Tucson Development Thread

[kaneui]

Tucson streetcar maker 3 months behind schedule
Arizona Daily Star
August 26, 2012

The Oregon company building Tucson's new streetcars is at least three months behind schedule for delivering the first prototype as it struggles with design and propulsion issues. United Streetcar also is behind schedule by at least four months on cars it is making for its first customer, the city of Portland. The company, a subsidiary of Oregon Iron Works, is trying to become the first American company to build streetcars in 60 years. Tucson and Portland are its first customers. It has yet to complete its first streetcar because of the problems and its delivery schedules have slipped. The company has completed the outer shell for one of Tucson's cars, United Streetcar President Chandra Brown said, but no chassis, propulsion systems, wiring or seats.

United Streetcar and city officials tell the Arizona Daily Star they still expect trains to be rolling down tracks now being laid by the scheduled November 2013 startup date. But a lot depends on how the testing goes. "Right now it's more an art than a science," Brown said. "This is the first time we built a production car. . And I really want to make it clear, we will know a lot more in a month or two when we test these Portland cars." Tucson has ordered eight cars and the prototype car was supposed to arrive in October. That has been pushed back to January because United Streetcar is so far behind on its Portland order. Having Portland go first is an advantage for Tucson because the bugs can be worked out before its cars are built, Brown said.

The executive director of Portland's streetcar project, Rick Gustafson, said Portland should begin receiving cars in November with the final car arriving around February 2013, if testing goes well. Gustafson said the new Portland line will open as planned in September, and will use cars from Portland's existing fleet until the new cars arrive. He said delays are common in streetcar construction, especially for a new company. "They've been very optimistic about their timelines and we've been skeptical," Gustafson said. "But time frames are always frustrating. But in the scheme of things you want the cars to last 40 years, so waiting an extra four or five months isn't that big a deal."

Tucson's streetcar project manager, Shellie Ginn, said city technical experts are overseeing production of its cars "Those experts are telling us if (United Streetcar) stays on track, they should be able to meet the deadlines," Ginn said. Councilman Steve Kozachik was less forgiving, noting that taxpayers are paying $4 million per car and the $196 million overall project cost. "Staff and our congressional delegation need to light a bonfire under Oregon Iron Works' butts and let them know that their failure to produce is not an option, even if they have to farm out work to somebody who knows how to build these things," Kozachik said.


http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/tucson-streetcar-maker-months-behind-schedule/article_3a3ea700-98de-5fe8-9b29-f6350f4b1e25.html

[Patrick S]

Developer buys land for 400 homes in Oro Valley (http://azstarnet.com/business/local/developer-buys-land-for-homes-in-oro-valley/article_e4b639dc-f093-11e1-a86b-001a4bcf887a.html)

A California company has paid $10 million to buy 168 acres for a new housing development in Oro Valley’s Rancho Vistoso retirement community.

True Life Communities plans to complete infrastructure preparations for about 400 lots over the next 18 months, the company said.

The San Ramon, Calif.-based company said it has already begun discussions with several homebuilders to acquire lots, and initial home sales are projected by the first quarter of 2014. The four planned communities abut eight holes of the The Golf Club at Vistoso.

The acreage was sold by Arizona Vistoso Return LLC to True Life’s Vistoso Holdings LLC, according to Land Advisors Organization, which brokered the deal.

This acquisition is the first of its kind for True Life Communities within Pima County, the brokerage said.

[ComplotDesigner]

1020 Tyndall/Level

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/3835/phototon.jpg

The Cadence & Plaza Centro

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3639/photo1cu.jpg

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/5324/photo2uhb.jpg

[Ted Lyons]

Good pic of the top floor of the Plaza Centro garage. It's not easy to see, but they're beginning work up there for the top floors.

[ComplotDesigner]

Good pic of the top floor of the Plaza Centro garage. It's not easy to see, but they're beginning work up there for the top floors.

Yeah, noticed 2 guys working up there and made the close-up.

[Don B.]

I was in downtown Tucson over the weekend of the 18th and 19th and there's all sorts of new stuff to see. I was impressed. :)

--don

[Anqrew]

I was in downtown Tucson over the weekend of the 18th and 19th and there's all sorts of new stuff to see. I was impressed. :)

--don

thats great any standouts?

[Patrick S]

JOINT COURTS COMPLEX WILL START TO TAKE SHAPE THIS FALL (http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/08/joint-courts-complex-will-start/)

By Teya Vitu

The seven-story steel frame for the new Joint Courts Complex should start taking shape in the days immediately following Labor Day.

By the end of the year, a completed steel skeleton should tower over the 4.3-acre vacant triangle behind Chicanos por la Causa that is bounded by Stone and Toole avenues.

“Over the course of two years the Toole Ave./Stone corridor has been transformed from vacant, delapidated warehouses and a weed-filled vacant lot to a thriving arts and commercial district,” said Michael Keith, CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. “Like everything that is happening Downtown, the transformation is amazing.”

“The scale will be about the same height as the new UniSource tower,” Reid Spaulding, Pima County Facilities Manager, said of the Joint Courts Complex.

The steel structure is the second phase of construction that will bring the Joint Courts Complex out of the big hole that was dug at the start of May.

Since May, the focus for Sundt Construction has been on underground foundation work.
That started with pouring a 5-foot thick matt foundation at the bottom that entailed 30,000 cubic yards of concrete. Fifteen to 18 inches of dirt was layered on top of the matt foundation and the plumbing lines were embedded in the dirt. Then a 6-inch think basement slab was poured on the dirt, Spaulding said.

The summer work also involved pouring the 8-to-12-inch think basement walls.
The two-level basement will have detention cells and two court rooms, one for arraignments and one for high-volume “catch and release” defendants. The basement will also have the heating and cooling system and other utilities, Spaulding said.
Once the steel frame is in place, 2013 will see the structure get enclosed.

“There will be artistic glass in the south face,” Spaulding said.

The $48 million shell building should be complete by Fall 2013. What happens after that, however, is a big question mark.

Neither Pima County nor City of Tucson have committed any funding toward the estimated $25 million in tenant improvements. The County decided to move ahead with shell construction to take advantage of the lower construction costs during the economic downturn.

“Ideally, we would move right into tenant improvements, but we don’t have the bond funding,” Spaulding said.

He is currently in discussions with the City on timing and funding the City’s share tenant improvements. The County may or may not pursue another bond. The Joint Courts Complex was initially funded with a $74 million 2004 Pima County bond but that funding has been depleted.

The Joint Courts Complex will eventually bring the largest structure that has ever stood a that north edge of Downtown.

Previously, two buildings stood on that site. One, originating in about 1930, comprised four structures and last housed Coconuts Night Club, 296 N. Stone. The other was a job center at 240 N. Stone, also originating about 1930 as two structures: Boyer Motor Co. and the Old Pueblo Bowling and Billiard Parlor.

That triangle also had stubs of Council Street and Grossetta Avenue, which were abandoned and then removed in 2005. The project also entailed discreetly removing nearly 1,400 graves from a forgotten 19th century cemetery from November 2006 to August 2008.

But construction was put on hold at that time in 2008 when projected costs ballooned from the $74 million funded by a 2004 Pima County bond to $140 million.

The county went back to the drawing board and downscaled the city-county courthouse from 410,000 square feet to 256,000 square feet – but with the potential to expand if population growth warrants it.

[Patrick S]

DOWNTOWN LINKS ROAD WORK COMING TO ST. MARY’S IN OCTOBER (http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/08/downtown-links-road-work-coming-to-st-marys-in-october/)

By Teya Vitu

The first road work for the long-anticipated Downtown Links project is expected to start on St. Mary’s Road in mid-October.

Vehicle traffic at that time will be reduced to one lane in each direction from I-10 to Church Avenue for 12 to 15 months, said Tom Fisher, the planning project manager for the Tucson Department of Transportation.

“Lanes will be open in both directions throughout the project,” Fisher said.

Downtown Links is the “final mile” connecting the Barraza-Aviation Parkway to Interstate 10 at St. Mary’s Road. This will eventually involve rerouting 6th Street one block to the north, turning south on 7th Avenue and continuing the new roadway along the east side of the railroad tracks to Broadway.

This St. Mary’s stretch will be the first to be built.

