Project Narrative

To: City of Mesa 
RE: The Arden 
 
 
       
      2055 W Riverview Auto Dr 
      Parcel: 135-33-584 
 
 
The Arden is a new build multi-fmaily property located within the Mesa 
Riverview. The project will have 416 units within interior corridor building. The property 
is within the existing Mesa Riverview community. We are requesting a Special Use 
permit for a Comprehensive sign plan. We are proposing 3 blade signs, 1 wall sign and 
1 monument sign. The monument sign is just under 5ft tall and 22.8sq ft, well under 
the allowed stipulations. The 3 blade signs vary in size due to install locations. The 
largest will be installed on the south elevation facing Dobson for maximum exposure. 
There will be another building sign on the North elevation facing the interior drive way 
between the 2 large buildings encompassing the property. The smallest blade sign is for 
the parking garage entrance on the west elevation. The wall sign will be located on the 
north building/north elevation facing the freeway to gain exposure.  
A. The development site contains unique or unusual physical conditions, such as 
topography, proportion, size, or relation to a public street that would limit or 
restrict normal sign visibility. The site was originally a part of the auto 
complex within Mesa Riverview. The property is surrounded by car 
dealerships, parking lots and commercial properties. The only public street 
expososure is along Dobson Rd for 567ft of frontage. The site has an 8’ PUE 
which runs along the Dobson frontage and limits available space for 
freestanding monument signs, especially at the S/E corner.  
B. The proposed or existing development exhibits unique characteristics of land 
use, architectural style, site location, physical scale, historical interest, or 
other distinguishing features that represent a clear variation from 
conventional development. The site is unique as it will be the only multi-
family property within Mesa Riverview. The architecture is bringing a modern 
feel to the 20year old commercial focused community with sleek lines and 
metal accents. There are 3 buildings total and a private driveway that will run 
between the 2 larger buildings to create a sense of community.

C. The proposed signage incorporates special design features such as lighting, 
materials and craftmanship, murals or statuaries that reinforce or are 
integrated with the building architecture. The signage is designed to blend in 
with the architecture rather than be flashy and stand out. The signs are 
meant to bring a sophisticated feel to the property. The lighting on all signs 
(except North elevation wall sign) will be a subtle HALO effect around the 
letters. The north elevation wall sign will be face lit which is unique to this 
type of property.  
AA. The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed project are 
consistent with the purposes of the district where it is located and conform with the 
General Plan and with any other applicable City plan or policies. The proposal plan for 
The Arden conforms to the General Plan for Tomorrow’s Mesa by bringing 
neighborhood redevelopment and much needed growth to the area. This is 1 of the last 
lots to be developed within Mesa Riverview. There hasn’t been any new multi-family 
built in this area in several years. 
BB.The proposed project will not be injurious or detrimental to the adjacent or 
surrounding properties in the area, nore will the proposed project or improvements be 
injurious or detrimental to the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City; and 
adequate public services, public facilities and public infrastructure are available to serve 
the proposed project. The project will be the complete opposite of detrimental to the 
surrounding properties. It will bring additional growth, exposure and business to the 
community. The signage for the project will bring a sophisticated feel to the 
neighborhood.

Table 11-43-3-B: Detached Sign Allowances per Development 
Max Number of 
Permitted Signs 
Sign area allowed 
Max Height 
Allowed 
Additional Requirements 
2 per street 
frontage 
1sq ft of sign area per 
5-lineal feet of street 
frontage up to a max of 
32sq. Ft 
8 ft 
Illuminated is allowed if 
the sign is adjacent to an 
arterial or collector 
street 
 
 
Comprehensive Sign Plan 
  
  
  
Number of 
proposed signs 
Sign area 
Street Frontage 
Max Height 
Additional 
Requirements 
5 total (1 
additional sign 
deviation) 
Monument sign-
22.8sq ft 
Dobson Rd 
5ft 
Illuminated 
  
Bldg 2 Large 
blade sign-92sq 
ft 
Dobson Rd 
47ft to top 
of sign 
Illuminated 
  
Bldg 2 Small 
Blade sign-
11.826sq ft 
Private Street 
dividing 
buildings. 
Approx 300ft 
east of Riverview 
Auto Dr-Local St 
18ft to top 
of sign 
Illuminated 
  
Bldg 1 Parking 
blade sign-
4.66sq ft 
Riverview Auto 
Dr-Local St 
16ft to top 
of sign 
Illuminated 
  
Bldg 1 North 
Wall sign-
119.5sq ft 
Riverview Auto 
Dr-Local St 
46ft to top 
of sign 
Illuminated 
Total Sq Ft: 
250.78