Forge Tower, an innovative new high-rise apartment community, is now open and leasing in Downtown Mesa. Developed by Soltrust, the complex is designed to meet the needs of Mesa’s growing and dynamic community, particularly creatives, students, and young professionals.
Originally built as Courtyard Towers, a retirement home and the only high-rise building in downtown, the structure was vacant until Soltrust acquired the property in 2023 and undertook a complete renovation. The 13-story building is now a 176-unit apartment complex, a community that blends modern apartment living with spaces designed for innovation.
“We tend to gravitate toward projects that come with a challenge,” Managing Director Gary Blakeslee said. “The potential of this building to contribute to the vibrancy of the Downtown Mesa skyline was clear. Through our renovation and offering incentives to attract the right residents, we aim to make Forge Tower the heart of the community.”
The building will feature a range of specialized amenities, including a fully equipped podcast studio, a workshop for digital creators, and collaborative co-working spaces.
One of the standout features is its Producer in Residence program, which will provide rent and amenity benefits in exchange for sharing residents’ talents with the broader community. Additionally, Soltrust is investing in the future of digital creatives by offering $10,000 in annual scholarships to help residents further their careers.
There’s a dog run and wash station, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, gated parking, and an outdoor pool. A spacious, climate-controlled indoor bike and scooter storage area with charging stations is also available. The building’s exterior is adorned with the largest mural in Mesa, further contributing to its artistic vibe.
Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units ranging from 386 to 627 square feet are available. Each has cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances, including washer and dryer combinations.
“Forge Tower residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Valley from every floor,” Blakeslee added. “We see this as a unique opportunity for residents to experience the best of both worlds – affordable living in a dynamic, creative environment.”
Once a historic city center, Downtown Mesa has evolved into a thriving creative hub, fueled in part by the presence of ASU’s Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center. The area is now home to a vibrant mix of eclectic retailers, inventive restaurants, and popular bars and breweries, creating a cultural economy that attracts tourists and new residents. To learn more, visit forge-mesa.com or soltrust.com.