Construction bids were opened Aug. 21 and Borderland Construction emerged as the low bidder. Borderland is the same company that earlier this year undertook the 8th Street Drainage project on 8th Street, 5th Avenue and 7th Street. This was considered the first phase of Downtown Links.

“Hopefully, there will be a signed contract in September,” Fisher said.

A pre-construction open house will likely take place during the third week of September. Updated public information is available at 622-9000 and online.

The entire St. Mary’s roadway will be rebuilt from I-10 to Church with four vehicle lanes, six-foot bicycle lanes on each side, eight-foot-wide sidewalks on each side, landscaping, lighting and a signaled pedestrian crossing, Fisher said.

“There will be some drainage improvements,” Fisher said. “That’s why these projects are so challenging. We are dealing with old utilities that have been there for over 80 years.”

A new 90-inch storm drain will be installed underneath the St. Mary’s roadway to take storm runoff from the north edge of the El Presidio Neighborhood to the Tucson Arroyo.

“St. Mary’s won’t be a swimming pool any more,” Fisher said. “There won’t be anymore splashing going up on the sidewalk.”

[kaneui]

JOINT COURTS COMPLEX WILL START TO TAKE SHAPE THIS FALL (http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/08/joint-courts-complex-will-start/)

By Teya Vitu

The seven-story steel frame for the new Joint Courts Complex should start taking shape in the days immediately following Labor Day.

By the end of the year, a completed steel skeleton should tower over the 4.3-acre vacant triangle behind Chicanos por la Causa that is bounded by Stone and Toole avenues.


Hopefully the landscape design will improve on the architect's renderings and incorporate a nice little pocket park at the north end of the triangle, creating some needed green space for the Warehouse District neighborhood.

[kaneui]

UA Lowell-Stevens Football Facility progress

Although the new sod has been laid and the field striped for the UofA football home opener tomorrow night, fans won't be allowed in the new north end zone section until next year, but will see the structure go vertical as the season progresses:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/UAFootballFacility-8-31-12.jpg
Notice the small temporary scoreboard mounted in the new seating section.
(photo: UA webcam)

[Patrick S]

UA Lowell-Stevens Football Facility progress

Although the new sod has been laid and the field striped for the UofA football home opener tomorrow night, fans won't be allowed in the new north end zone section until next year, but will see the structure go vertical as the season progresses:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/UAFootballFacility-8-31-12.jpg
Notice the small temporary scoreboard mounted in the new seating section.
(photo: UA webcam)
It's nice to see it coming together from the angle shown. I've been parking my scooter down behind the main library this semester so I've been riding almost daily behind the construction for the last couple weeks. I think the new addition will look really nice when done and make it look more like a big-time college football stadium.

[Ted Lyons]

Trackside view of the work starting on the Plaza Centro garage from the Downtown Tucsonan FB page:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/558498_10151014225266923_50692218_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151014225266923&set=a.10151014225241923.419613.283507751922&type=1&theater

[kaneui]

Ahead of a $27.4M adaptive repurposing and addition to the 1926 building scheduled for January, historic Bear Down Gym is now a temporary home for offices and student services relocated from Old Main, currently undergoing its own renovation:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/BearDownrenovation.jpg
Now a temporary home to offices for admissions and Think Tank tutoring services, Bear Down
Gym will become a permanent home for classrooms.
(photo: Kelly Presnell)


Ball's in another court for Bear Down Gym
by Patrick Finley
Arizona Daily Star
September 6, 2012

Somewhere underneath the new durable blue carpeting inside Bear Down Gym is the spot where one of the most amazing moments in the Arizona Wildcats' sports history took place. Ernie McCray, one of the UA's first black basketball players, scored his 46th point on Feb. 6, 1960. It's still a team record. Where cubicles now stand, the Wildcats won 81 straight home basketball games from 1945 to 1951. Banners still hang in the rafters of Bear Down Gym, where the UA played every meaningful indoor sporting event until McKale Center opened in 1973. Generations of students since have played pickup basketball on the wood floors that still exist underneath that layer of carpet.

But Bear Down Gym isn't a gym anymore. It probably never will be again. In June, the Arizona Board of Regents approved a $13.5 million renovation of Old Main. Needing to create space for the displaced, Bear Down Gym was turned into the temporary offices for admissions, Think Tank tutoring services and more. Carpet was laid, temporary air conditioning tubes and heating vents put in, and Think Tank was the first to move in, in the second week of July. It held an open house Wednesday. Eventually, Bear Down Gym, built in 1926, will become the permanent home to classrooms.

Peter Dourlein, the UA assistant vice president for planning, design and construction, told me Wednesday the plan is for the school to build a three- or four-story building behind Bear Down Gym to house the employees there now. Then the UA will remodel the gym, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and install classrooms. It'll be like building a ship in a bottle. "One of the highest priorities will be to recognize the history of the building," he said. The full project will cost $27.4 million, according to the June Regents report, and could be completed within 3 1/2 years.


For full article: http://azstarnet.com/sports/college/wildcats/patrick-finley-ball-s-in-another-court-for-bear-down/article_ac494cc3-84a5-5817-a7a1-1250d0021513.html

[Patrick S]

Mayor envisions keeping Congress St. closed to cars (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mayor-envisions-keeping-congress-st-closed-to-cars/article_208a58bf-e3e0-594e-805c-fd9fba19ee78.html)
HE SAYS PEDESTRIAN DISTRICT WOULD BE 'GREAT ATTRACTION,' BUT CITY HAS MORE BASIC PROJECT IN MIND

Becky Pallack Arizona Daily Star

With streetcar rails coming to Congress Street this week and construction on that part of the new line coming to a close, it's getting easier to imagine the finished project.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild imagines a future with lots of pedestrians - and no cars.

He wants to keep Congress closed to vehicles except the streetcar and make it a pedestrian boulevard where people can hang out between the restaurants and entertainment venues. The streetcar is a good addition to Congress Street as is, Rothschild said, but "it can be so much nicer for not a lot more money."

Think the 16th Street Mall in Denver, the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif., or the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. For an example closer to home, there's the Tombstone Historic District.

"Where it works, it's a great attraction," Rothschild said.

Drivers who come downtown regularly have gotten used to detouring away from Congress and would simply continue to do so, and such an area would be a natural home for events like Second Saturdays.

The mayor said his idea is worth discussing, especially if the basic goal of the streetcar is economic development.

Other city leaders agree the streetcar presents an opportunity to spruce up the Congress Street entertainment district, especially with hundreds of new apartments going up in the area. But the city and the Downtown Tucson Partnership have a more basic, $795,000 project in mind.

They want to fix Congress Street's badly deteriorated sidewalks, which have become trip hazards from years of neglect.

They also want to add benches, lights, water fountains, bike racks and bike corrals, information kiosks near two streetcar stops, trash and recycling bins, shady trees and planters with native plants.

The city doesn't have money for any of it yet, but it is applying for federal funding.

More immediately, this week crews will begin laying the rails between Fifth Avenue and Stone Avenue and later this month Congress Street will get new pavement.

[Qwijib0]

Mayor envisions keeping Congress St. closed to cars (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mayor-envisions-keeping-congress-st-closed-to-cars/article_208a58bf-e3e0-594e-805c-fd9fba19ee78.html)
HE SAYS PEDESTRIAN DISTRICT WOULD BE 'GREAT ATTRACTION,' BUT CITY HAS MORE BASIC PROJECT IN MIND

Becky Pallack Arizona Daily Star

With streetcar rails coming to Congress Street this week and construction on that part of the new line coming to a close, it's getting easier to imagine the finished project.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild imagines a future with lots of pedestrians - and no cars.

He wants to keep Congress closed to vehicles except the streetcar and make it a pedestrian boulevard where people can hang out between the restaurants and entertainment venues. The streetcar is a good addition to Congress Street as is, Rothschild said, but "it can be so much nicer for not a lot more money."


I wish they'd to this for university between park and euclid (and frankly, park from speedway to 6th but that's an even pipier dream).

[Ted Lyons]

City won't rescue Marist College; diocese contemplates demolition

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/city-won-t-rescue-marist-college-diocese-contemplates-demolition/article_1ebb1668-1df0-58a2-828e-f3d979818d40.html

Taxpayer money won't be going to save the crumbling Marist College building after all.

