Once upon a time in Mesa, Arizona, a vast stretch of desert was home to screaming engines and dusty proving grounds. Today? It’s one of the state’s most desirable places to live. Welcome to Eastmark — a vibrant, master-planned community that literally paved paradise on an old GM test track.
Back in 1953, General Motors turned this area into a hot-weather vehicle testing hub. For decades, it quietly served the auto industry. But as Mesa grew and the desert demanded a new destiny, developers saw potential. Enter DMB Associates, visionaries who acquired 3,200 acres of GM’s old proving grounds. They weren’t just building homes — they were planning a self-contained city full of heart, connection, and sustainability.
Despite early economic hurdles (hello, 2008 housing crisis), DMB and the City of Mesa pressed on. They recycled 95% of GM’s materials — millions of pounds of concrete and steel became the literal foundation of today’s Eastmark. With a grand opening in 2013 and Apple, GCU, and other giants investing nearby, Eastmark exploded into one of the most exciting developments in Arizona.
It’s not just a neighborhood; it’s a legacy in motion.
