Client: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority

The Airport engaged Gruen Gruen + Associates (“GG+A”) to conduct a market study to identify potential beneficial land uses and target industries for the Airport land and building space. The Airport includes over 1,050 acres of land available for development of which 350 acres of land is designated for aviation-related and approximately 700 acres of land could be used for non-aviation-related activities but subject to FAA approval.

GG+A evaluated the market demand for aviation and industrial and office uses at the Airport and the factors that influence the type of land uses and industry targets that can be attracted, retained, and expanded. To complete the evaluation, GG+A conducted interviews with Airport staff; representatives of on-site businesses including Able Aerospace Services, Cessna Citation Service Center, Constant Aviation, and Embraer; representatives of the aviation division at Chandler-Gilbert Community College; representatives of Arizona State University; and City of Mesa; and a representative with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. GG+A also conducted interviews with representatives of property owners, developers and real estate brokers including CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Himovitz Properties, Irgens, and Lee & Associates. In addition, GG+A conducted interviews with and obtained information and insight from participants in the aviation industry including representatives of the Centennial Airport, Chandler Municipal Airport, DuPage National Airport, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Jacksonville International and Cecil Airports, Long Beach International Airport, Mesa Falcon Field Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, Tucson International Airport, and Tulsa International Airport. GG+A also analyzed time-series demographic, labor force, employment and other economic data as well as land use and real estate market data. GG+A synthesized the results of the research and analysis to identify aviation-related and industry targets and potential land uses for Airport land and building space.

GG+A prepared an extensive report and reviewed the findings and recommendations with business development staff.