And with a deal between the city and Catholic Diocese of Tucson to save the historic property falling apart, a statement issued by the church raises the question of how long the downtown landmark will remain.

"The Diocese lacks funds to restore the building, since maintaining 76 parishes and 26 schools heavily strains its resources. Without sufficient funds, the Diocese feels the only possible way to deal with the deteriorating Marist College, which has become a liability, is to tear it down, preserving some of the facade for historical purposes as a tribute to the surrounding historic barrio," the statement says.

John Shaheen, diocese property director, said there are no immediate plans to take the building down, but there are limits on how long it can remain in limbo.

In July, the Tucson City Council voted 5-2 to approve $1.1 million in federal Community Development and Block Grant funds to stabilize the historic building.

But before the diocese received any money, certain conditions had to be met.

"Mayor and council had given me specific direction on how to proceed," said City Manager Richard Miranda. "And based on that, we couldn't reach an agreement with the diocese."

The impasse arose over who would eventually end up owning the building once repairs were completed. The diocese wanted to maintain ownership. The city hoped a private entity would enter the picture and finish transforming the building into a usable condition and open some type of revenue-generating business with it.

I figured that there were contingencies to spending the money on this project but I thought they'd relate to the feasibility of restoration. Turns out they were tied to future ownership. I don't know how the church thought the city would let them maintain ownership after sinking this money into restoration.

[Ted Lyons]

Downtown Tucson getting new bar

http://azstarnet.com/entertainment/blogs/caliente-tuned-in/downtown-tucson-getting-new-bar/article_7e90e208-fcfd-11e1-b90b-001a4bcf887a.html

Michael Skwiat plans to turn what used to be his Knucklehead Alley motorcycle shop into a large bar with an emphasis on live music.

By mid-October, the 4,000-square-foot space at 63 E. Congress St. will open as The JunXion Bar.

It will feature live music three to four nights a week with bands playing rock, jazz and everything in between. It will also have a gaming room with pool and shuffle board tables and entryways leading to East Congress Street and North Scott Avenue.

Eventually, Skwiat would like to open the roof, giving JunXion another 4,500 square feet of space, but “that is phase II” he said.

So, this answers some questions we've had but it brings up more for me. Primarily, since we know the name on this bar's liquor license is tied to Congress Street Clubs and Congress Street Clubs is also in the process of converting Vaudeville into a live music venue, how do these two businesses not cannibalize each other?

Beyond the questions, the name "JunXion" fits right in with my negative view of the branding for Zen Rock and Sapphire. I don't know why they didn't just keep the Knucklehead Alley name. That logo wasn't bad either. Anyway, Their graphics (https://www.facebook.com/TheJunxionBar) aren't bad but all of their concepts thus far have come across as amateurish to me. I hope this one sets a new precedent.

[kaneui]

City won't rescue Marist College; diocese contemplates demolition

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/city-won-t-rescue-marist-college-diocese-contemplates-demolition/article_1ebb1668-1df0-58a2-828e-f3d979818d40.html

I figured that there were contingencies to spending the money on this project but I thought they'd relate to the feasibility of restoration. Turns out they were tied to future ownership. I don't know how the church thought the city would let them maintain ownership after sinking this money into restoration.

The diocese suddenly got greedy in this latest round of negotiations, reversing its prior position to give the city title to the Marist if other than church funds were secured for the necessary repairs. Needless to say, the diocese probably isn't in the best financial shape after declaring bankruptcy in 2004 and paying out over $22M for sex-abuse lawsuits, although they somehow found the millions needed for recent upgrades to the cathedral and adjoining placita.

Unfortunately for the historic Marist, the building has been sitting in a state of neglect for far too long, and now no one is willing to put up the money to repair and stabilize it, nor are there any developers interested in rehabbing it into a commercial venue. As I've suggested previously, the logical next step for the diocese would be to develop the whole west side of the cathedral block--the Marist site and the surface parking lot--into an attractive multi-story, mixed-use project.

[Patrick S]

I wish they'd to this for university between park and euclid (and frankly, park from speedway to 6th but that's an even pipier dream).
I was reading the comment section on the ADS website and there were a couple people who suggested the same for University. I was actually a little surprised - there were more people who seemed for this, than against it. I only saw one or two people make the comment that this just shows the whole streetcar project was about taking away our cars. I don't know if most of the crazies just didn't read/comment on the article, but the response seemed overwhelmingly positive for the idea.

[combusean]

Closing streets to vehicular traffic in hopes of attracting pedestrians almost never works, and in fact the opposite effect happens--businesses suffer because they lose the eyes/money from pass-through travelers. Tucson is still at the phase where they are trying to encourage people to come to downtown, and to that end they should make it as convenient as possible. Closing streets works for downtowns that have so many people officials have to proactively manage it somehow.

I could rant further on how retarded the idea is to begin with and how backwards (it's 2012 and he's thinking about this?) and ill-informed the mayor is for thinking about it despite his best intentions, but I think that sums it up.

[kaneui]

The City Council has nixed Town West's request for a rezoning extension of a Warehouse Arts District property owned by the city and originally slated for their El Mirador mixed-use project, but recently being considered for student housing:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/ElMiradorhotel-condorender.jpg
A rendering of the long-dead El Mirador project proposed in 2007 for a
3.6-acre parcel at Stone and Franklin.
(courtesy: Town West)


Tucson City Council Rejects Downtown Rezoning Extension Over Fears of Future Student Housing
by Jim Nintzel
Tucson Weekly
September 12, 2012

The Tucson City Council voted unanimously last night against extending a rezoning agreement for a key downtown parcel. The property in question, at Stone Avenue and Franklin Street, sits on the edge of the historic El Presidio Neighborhood and is smack-dab in the midst of the developing Warehouse Arts District. A string of speakers, mostly made up of downtown residents and business owners, spoke against the extension of the rezoning.

Town West, which has done some good developments around town (such as its current work rehabbing a deserted apartment complex on Fort Lowell Road east of Campbell Avenue), got the original rezoning on the property in 2007. The plan at that time was to build a hotel, brewery, retail space, artist studios, condo units, parking garages and such in a complex that would include towers as high as 15 floors. But with the economic slowdown, that project—which had the support of some of the neighbors—has stalled.

Town West officials had recently approached council members and neighboring property owners with the idea of doing a student-housing complex instead. Town West was not seeking approval for student housing last night; instead, the company simply wanted an extension of the current rezoning allowing for the earlier plans. In most cases, these kinds of extensions are granted because council members are generally sympathetic to the challenges that developers have faced during the economic downturn. But in this case, Ward 1 Councilwoman Regina Romero said she was skeptical that the original plan would ever be completed. “What we have in front of us tonight will not happen,” Romero said as she made the motion to reject the extension of the rezoning plan.

Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik said he had seen recent proposals from Town West for a student-housing complex on the site, which he called “not at all consistent with the master plan” for the area. Kozachik said he wanted to see a viable plan for the property that “fits in contextually with what’s being developed” in the Warehouse Arts District.

The concern over student housing comes as neighbors near the new District on Fifth apartments, near Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street, are having conflicts with the noise and traffic generated by the more than 700 students who have moved into the massive complex. New student-housing complexes are already in the works on the east end of downtown near the Fourth Avenue underpass. After the meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Paul Cunningham said he wasn’t opposed to student housing downtown, but thought the Stone and Franklin corner was the wrong area, given its distance from the streetcar line and proximity to the El Presidio Neighborhood. The property will now revert to its original zoning, which allows intensive commercial and heavy industrial use.

