The Neon Garden at The POST Mesa

Nearly a decade ago, the Mesa Preservation Foundation, with City support, began salvaging over 20 historic neon signs that once lit up Mesa’s highways from the 1940s to 1970s. These signs, displaced by freeways and city codes, were preserved with the goal of public display. After the successful adaptive reuse of Mesa’s 1937 post office into a community venue known as The Post, the idea for a Neon Garden was born. This second phase repurposed a former parking lot into a flexible outdoor plaza, blending historic neon with modern functionality. Work began in summer 2024, including new paving, synthetic turf, trees, and shaded areas. A raised stage with a steel canopy now anchors the space for concerts, weddings, and markets, framed by glowing neon. Visitors can enter from both the street and The Post, with ADA access and thoughtful circulation. Historic signs like Dairy Queen, Watson’s Flowers, and the Frontier Motel are displayed with interpretive panels. A replica of the Diving Lady, which sparked Mesa’s neon revival in 2013, is installed on The Post’s exterior. Recently opened in May 2025, the Neon Garden celebrates Mesa’s history while creating a vibrant gathering space for all.