Mesa, January 9, 2026
The sale of the 135-year-old Pomeroy Building in downtown Mesa marks a significant point in the city’s development. This transaction underscores private investment and entrepreneurial spirit in enhancing Mesa’s vibrant core. The building’s new ownership reflects a commitment to preserving Mesa’s heritage while promoting economic opportunities, showcasing the intersection of history and modern growth in downtown Mesa.
Mesa’s Historic Pomeroy Building: A New Era for Downtown Growth
The recent sale of a 135-year-old landmark in downtown Mesa signals continued private investment and entrepreneurial confidence in the city’s vibrant core, underscoring a commitment to both heritage and progress.
Mesa, Arizona, continues to demonstrate remarkable economic dynamism, with its downtown area serving as a prime example of strategic growth and revitalization. The recent transaction involving the historic Pomeroy Building highlights a recurring theme in a thriving economy: the power of private investment and entrepreneurial foresight to breathe new life into established community assets. This significant change in ownership for a building deeply woven into Mesa’s fabric reflects a robust belief in the city’s future trajectory, driven by individual initiative and market confidence.
This transaction embodies the spirit of Phoenix AZ business, showcasing how targeted investments in historical properties can enhance local character while fostering new economic opportunities. It stands as a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit that characterize Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and the broader regional economy.
A Legacy of Mesa Entrepreneurship
The Pomeroy Building, a cornerstone of Mesa’s history, was originally constructed in 1891 by the sons of Francis Pomeroy, one of Mesa’s revered founding fathers. This architectural gem quickly became a hub for some of the city’s earliest businesses, symbolizing the foundational entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Mesa. A notable historical fact about the building is that it was the first in Mesa to have electricity, a testament to early innovation in the rapidly developing community. Over the decades, it housed various enterprises, including the Pomeroy Men’s Store, established in 1951 by Wayne Pomeroy on its east side, and Gordon’s Shoe Store, which occupied the west section until 1975. The building’s enduring presence reflects the long-term dedication of families and local business owners to cultivating a prosperous downtown.
The Heart of Downtown Revitalization
Located prominently in the heart of downtown Mesa, the Pomeroy Building is situated within the Robson Historic District, an area recognized for its significant contributions to community planning, development, and architectural heritage. The district itself exemplifies the growth and transformation of the original Mesa Townsite from the early to mid-twentieth century, transitioning from expansive garden lots to more densely developed parcels to accommodate a growing population. This evolution mirrors Mesa’s broader shift from an agricultural community to an urbanized center. The preservation and thoughtful development of historic properties within such districts are crucial for maintaining the unique character and appeal that draw residents and visitors alike, fostering a distinctive sense of place. The Pomeroy Place subdivision, platted in 1911 by Frank T. and S. Dora Pomeroy, further underscores the family’s deep roots and influence in the district’s early development.
Private Investment Fuels Progress
The recent sale of this landmark property by four sisters, who represent the family’s long-standing ownership, marks a new chapter for the building. The new owners were reportedly drawn to its prime location in the vibrant core of downtown Mesa, a clear indication of confidence in the area’s ongoing economic resurgence. This private transaction is a powerful affirmation of the market’s positive outlook on downtown Mesa’s potential. Such investment, driven by individual capital and a keen eye for opportunity, is fundamental to sustainable Mesa economic growth, providing the necessary resources for renovation, adaptation, and continued commercial activity without relying solely on public funds.
Strategic Growth and Business Support in Downtown Mesa
The sale of the Pomeroy Building occurs within a broader context of strategic efforts aimed at enhancing downtown Mesa development. The city, recognizing its reliance on sales tax revenue as the largest city in the nation without a primary property tax, has actively prioritized initiatives to support small businesses and reduce vacancy rates in its historic core. Programs like the Downtown Small Business Revitalization and Rehabilitation Program, including its Façade Program, have already demonstrated tangible benefits, with a pilot program reporting a significant 40% year-over-year sales increase for one participating business after exterior improvements. These programs, alongside incentives such as the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) offering an 8-year tax abatement and a Downtown Small Business Attraction Utility Rate providing a 25% reduction for the first three years, are designed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. These proactive measures illustrate how a balanced approach, combining strategic public support with private enterprise, can unlock significant economic potential.
Preserving Heritage, Cultivating Opportunity
The careful balance between preserving Mesa’s rich heritage and fostering new economic opportunities is a hallmark of responsible development. The transformation of downtown Mesa, with its blend of historic structures and new ventures, demonstrates that honoring the past can coexist harmoniously with cultivating a dynamic future. Organizations like the Downtown Mesa Association are dedicated to the civic, economic, and commercial vitality of the area, advocating for a thriving city center through ongoing development and promotion. The ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Mesa, supported by both private investment and strategic municipal programs, are creating a robust environment for Phoenix small business, attracting new ventures, and ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit that built Mesa continues to flourish.
The sale of the Historic Pomeroy Building is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s a symbol of Mesa’s enduring appeal and its vibrant future. It underscores the importance of private investment and entrepreneurial vision in sustaining economic growth and preserving the unique character of our communities. We encourage all residents to explore and support the diverse array of local businesses that contribute to the ongoing success of downtown Mesa development and to stay engaged in shaping Phoenix’s dynamic economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the significance of the Historic Pomeroy Building in Mesa?
- The Historic Pomeroy Building, built in 1891, is significant as one of Mesa’s earliest businesses and was the first building in Mesa to have electricity. It was constructed by the sons of Francis Pomeroy, one of Mesa’s founding fathers.
- Who sold the Historic Pomeroy Building?
- The Historic Pomeroy Building was sold by four sisters of the family who had owned it for many years.
- Why were the new owners interested in the building?
- The new owners were interested in the building due to its prime location in the heart of downtown Mesa.
- What is the Robson Historic District?
- The Robson Historic District in Mesa is an area recognized for its association with community planning and development as well as for its architecture. It exemplifies the early to mid-twentieth century growth and transformation of the original Mesa Townsite.
- How is downtown Mesa supporting small businesses?
- Downtown Mesa supports small businesses through initiatives like the Downtown Small Business Revitalization and Rehabilitation Program, the Façade Program, Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) with an 8-year tax abatement, and a Downtown Small Business Attraction Utility Rate offering a 25% reduction in electric and water bills for the first three years.
- Why is sales tax revenue particularly important for Mesa?
- Sales tax revenue is particularly important for Mesa because it is the largest city in the country without a primary property tax, relying heavily on sales tax to fund essential city services.
Key Features of the Historic Pomeroy Building and Downtown Mesa Development
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Building Age | 135-year-old historic structure | Local |
| Construction Year | 1891 | Local |
| Original Builders | Sons of Francis Pomeroy (Mesa founding father) | Local |
| Historical Significance | Housed one of Mesa’s earliest businesses, first building in Mesa with electricity | Local |
| Previous Businesses | Pomeroy Men’s Store (1951-present on east side), Gordon’s Shoe Store (until 1975 on west section) | Local |
| Location | Heart of downtown Mesa, within the Robson Historic District | Local |
| Robson Historic District Significance | Significant for community planning, development, and architecture, exemplifying early to mid-20th-century growth | Local |
| Downtown Mesa Economic Focus | Heavy reliance on sales tax revenue as the largest city in the country without a primary property tax | State-level |
| Downtown Incentives | GPLET (8-year tax abatement), Downtown Small Business Attraction Utility Rate (25% reduction for 3 years), Façade Program | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