[Patrick S]

Large, vacant spaces citywide subdivided into smaller stores (http://azstarnet.com/business/local/large-vacant-spaces-citywide-subdivided-into-smaller-stores/article_6ef04ca4-645a-50b1-acbc-7c584934cecc.html)
Gabriela Rico Arizona Daily Star

In the game of blackjack, you should always split your 8s.
In a down economy, splitting vacant retail space once occupied by big-box stores can also be a strategy.
Such is the case in Tucson, where real estate agents and retailers are negotiating for spaces once occupied by big national chains.
Near the intersection of Oracle and Wetmore roads, the former Circuit City building is being split to accommodate two retailers. Neither could fill the entire space left when the electronics retailer left.
Cost Plus World Market and Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts will occupy the space once renovations are complete, said Nancy McClure, first vice president at CBRE, specializing in retail properties.
Negotiations were recently completed also for the former Circuit City on Broadway and Craycroft Road, but the interested tenant isn't ready to make an announcement, she said. Similarly, a deal on the space vacated by Border's Books at Oracle and Limberlost roads is being negotiated.
"At the beginning of the recession we saw a lot of major retailers go under and had a glut of big spaces on the market," McClure said.
In her midyear report, she said the absorption of those spaces is going well, and creativity is helping the process.
Similar to other markets, Tucson is seeing churches, fitness facilities and other large spaces such as the former Bally's on Grant Road marketing themselves to call centers in case retailers aren't interested, McClure said.
"We're seeing some nice, strong healthy activity and interest in our markets," she said.
And then there are the sticklers, such as the former Old American Furnishings building on Oracle Road, just north of Wetmore Road.
"It's been on the market for quite a while," McClure said. "It's an 'A' location but difficult to re-tenant with its multi-level parking garage and four stories of retail space."
Compared to bigger markets with a bigger supply of big-box space, Tucson is doing well, she said.
"We are recovering really nicely," McClure said. "I think that's just good news. We did not get overbuilt."
"We are recovering really nicely. I think that's just good news. We did not get overbuilt."
Nancy McClure
first vice president, CBRE

[gozilla]

Closing streets to vehicular traffic in hopes of attracting pedestrians almost never works, and in fact the opposite effect happens--businesses suffer because they lose the eyes/money from pass-through travelers. Tucson is still at the phase where they are trying to encourage people to come to downtown, and to that end they should make it as convenient as possible. Closing streets works for downtowns that have so many people officials have to proactively manage it somehow.

I could rant further on how retarded the idea is to begin with and how backwards (it's 2012 and he's thinking about this?) and ill-informed the mayor is for thinking about it despite his best intentions, but I think that sums it up.

I need to intervene. I agree with you. Maybe it works to other cities but I think it will fail in Tucson. Just see what's happening now with the street car construction downtown, wherever the road gets shutdown due to laying down the street car construction, businesses don't get much costumers , if any. Tucson really needs to stop this mentality of showing the welcome mat while at the same time opening the door just halfway.

Plus, it's not wise to shutdown roads especially, in the central part of Tucson, when traffic is getting worse by the year. And where will the Sun Tran buses and vehicles parked in those downtown apts go?

As for the NIMBY's at West University, I think they need to consider moving out. They are living right in the middle of Tucson with I-10, Pima Community College, 4th ave bars/restaurants, student housing, U of AZ, downtown, the rail tracks, street car tracks, maybe an arena/convention center/historic museums etc...

Also, I wished the city politicos would stop sending mix messages to the world - downtown growth or no-growth. Stick with one - GROWTH. Meaning more mid-rise/high-rise mixed complex, mixed options for restaurants and entertainment (this includes brand name stores/restaurants/groceries..that's missing downtown) and travel convenience (that Greyhound bus depot should be right by the Ronstadt Transit and Amtrak Train depot...and one or two car/bike rental companies )

[gozilla]

Btw, if Congress St. actually gets shutdown, downtown Tucson will ONLY have one major east-west artery. It sure is stupid to have a downtown of a major metropolitan city of 1 million to have one major east-west and one major north-south (stone) crosstown artery. The nimbys at west university and the owner of HOTEL CONGRESS must be salivating to get this done.

I'm starting to get suspicious about the motivation of limiting access in that area - turn it into a playground for the Hotel Congress District. Kicking the Greyhound Bus station (after 10 years of 'planning'), trying to move the Ronstadt Transit Center (with Steve K's aid), 4th Ave. underpass was supposed to be twice the width, prevent expanding Broadway Rd etc... Can't call it a downtown renovation anymore but Hotel Congress Playland and Utopian Paradise (at pedestrian friendly CONGRESS ST).

If the mayor really wants a pedestrian friendly road, build one by the Santa Cruz River.

[Phxguy]

Was down in Tucson yesterday and proud to see all the developments going on. I drove through campus via Speedway. So much improvemenmt compared to when I was last down there a few years ago and my father took note of it as well. Still waiting for the day I can take the commuter train down there for a day or two. But in the mean time, keep it up!

[Anqrew]

Was down in Tucson yesterday and proud to see all the developments going on. I drove through campus via Speedway. So much improvemenmt compared to when I was last down there a few years ago and my father took note of it as well. Still waiting for the day I can take the commuter train down there for a day or two. But in the mean time, keep it up!

Awesome, curious as to what you noticed in particular? Was it just a more urban vibe? maybe more clean? Would love to hear a detailed outside perspective!

[Phxguy]

There definetly a larger urban prescene, of course closer to the campus, but still it was more noticable this time around than the last time I was there about November 2007. More people walking the streets, more density amounting up, and a definite busy innercity feel. Also for the first time, I took notice of the enormous bikable prescene throughout the city with dedicaded bike boulevards and HAWK street lights every block or so.
Stone Ave, however, north of the campus looked a bit sketchy. The further south towards downtown I wanted to get out and explore. Due to time constraints I didn't, but one day I will.

[Patrick S]

Road runner: After delays, widening work on Houghton due to start soon (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/road-runner-after-delays-widening-work-on-houghton-due-to/article_411263fe-6ae5-578e-981d-86c6ad902861.html)

Becky Pallack Arizona Daily Star

The project to widen Houghton Road from Irvington Road to Valencia Road is coming soon. For real this time!

After some technical difficulties with contracting delayed the start of construction from spring until fall, the project was put out to bid again. The apparent low bid came in at about $22.5 million, about 8 percent below the engineer's estimate.

Construction should begin in October and take about a year and a half, said city project manager M.J. Dillard.

When it's done, you'll have three lanes in each direction plus bus pullouts, bike lanes, sidewalks, landscaped medians and better drainage.

Because the road is being widened from two lanes to six lanes, two lanes will always be open to traffic during construction, Dillard said.

Drivers, that means you'll see some slowing in the construction zone, but the project shouldn't mess up your commute.

The first part of the project involves working on water lines west of the roadway near Irvington, Dillard said.

To learn more about the construction schedule, drop by an open house at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Desert Sky Middle School, 9850 E. Rankin Loop.

This project is the second part of a nine-part Regional Transportation Authority project to turn Houghton into an expressway between Interstate 10 and Tanque Verde Road.

The first part was improving the intersection at Houghton and Old Vail/Mary Ann Cleveland Way.

The next steps include the Broadway to 22nd Street stretch, the railroad bridge and the bridge to I-10. You can get a sneak peek at plans for the bridges at the Oct. 3 meeting, but construction is a few years down the road.

[Thirsty]

It sure is stupid to have a downtown of a major metropolitan city of 1 million to have one major east-west and one major north-south (stone) crosstown artery.

I agree that Congress is the wrong street for this project, but want to point out that the Aviation/I-10 connection should pick up most if not all of the E/W throu traffic.

I like the idea of a pedestrian street, just not Congress. The city could open one of the N/S street for re-developement. That would give the city any opportunity to mix in new construction, which could help pull in some of the "brand-name" retailers people want. Essentially, an open air mall.

Development aside, it seems silly to have rail running right down the pedestrian road. We're talking about Tucson afterall, where several people each year die crossing the UP tracks despite the flashing lights, bells, pikes and 110 db horn blowing all the way in from Marana.

[Ted Lyons]

I'm bad about taking pictures of this stuff, but some notes:

-A crane has been installed on the top of the Plaza Centro garage to construct that part of Cadence.

-Level, at 1020 Tyndall, is looking pretty large by now. I'd say they're up to about the fourth or fifth floor at least.

-The exterior renovation of the Four Points/aLoft appears to be about 75% done. Windows are being installed and final painting seems to be occurring.

-Tracks were laid today on 4th between 6th and 7th. Last week, tracks were laid on Congress from Scott to 6th.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/270765_364014723675161_1160073267_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=364014723675161&set=a.167352026674766.41786.147598338650135&type=1&theater

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/307902_10151030769846923_2037244966_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151030769846923&set=a.10151030769756923.422576.283507751922&type=1&theater

EDIT - Also, there's been a Bobcat-type tractor in the parking lot at One East Broadway, but I can't tell if it's related to impending construction or not as cars are still parking there as well.

