Fiesta Mall was once the focal point of the Mesa community. But it fell on hard times and it’s been demolished. All that’s left is dirt and debris. A group of new developers is hoping to capitalize on the 80-acre vacant parcel’s infill location and build a massive mixed-use project that could include a professional soccer stadium.

The group forwarding the effort is calling the project Palo District. It could transform into a district with restaurants, retail, lodging, office, and residential uses, along with a multi-use stadium that could be used for soccer.

The land is owned by Verde Investments, a real estate company run by billionaire Ernest Garcia II, who will not be part of the development after the land sells to the new group.

Fiesta Mall officially closed in 2019, and demolition started four years later in July 2023. The 80-acre property is at Southern Avenue and Alma School Road, off the U.S. 60.