As construction of a $94 million arts complex continues, the Mesa City Council gave its staff the go-ahead Thursday to seek companies to redevelop three other areas in what they hope will be a resurgent downtown.

Scottsdale struck a tentative deal for a piece of the much-sought-after biotech research industry growing in the Valley.

They’re the ones who will quadruple Florence’s nonprison population. They’ll stretch the definition of “East Valley” even farther down Hunt Highway, farther into Pinal County. Their presence will demand new retail, medical and school facilities in the county and town, including Florence’s first major chain grocery store, a Safeway.

They’re the ones who will quadruple Florence’s nonprison population. They’ll stretch the definition of “East Valley” even farther down Hunt Highway, farther into Pinal County. Their presence will demand new retail, medical and school facilities in the county and town, including Florence’s first major chain grocery store, a Safeway.

A Canadian homebuilder is feeling bullish on the Valley, seeking additional land to develop and preparing to ramp up sales with three new model homes in a development near Queen Creek.

Queen Creek is hoping for a $23.4 million share of the economic stimulus package proposed by President-elect Barack Obama to create public works jobs, rebuild the nation's infrastructure and stimulate the economy.

July 13, 2004

Arizona Public Service Co. is scouting sites in and near Scottsdale for another north East Valley power substation, putting local environmental watchdogs on alert.

Some Pinal County residents say the 35 mph speed limit on much of Hunt Highway is putting lives at stake. But county officials say they’re making the road safer.

The state park system needs an infusion of outside cash, possibly from a surcharge on vehicle license taxes, to keep it from collapsing, according to a new report.

As Mesa prepares to award the bulk of construction contracts for the $99 million Chicago Cubs complex, the city is making a final push to boost the number of hometown contractors who get the bids.

The largest shopping center to hit the growing Hunt Highway Corridor near Queen Creek is under way. The under-construction Skyline Ranch Marketplace will be a 64-acre commercial center located on the northeast corner of Hunt Highway and Gary Road in Pinal County.

Last month, earth-moving equipment showed up for work at the site of the new Scorpion Bay Marina and Yacht Club on the west side of Lake Pleasant Regional Park, north of Peoria.

In the race to grab the attention of the Valley’s outdoor sports lovers, Cabela’s will fire the first shot. The company and its chief competitor, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, both plan Wal-Mart-sized hunting, fishing and outdoor gear stores, but Cabela’s in Glendale is already hiring and it expects to open this summer.

Pinal County’s Hunt Highway corridor, known for tremendous growth and exasperating commuter gridlock, has seen more than a 660 percent increase in traffic incidents since 2003.

Engineers will discuss construction plans for widening Gilbert Road in south Chandler at an informational meeting 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 in the terminal building at the Chandler Municipal Airport, 2380 S. Stinson Way.

From the front yard, the Hunt family’s home in Mesa appears to be your typical cozy, single-family house. Nothing unusual there. Head around back, however, and it’s a different story.