[ComplotDesigner]

...

-The exterior renovation of the Four Points/aLoft appears to be about 75% done. Windows are being installed and final painting seems to be occurring.

...

:previous: Thank you for the images. About the aLoft I noticed a sign on the fence saying they'll open early 2013.

[Ted Lyons]

:previous: Thank you for the images. About the aLoft I noticed a sign on the fence saying they'll open early 2013.

If you check out kaneui's Metro Tucson link, the opening for the aLoft was initially scheduled for February, so it sounds like things are on schedule.

[Patrick S]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially with all the good development going on around the city right now, but it's official:

Tucson Padres on their way out (http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/19579060/tucson-padres-on-their-way-out)

By Damien Alameda

El Paso, TX - One day after the Pacific Coast League voted to recommend the sale and move of the Tucson Padres to El Paso, the Sun City's city council approved measures to construct a new ballpark by a final vote of 4-3.

The two votes ensure that, barring any set backs, 2013 will be the final season of the Tucson Padres.

All that is standing in the way of the move is a veto from El Paso's mayor. However according to the El Paso Times, chances of that veto are slim. The mayor has 72 hours to pull the trigger.

This will be the third season for the Tucson Padres, a club that many figured would have a short stay. The Padres were originally supposed to relocate to Escondido, California until that measure failed.

The 2013 season will begin in April.

[kaneui]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially with all the good development going on around the city right now, but it's official:

Tucson Padres on their way out (http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/19579060/tucson-padres-on-their-way-out)

By Damien Alameda

El Paso, TX - One day after the Pacific Coast League voted to recommend the sale and move of the Tucson Padres to El Paso, the Sun City's city council approved measures to construct a new ballpark by a final vote of 4-3.


El Paso is spending a ton of money to snag the Padres, including tearing down a perfectly good city hall to build a new stadium. I hope it works out, because local taxpayers there will be on the hook for a chunk of change, with no guarantee the struggling team will be a successful draw.

Locally, it's time for Tucson to let go of pro baseball and look to soccer as a revenue generator with more potential for Kino stadium. The rumor is that FC Tucson, the new semi-pro soccer team, is hoping to join the minor league USL in 2014, as the league is looking for expansion teams in the west to join L.A. and Phoenix. If that happens, converting Kino into a permanent soccer venue might be a viable option, depending how the support of FC Tucson progresses over the next year or so.

[aznative]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially with all the good development going on around the city right now, but it's official:

Tucson Padres on their way out (http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/19579060/tucson-padres-on-their-way-out)

By Damien Alameda

El Paso, TX - One day after the Pacific Coast League voted to recommend the sale and move of the Tucson Padres to El Paso, the Sun City's city council approved measures to construct a new ballpark by a final vote of 4-3.

The two votes ensure that, barring any set backs, 2013 will be the final season of the Tucson Padres.

All that is standing in the way of the move is a veto from El Paso's mayor. However according to the El Paso Times, chances of that veto are slim. The mayor has 72 hours to pull the trigger.

This will be the third season for the Tucson Padres, a club that many figured would have a short stay. The Padres were originally supposed to relocate to Escondido, California until that measure failed.

The 2013 season will begin in April.

I've also been following this. The big issue I see, is the funding of the new stadium, they say 75% would be paid using an increase to the hotel tax, while the remaining would be funded through ticket sales, consessions, and other means. They repeat that tax payer monies would not pay for the stadium. Well see what happens.

I own property in El Paso, so hoping my property taxes don't go up if funding falls short in a place that has sky high property taxes already.

[Ted Lyons]

El Paso is spending a ton of money to snag the Padres, including tearing down a perfectly good city hall to build a new stadium. I hope it works out, because local taxpayers there will be on the hook for a chunk of change, with no guarantee the struggling team will be a successful draw.

Locally, it's time for Tucson to let go of pro baseball and look to soccer as a revenue generator with more potential for Kino stadium. The rumor is that FC Tucson, the new semi-pro soccer team, is hoping to join the minor league USL in 2014, as the league is looking for expansion teams in the west to join L.A. and Phoenix. If that happens, converting Kino into a permanent soccer venue might be a viable option, depending how the support of FC Tucson progresses over the next year or so.

I haven't heard anything about FC Tucson looking to imminently move to USL Pro, but I know it's something they're looking at longterm. Regardless, you're right about moving on from baseball.

I know that, across the board, attendance is up for minor league baseball, but closer inspection reveals that teams are either big winners or big losers. Tucson, largely because of stadium location and climate during the season, is bound to be a loser, which is why everyone always put so much weight into spring training. Whether El Paso officials want to be realistic or not, they're in the same boat (minus the benefits of spring training), although their stadium location seems to be better.

Professional soccer in Tucson may be in its infancy, but significant progress has been seen in just two years. This progress obviously has to continue but the base from which to determine success established by the Padres isn't very high.

[Ted Lyons]

I've also been following this. The big issue I see, is the funding of the new stadium, they say 75% would be paid using an increase to the hotel tax, while the remaining would be funded through ticket sales, consessions, and other means. They repeat that tax payer monies would not pay for the stadium. Well see what happens.

I own property in El Paso, so hoping my property taxes don't go up if funding falls short in a place that has sky high property taxes already.

I know this is off topic, but the real scary part is the final 25%. Funding stadiums based on projected ticket and concession sales isn't a new idea, but it works better when the projections are more likely to be fulfilled (i.e., for new major league teams and/or preexisting teams moving to new facilities). El Paso is projecting numbers for a minor league team that has no historical presence in the city so their attendance figures can only be so accurate.

[kaneui]

Armory Park to become The Herbert; rehabbed as upscale studios


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/ArmoryParkApartments.jpg
Downtown's Armory Park Apartments, built in the early 70's
(courtesy: Armory Park Apartments)


At the end of this Tucson Weekly article on Sentinel Plaza, the author mentions Peach Properties' plans to buy the eight-story Armory Park Apartments and convert them to market-rate studios. Peach's website confirms that they are teaming with Holualoa Arizona for the project, and renaming it The Herbert:

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/bittersweet-home/Content?oid=3531036

http://peachprops.com/news/the-herbert-apartments/

[ComplotDesigner]

NE corner of Broadway & Craycroft.

http://imageshack.us/a/img844/1677/photoecj.jpg

[Ted Lyons]

Armory Park to become The Herbert; rehabbed as upscale studios


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/ArmoryParkApartments.jpg
Downtown's Armory Park Apartments, built in the early 70's
(courtesy: Armory Park Apartments)


At the end of this Tucson Weekly article on Sentinel Plaza, the author mentions Peach Properties' plans to buy the eight-story Armory Park Apartments and convert them to market-rate studios. Peach's website confirms that they are teaming with Holualoa Arizona for the project, and renaming it The Herbert:

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/bittersweet-home/Content?oid=3531036

http://peachprops.com/news/the-herbert-apartments/

Awesome. There was a story a while back in ADS, and probably linked on here, in which the current owners of the apartments said they had a buyer lined up and a sale was imminent. These are good buyers and the building has a borderline brutalist quality that could lend well to open-space apartments.

[Anqrew]

check out this rendering from The Cadence's Facebook! Wow!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/399673_352242004862801_1158717517_n.jpg

[Patrick S]

check out this rendering from The Cadence's Facebook! Wow!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/399673_352242004862801_1158717517_n.jpg
That's a cool picture, no doubt about it, but it looks backwards to me. The street is one street, then becoming split right before Cadence, so it looks like it is a rendering from East looking West, which means the parking garage on the left-hand side of the picture should be on the right-hand side.

[Anqrew]

That's a cool picture, no doubt about it, but it looks backwards to me. The street is one street, then becoming split right before Cadence, so it looks like it is a rendering from East looking West, which means the parking garage on the left-hand side of the picture should be on the right-hand side.

The view is looking south, from the 4th Avenue underpass, notice the art installation on the left and the rialto on the right.

[Patrick S]

The view is looking south, from the 4th Avenue underpass, notice the art installation on the left and the rialto on the right.
You're right, I gotcha. I saw the art on the left, and I knew it was from the parking garage. I didn't realize the building on the right was the Rialto, though. It makes sense to me now. I just didn't even think about a shot from that angle. Thanks.

