(Image courtesy of city of Mesa)

A rendering of Mesa Artspace Lofts, a mixed-use project being built downtown.

Mesa recently held a groundbreaking to celebrate a new project downtown. It’s designed to provide housing to struggling artists and space for the growing arts community.

The Mesa Artspace Lofts will offer up to 50 apartments for individuals and families that make significantly less than the median household income. Michael Trailor, who oversees Arizona’s Department of Housing, says the state is short about 220,000 affordable units.

“These affordable housing projects are absolutely critical to the fabric of our community and serving the needs of our lower-income people who are struggling to survive,” he said.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Trailor said the project will have on-site services like computer and job training, a food bank, and financial literacy classes.

Mesa donated the land at Second Avenue and Hibbert, which is near the light rail line and the Mesa Arts Center. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit Artspace also received tax credits and funding from various foundations and trusts to cover the estimated $15.8 million cost.  

When the Artspace Lofts open in 2018, it will feature studios, one- two- and three-bedroom units, along with space for exhibitions and community events.