It isn’t getting developed tomorrow, but ambitious plans for a radically urban development in Mesa prompted some smiles early Tuesday morning from city leaders.

DMB Associates is asking the public to create the name for a 3,200-acre expanse of land where it’s expecting to build a master-planned community. The area was once the General Motors Proving Grounds but the Scottsdale-based developer is seeking a new name that starts to shape the area’s identity. Aside from a name, DMB has already planned what parts of the area will become home to residential, shopping, employment centers, tourist draws and more. The area encompasses the First Solar manufacturing plant under construction now and the proposed Gaylord resort, which could have up to 1,500 rooms.

On Saturday, 120 volunteers from Scottsdale-based developer DMB Associates are planning to renovate three facilities owned by A&A Cottages, a nonprofit that runs several foster care group homes for teenagers in Mesa.

With rakes and shovels in hand, 40 volunteers with DMB Associates turned a once vacant lot in Mesa into a community garden last week.

The first piece of a gigantic east Mesa puzzle is in place. The City Council approved Monday a major plan amendment for 5,000 acres of the General Motors Desert Proving Ground, largely owned by DMB Associates and Pacific Proving LLC.

Transforming the Williams Gateway area into a major employment hub for the southeast Valley could be key in turning east Mesa from a commuter’s hell into an urban paradise.

Transforming the Williams Gateway area into a major employment hub for the southeast Valley could be key in turning east Mesa from a commuter’s hell into an urban paradise.

Work will begin this summer to transform 74 miles of automotive test track in Mesa into an urban hub so large that it will take decades to complete the master-planned area.

You have to give DMB Associates credit for being deliberate. The company bought 3,200 acres of the General Motors Proving Ground in December.

Thursday will mark the first of two public hearings for a major general plan amendment application by two landowners with sky-high ambitions for southeast Mesa. The special planning and zoning meeting is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Administration Building, 5835 S. Sossaman Road.

A major player in the development of Mesa’s Williams Gateway Airport area is gathering together community leaders and growth experts next week to talk about the city’s potential economic growth.

The One Scottsdale project developer is preparing to ask the city for a height variance to construct at least one high-rise building, upsetting an activist group fearful of setting a new precedent.

The One Scottsdale project developer is preparing to ask the city for a height variance to construct at least one high-rise building, upsetting an activist group fearful of setting a new precedent.

It’s been touted as the next big hope for Mesa and the Southeast Valley. Now, part of the 5,000-acre General Motors Proving Grounds, owned by Scottsdale based DMB Associates, is set to be turned into a destination resort with a major conference center. A retail project and a high-end golf course also will be in the mix.

A massive development that stalled in the recession will come to life next year, starting with 800 homes and the first stage of a mile-long park on the site of the former General Motors Proving Grounds in Mesa.

One of north Scottsdale’s most luxurious neighborhoods is getting its first place to do commerce.