[Ted Lyons]

check out this rendering from The Cadence's Facebook! Wow!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/399673_352242004862801_1158717517_n.jpg

Love the green accent on the building. I wish it showed what the completed garage looked like.

[kaneui]

New renders of The Retreat at Tucson student housing project at Park Ave. and 22nd St.:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/TheRetreatatTucsonrender_zps591fd05d.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/TheRetreatatTucsonrender2_zpse767ef8e.jpg
(courtesy: The Retreat at Tucson)


Student 'cottages' going up on S. side
Arizona Daily Star
September 21, 2012

Tucson's latest student housing development is under construction on the south side and leasing is set to begin in the next few weeks. The Retreat at Tucson, on East 22nd Street near South Park Avenue, will have 774 bedrooms in 183 units, said Lauren Bradford, marketing associate for Georgia-based developer Landmark Properties.

She said the "student cottage community" has common areas within the units. The clubhouse area will have a resort-style pool, tanning ledges, water volleyball setups and grilling stations around the pool. Inside, students will have a gym, game room, study area, computer lab and "social area" with big-screen TVs and pool tables, Bradford said. The complex is expected to open by next Aug. 1.


https://www.facebook.com/RetreatTucson

[Ritarancher]

I'm finally back and boy did I miss out. I love the new renderings of the Cadence. I also like everything else that's going on, it's all very exciting! I love driving by on the freeway and seeing all those tower cranes. It's all very good for Tucson. I have also noticed tons of land being developed across the city. Hopefully good paying jobs will be created following the completion of the development.

When I was gone, I was getting sick of having to go to Phoenix for every single concert I went to. I think that gas is too expensive for driving 100 miles just to get to "the valley" for a 80 minute concert. I decided that Tucson needs a good 35,000+seat amphitheater. We need to start competing with Phoenix.

What I Think
We need to build an 35,000+ seat amphitheater on the west side of downtown in the Mission District. The best spots are the lost labeled city. I have a good feeling the city has no idea what to do with those lots but an amphitheater would just be great! The amphitheater can just be for events and not necessarily any sports teams but it should be made so that teams can play in the future. With the streetcar stopping at it's front door, parking should not be an issue. The amphitheater can be outdoors but it should have a roof (Signature Tucson Solar Roof?) even if there is no AC. If anybody has gone to Glendale's Arenas (Jobing.com and Cardinals Stadium) you couldn't have not noticed the very urban landscape surrounding the arenas which leaves a good impression of Phoenix. By building an amphitheater in the Mission District can also have the same effect (or affect?) on Tucson visitors. I also noticed a nice and tall hotel at the Glendale city, can Tucson be as lucky if we get an amphitheater in downtown? I can see the economic benefits of building here. Just make Congress and Grenada roads nicer looking and we're set. Not a bad idea in my opinion, yours? Sorry for going off topic for a little while.


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/MissionDistrictMasterplan.jpg
Source for Picture: (site plan: The Gadsden Co.; rendering: lasertrimman/Flickr)

[Patrick S]

First streetcar is expected to arrive in Tucson in February (http://cityofsouthtucson.tucsonnewsnow.com/news/community-spirit/90367-first-streetcar-expected-arrive-tucson-february)

Submitted by Teya Vitu, Downtown Tucson Partnership writer
Monday, September 24th, 2012, 9:24am

Key members of the Sun Link Streetcar project team recently visited United Streetcar in Portland, Ore., the manufacturer of Tucson’s streetcar vehicles.

During the two-day visit, the team examined seven Tucson streetcar vehicles in various stages of production. The team was also able to see one of Portland’s streetcar vehicles undergoing final rail tests at the on-site factory track.

Although United Streetcar’s delays in manufacturing Portland’s vehicles have created a tight schedule for the production of Tucson’s vehicles, the Sun Link project team is confident delivery dates for Tucson vehicles will be met and Tucsonans will be riding Sun Link in late 2013 as scheduled.

The first streetcar vehicle is set to arrive in Tucson in February 2013, following vehicle testing that will be conducted on United Streetcar's new test track in Portland. The first phase of testing will be advantageous to Tucson because should any issues arise, adjustments can be immediately made at the manufacturing facility.

The Tucson Sun Link Streetcar project team is committed to keeping the public, business community and visitors informed about progress on the streetcar. Signing up for email blasts, visiting project Facebook and Twitter pages and calling the information  line are ways to learn about project, and receive access and parking information during construction. Visit www.tucsonstreetcar.com for more information.

The Tucson Sun Link Streetcar is a project of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and part of the voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan that will be implemented through 2026. Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com. The Sun Link project is co-managed by the City of Tucson and the RTA.

[kaneui]

Even with just 60 employees, Caliber Funding's relocation is yet another sign that businesses are returning to downtown. (Now if the One South Church (aka UniSource) tower can land a naming-rights tenant to take over the UniSource and FBI space, we'll know the momentum has really shifted.)


Caliber Funding Moves Downtown From Wilmot
By Teya Vitu
Downtown Tucsonan
September 24, 2012

Yet another large office operation has found Downtown appealing for its future. Caliber Funding moved its 60 employees in early September from Wilmot Road to 56 W. Congress St., above Enoteca Pizzeria Wine Bar. Caliber joins Madden Media, Providence Service Corp. and UNS Energy Corp. as prominent office relocations to Downtown in the past three years.

Caliber Funding is a next-generation national mortgage lender, launched in Tucson in the wake of the mortgage-driven economic collapse of 2008. Caliber has been in transition since the company’s corporate office moved to Dallas in spring 2011, and the Tucson operation has decreased from about 100 employees to 60. Caliber’s Tucson office has realigned from corporate headquarters to the base for operations management for the company’s 68 offices in 18 states that serve 44 states. Tucson also handles business development, corporate support and training, and customer online support.


For full article: http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/09/caliber-funding-moves-downtown-from-wilmot/

[omarainza]

i was thinking, whats keeping residential use out of downtown? is there any way to change the plans for the twin unisource to turn it into a slightly shorter residential condo building? I've been doing a bunch of renders on google sketchup of possible living areas and what a future downtown could look like. also, if the build "the post" at that empty lot next to chase, i think it should house a trendy grocery store like trader joe's!!! it would be a convenient location for downtown and i feel could fit right in with the hipster shift going on.

[Ted Lyons]

i was thinking, whats keeping residential use out of downtown? is there any way to change the plans for the twin unisource to turn it into a slightly shorter residential condo building? I've been doing a bunch of renders on google sketchup of possible living areas and what a future downtown could look like. also, if the build "the post" at that empty lot next to chase, i think it should house a trendy grocery store like trader joe's!!! it would be a convenient location for downtown and i feel could fit right in with the hipster shift going on.

A crap ton of residential is being built/developed downtown.

EDIT:

Cadence
One East Broadway
Armory Park/Herbert redevelopment
Greenline
The Armory

And that's not accounting for completed projects or anything around 4th or across the interstate.

[Ted Lyons]

It Appears Yet Another New Restaurant Is Opening Downtown

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2012/09/25/it-appears-yet-another-new-restaurant-is-opening-downtown?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The newest tidbit I've picked up is what looks like the preliminary work for a new restaurant in spaces at 312 and 300 E. Congress Street, where those science exhibits have been for the past year or more. A liquor license has been applied for under the name Proper, and it's a Series 12 license, which is for restaurants.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/clerks/uploads/liquor/RegularLicense.pdf

The name on the license is a guy who serves as agent for liquor license applicants, so that doesn't shed much light on the concept. But, Scott Stiteler said in a Zocalo article last month, (which may be linked on here somewhere), that he had been waiting for the ideal tenant for that spot. Let's hope he's right.

[Anqrew]

i was thinking, whats keeping residential use out of downtown? is there any way to change the plans for the twin unisource to turn it into a slightly shorter residential condo building? I've been doing a bunch of renders on google sketchup of possible living areas and what a future downtown could look like. also, if the build "the post" at that empty lot next to chase, i think it should house a trendy grocery store like trader joe's!!! it would be a convenient location for downtown and i feel could fit right in with the hipster shift going on.

We do have a lot of small scale housing projects. I do think in 3-5 years we will start seeing larger scale high rise housing projects downtown. You gotta already have that strong living presence downtown, which will initiate things like grocery stores and other necessities. so once that is there i think developers will find it very appealing, and we may see some larger and more exciting proposals.

