Tenant build-outs
  4. Summer 2026 – Target & Dick’s grand openings

I’ll report each milestone on Instagram—follow @phxwithaaron so you never miss an update.

FAQs About Medina Station

Will there be a grocery store?

Current plans don’t list one, but a specialty grocer pad remains available.

How will traffic be managed?

City engineers require dual turn lanes on Southern Ave. and new signals at Hawes Rd. Final striping occurs before any certificates of occupancy.

Can local businesses still apply?

Yes—SimonCRE’s leasing page shows multiple 3,000-sq-ft bays open as of this writing.

Final Take: Why Medina Station Matters

Medina Station East Mesa is more than another strip center. It’s a walkable village that gives East Valley residents fresh dining, daily-needs shopping, and new housing—without the trek to Chandler or Tempe. With anchors secured and city incentives pending, the countdown is on.

Ready to make the East Valley home? Reach out anytime—I live and work right here and would love to keep you in the loop.