A new 60-acre medical campus being planned in the city of Mesquite is perhaps the latest sign of economic growth for an area some feared had been left behind North Texas’ development boom.

Rendering of future Verde Center at Peachtree, a mixed-use medical development being planned in Mesquite. (Ryan Companies)

The $250 million Verde Center at Peachtree will be located on an undeveloped property at the southwest corner of the Gross Road exit off Interstate 635, around the South Mesquite Creek between Gross and Peachtree roads and the LBJ Freeway.

Construction begins in mid-2019. The mixed-use facility will include a hospital with a helipad, a research and fitness center, a medical office space as well as areas for retail and lofts, a rendering of the property shows. The project could add about 1,800 jobs.

About 2,188 people work in health and medical services in Mesquite, according to the city’s most economic development report. Developers say the initiative could help address a shortage of “quality and convenient” health care alternatives in the region.

"By attracting the best possible health care professionals, cost-effective wellness and health care services and localizing availability, we believe the Verde Center at Peachtree will have a positive, lasting impact on the residents of Mesquite and surrounding areas," said Jim Ray, president of the Richardson-based development firm, Medical Campus Group.

The 60-acre development is a public-private venture between the Medical Campus Group, Dallas’ Lang and Company, and the nonprofit Peachtree Foundation, whose mission is to implement “otherwise unavailable options” that improve the Mesquite community.

Financial incentives are also being provided by the city and state. The state Legislature created the Mesquite Medical Center Management District in 2013 as a tax increment financing to spur economic development in the community. That district is now known as the Verde Center at Peachtree.

Mesquite is home to about 145,000 people. The city approved the project during a council meeting in May and officials say the facility will serve about 700,000 living within 30 minutes of the development. It is projected that the development will add $156 million in taxable value to the city.

"We want this project to happen, here in Mesquite, Texas. It's time to move dirt," said Mayor Stan Pickett.

The planners say they are in discussions with "multiple interested health care systems" as well as diagnostic, physician groups and other health and wellness related entities, to partner together on up to 600,000 square feet of medical inpatient, outpatient and physician office facilities.