[Ritarancher]

I was snooping around the skyscraper city and found a page listed the most dreadful skyscrapers in America. Before I go any further did anybody else instantly think the Pima County Federal Building?
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=196112
That building needs a facelift more than any other building in Tucson.
I actually like the blue wall unlike the rest of the building.

[Ritarancher]

i was thinking, whats keeping residential use out of downtown? is there any way to change the plans for the twin unisource to turn it into a slightly shorter residential condo building? I've been doing a bunch of renders on google sketchup of possible living areas and what a future downtown could look like. also, if the build "the post" at that empty lot next to chase, i think it should house a trendy grocery store like trader joe's!!! it would be a convenient location for downtown and i feel could fit right in with the hipster shift going on.

We really do have a good presence of residential housing in downtown. Right now the majority of our citizens live in downtown homes that were made 75-100 years ago. But now with Cadence, MLK Apartments, Sentinel Plaza, West End Station, The Herbert and what ever else comes next we will have a much denser downtown population. All of those buildings are about 5-8 stories tall. The reason why we do not have any taller residential buildings is because there is no need for people to spend 100k on a small condo when they can have a home and their own property closer to their work. Maybe now with the streetcar and the smaller projects going on we will get a highrise but it's really unlikely.

[Ted Lyons]

We do have a lot of small scale housing projects. I do think in 3-5 years we will start seeing larger scale high rise housing projects downtown. You gotta already have that strong living presence downtown, which will initiate things like grocery stores and other necessities. so once that is there i think developers will find it very appealing, and we may see some larger and more exciting proposals.

To further demonstrate the point, I just reread the Tucson Weekly article discussing the City Council's disapproval of Town West's student housing plans and Steve Kozachik noted that there are already 60 floors of student housing alone under development around downtown/campus.

[Anqrew]

To further demonstrate the point, I just reread the Tucson Weekly article discussing the City Council's disapproval of Town West's student housing plans and Steve Kozachik noted that there are already 60 floors of student housing alone under development around downtown/campus.

i think their main reason of disapproval was plopping student housing in the center of the arts district. I think the council wants to focus all the residential on the east end to really build up density, and to probably focus on smaller scale artist studios in the art warehouse district.

[Ted Lyons]

i think their main reason of disapproval was plopping student housing in the center of the arts district. I think the council wants to focus all the residential on the east end to really build up density, and to probably focus on smaller scale artist studios in the art warehouse district.

Well, yeah, that's a separate issue. The point is that a pretty significant quantity of residential development is occurring downtown.

[ppdd]

I was snooping around the skyscraper city and found a page listed the most dreadful skyscrapers in America. Before I go any further did anybody else instantly think the Pima County Federal Building?
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=196112
That building needs a facelift more than any other building in Tucson.
I actually like the blue wall unlike the rest of the building.

It's actually mentioned, with an odd photo, in the first few comments on the post.

[aznate27]

i was thinking, whats keeping residential use out of downtown? is there any way to change the plans for the twin unisource to turn it into a slightly shorter residential condo building? I've been doing a bunch of renders on google sketchup of possible living areas and what a future downtown could look like. also, if the build "the post" at that empty lot next to chase, i think it should house a trendy grocery store like trader joe's!!! it would be a convenient location for downtown and i feel could fit right in with the hipster shift going on.

A Trader Joe's downtown would be a huge hit I think! Not only will you have a ton of new students living downtown who already like Trader Joe's, but it would serve the surrounding areas as well that border downtown, maybe up to 3 to 5 miles around. It would be huge for downtown and spur new residential intrest downtown and maybe bring in an Osco Drugs or Walgreens as well.:tup:

[aznate27]

Great article which gives a lot of info on the furure of Broadway and stone.

Broadway/Stone Banks on Streetcar for Office Revival
By Teya Vitu Downtown Tusonan

Three corners of the Broadway and Stone intersection are maneuvering toward a future with a streetcar running through it.

A seven-story office/residential building will be built on this parking lot in the coming months. It is next to the Chase Bank building. The One South Church Tower is left in the distance.
The owners of the 10-story Chase Bank building plan to start building a seven-story office-apartment-commercial structure at 1 E. Broadway, the northeast corner of Broadway and Stone, by the end of the year. It will be the new home for the Pima Association of Governments and Regional Transportation Authority.

“The streetcar was the catalyst,” said Art Wadlund, co-owner of the Chase Bank Building, 2 E. Congress Street. “If the streetcar wasn’t coming, we would not do .”

Across the street at 10 E. Broadway, on the southeast corner, the blue building known as The Westerner has occupied executive offices on the top two floors, but the lower three levels are vacant with 32,000-square feet available. Student housing, starting with The Cadence next to the Rialto Theatre, could lure a back-office operation to The Westerner, said Dave Volk, vice president at CB Richard Ellis

“You have employers who like to employ students,” said Volk, who represents the building along with Bruce Suppes. “With the student housing and streetcar, you have 30,000 possible employees.”

The northwest corner of Broadway and Stone hosts Tucson’s tallest structure, the 23-story One South Church, a glass tower that was known as the UniSource Energy Tower until the power company moved out in November 2011. The FBI left earlier this year and, thus, One South Church is one-third empty, with 78,200 square feet vacant from the 233,000 leasable square footage.

Prominent Downtown real estate broker Buzz Isaacson takes a half-full glass approach to One South Church, which he represents.

“You can’t get a big tenant if you don’t have a large space available,” said Isaacson, a vice president at CB Richard Ellis. “It’s pretty rough right now. It hasn’t kicked in yet. I think the streetcar construction needs to wrap up.”

Broadway and Stone is a curious intersection, just one short block south of the busy pedestrian corridor along Congress and north on Stone, but few pedestrians venture that one block south.

One Broadway will be the new home of the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority.
June’s Corner Store, 142 N. Stone, owner June Hale knows all too well what a difference three blocks makes. She was at 10 E. Broadway until moving next to the Main Library in January.

People thought she had left Downtown after she moved out of the Bank of America building in February 2009 because Stone/Broadway is just a few feet beyond the common pedestrian corridors.

“People are saying ‘You’re back,’” Hale said.

Art Wadlund agrees with the notion the Broadway/Stone, right now, is a bit of a remote intersection. Dave Volk doesn’t share that thought.

“Right at that corner, I’ve always thought that is a real hub,” Volk said. “There is a two-three-block hub. We’re at the south side of it. We’re still in it.”

The streetcar will bring attention to the Broadway/Stone intersection once it starts operation, scheduled for November 2013.

Wadlund and Chase Bank building co-owner Rob Caylor starting thinking about building on the surface parking lot behind their building two years ago. They intend to build One Broadway, a seven-story mixed-use structure with 4,000 square feet of retail on street level, 26,000 square feet of office space above that and 36 apartments on the upper levels.

PAG and the RTA would fill all the office space with their 50 employees. PAG has been in the TransAmerica Building for 38 years and there was no logistical need to make a move, said Robert Samuelson, PAG/RTA’s director of administration. They want to be right on the new Modern Streetcar line.

“We are a major funding source for the streetcar,” said Samuelson, also PAG/RTA’s chief financial officer. “We are promoting Downtown and urban redevelopment. We are putting our money where our mouth is.”

The building would have two levels of parking below ground and two levels above ground behind the commercial space, Wadlund said

“We are a major funding source for the streetcar,” said Samuelson, also PAG/RTA’s chief financial officer. “We are promoting Downtown and urban redevelopment. We are putting our money where our mouth is.”

The building would have two levels of parking below ground and two levels above ground behind the commercial space, Wadlund said.

Wadlund, founding partner of the commercial real estate firm Hendricks & Partners, and Caylor, owner of Caylor Construction, bought the Chase Bank building in July 2007. Long known as the Valley National Bank building, it was Tucson’s first skyscraper and until the 1960s the 10-story Italian Renaissance Revival tower was Tucson’s tallest structure.

The tower had always belonged to the various banks that acquired or merged with Consolidated National Bank, which built it in 1929, until Caylor and Wadlund bought it five years ago.

They have wanted to widen their footprint beyond the Chase Bank building from the outset. They first looked immediately to the east at the vacant Thrifty Block, where developer Don Bourn in the past six years has proposed building The Post lofts or a boutique hotel. But in the past two years the lot has seen more use as a 2nd Saturdays children’s movie venue.

“We were trying to work with Don Bourn, but the timing didn’t work for us,” Wadlund said.

Ironically, the Chase Bank parking lot where Wadlund and Caylor now plan to build their office-apartment structure was where Bourn originally wanted to have parking for his Post lofts, but Chase Bank, while it still owned the tower, didn’t agree to all access for Bourn’s project.

The blue Westerner building has no on-site parking, one of the challenges to finding tenants since the lower levels started clearing out when the Tucson Pima Arts Council moved out in October 2009. Some city offices and June’s Corner Store left the small glassed-in spaces at street level early this year.

“You suddenly have the impression the entire building is empty,” Volk said. “We just don’t have any marquee tenants right now.”

The lower three levels indeed are empty, but most of the executive offices are occupied in 18,000 square feet of the upper levels.

“We’ve been touring a decent number of possible tenants through there, national tenants,” Volk said.

The Westerner was built in 1961 as a hotel and was converted for office use in the 1970s.

“We have worked with various groups: government services, people associated with government services,” Volk said. “Lots of software companies want to be located next to the University of Arizona.”

In Volk’s mind, the streetcar will put The Westerner right next to the university

[Anqrew]

I drove down broadway past Plaza Centro/Cadence and It felt so urban and dense already! Theres only one extra floor on top of the garage right now, but it looked and felt so tall, its proximity to the street really gives a great urban feel. This effect was also there for the one floor built on the West half of the project. When this is at full height, the entrance to Downtown is going to have a great vibe! it might be for the best they scaled it down from 11 to 6 floors, it already seems so tall i think.

[Patrick S]

i think their main reason of disapproval was plopping student housing in the center of the arts district. I think the council wants to focus all the residential on the east end to really build up density, and to probably focus on smaller scale artist studios in the art warehouse district.
I think that the problems with the students and residences (partying, loud noise, rowdy behavior) of the District on 5th St. didn't help the idea either. I think people are afraid to put more student housing in that area that's not as built up as downtown.

[Ted Lyons]

It Appears Yet Another New Restaurant Is Opening Downtown

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2012/09/25/it-appears-yet-another-new-restaurant-is-opening-downtown?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter



http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/clerks/uploads/liquor/RegularLicense.pdf

The name on the license is a guy who serves as agent for liquor license applicants, so that doesn't shed much light on the concept. But, Scott Stiteler said in a Zocalo article last month, (which may be linked on here somewhere), that he had been waiting for the ideal tenant for that spot. Let's hope he's right.

Per a comment on this article, the two spaces in the Rialto Block will be filled by a restaurant called Proper (as noted above) from the owners of Brix (http://brixflagstaff.com/) and Criollo (http://criollolatinkitchen.com/) in Flagstaff and an offshoot of Diablo Burger (http://www.diabloburger.com/Diablo_Burger/home.html), also out of Flagstaff.

Based on Yelp reviews, these are all mid to upper price range restaurants, which should bode well as additions to downtown. I am interested to see how Diablo works alongside Monkey Burger.

[Ted Lyons]

Solar canopy to shade Tucson airport's front parking lot

http://azstarnet.com/business/local/solar-canopy-to-shade-tucson-airport-s-front-parking-lot/article_94e2bbac-08d9-11e2-9142-001a4bcf887a.html

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/6f/66fb5856-08da-11e2-8797-001a4bcf887a/5064aab8bbeca.preview-620.jpg

Tucson’s main airport plans to make a cool statement about solar energy.

Over the next couple of years, Tucson International Airport plans to install a solar-powered canopy over the entire main terminal parking lot, with the help of federal and state grants.

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $5.7 million grant to Tucson Airport Authority to fund design and construction of the first phase of the project which, when complete, will feature a 2.5-megawatt photovoltaic array about 20 feet tall over the entire main public parking lot in front of the terminal.

In addition, vegetated “green walls” with live plants are planned in order to help create a cooling microclimate effect in the parking area, the airport authority said. Parking rates for the main terminal lot will not change because of the solar structure, airport officials said.

This is awesome.

[kaneui]

Per a comment on this article, the two spaces in the Rialto Block will be filled by a restaurant called Proper (as noted above) from the owners of Brix (http://brixflagstaff.com/) and Criollo (http://criollolatinkitchen.com/) in Flagstaff and an offshoot of Diablo Burger (http://www.diabloburger.com/Diablo_Burger/home.html), also out of Flagstaff.

Based on Yelp reviews, these are all mid to upper price range restaurants, which should bode well as additions to downtown. I am interested to see how Diablo works alongside Monkey Burger.

Sorry to see that the Rialto Building won't continue as an exhibition center, which provided a unique attraction to bring people downtown. I thought Stiteler and Martin had a long-term agreement with the UofA to do science exhibits there, although I'm guessing the restaurants will prove more lucrative in the long run.

Even so, it's good to see more businesses committed to sustainable practices--i.e., supporting local and organic farmers, suppliers and products. Congress is turning into quite the little restaurant row, with undoubtedly more establishments to follow once the streetcar construction is finished.

[Ted Lyons]

Sorry to see that the Rialto Building won't continue as an exhibition center, which provided a unique attraction to bring people downtown. I thought Stiteler and Martin had a long-term agreement with the UofA to do science exhibits there, although I'm guessing the restaurants will prove more lucrative in the long run.

Even so, it's good to see more businesses committed to sustainable practices--i.e., supporting local and organic farmers, suppliers and products. Congress is turning into quite the little restaurant row, with undoubtedly more establishments to follow once the streetcar construction is finished.

I could be wrong but, the way I've read it, the science center was operating on a series of short-term leases (i.e., leases the length of each exhibition). This is at least the way it was framed in the Zocalo article I've mentioned a few times.

In this case, it clearly made sense for Stiteler to move to a longterm tenant but I do hope the exhibition space demonstrated the viability of keeping the science center downtown in some format.

Instead of wasting hundreds of millions on engineering a massive bridge, why don't we just focus on building an architecturally significant building without a dual function. Something like the Perot Museum in Dallas, which still cost $185 million, but at least not $350 million, would suffice. ;)

[Patrick S]

Sorry to see that the Rialto Building won't continue as an exhibition center, which provided a unique attraction to bring people downtown. I thought Stiteler and Martin had a long-term agreement with the UofA to do science exhibits there, although I'm guessing the restaurants will prove more lucrative in the long run.

Even so, it's good to see more businesses committed to sustainable practices--i.e., supporting local and organic farmers, suppliers and products. Congress is turning into quite the little restaurant row, with undoubtedly more establishments to follow once the streetcar construction is finished.
I actually just got back from seeing the Lumineers @ the Rialto (they were awesome by the way). We walked down Congress a little ways and the Hub was packed. Got a good look at the beginning of Cadence too. I always thought that lot was tiny, but it's a little bigger than I thought, I guess.

[kaneui]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/ElliottsonCongress-Tucson.jpg
Elliott’s on Congress opened in May. It’s among the many bars
and restaurants in the resurgent downtown food scene.
(photo: Samantha Sais)


Downtown restaurant revival pours more than $12.4M into economy
By Patrick McNamara
Inside Tucson Business
September 28, 2012

Behind the tractors and front-end loaders with workers laying tracks along Congress Street for the Sun Link, the modern streetcar project, there’s a quieter but steady revitalization of the downtown restaurant and bar scene. Since 2008, nearly 50 new restaurants, cafes and bars have opened or expanded downtown, pouring more than $12.4 million in private investment into the area. “There’s never been this large an influx of new business in this short of a time in downtown Tucson,” said Michael Keith, CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. The organization has just completed a survey that tracks the amount of public and private investment made in downtown Tucson. Taken together, the private and public investment in the past five years totals nearly $800 million. “It’s staggering, absolutely no one could have predicted this level of investment, especially given the global financial situation,” Keith said.

Numerically, the Downtown Tucson Partnership study shows restaurants and bars have been the most common new businesses since 2008. In terms of money invested, multi-family housing developers have spent the most, putting more than $90.9 million into six different projects. Major investments also have been made in office buildings, with $81.1 million spent on new projects and improvements to existing buildings. An early convert to downtown was Kade Mislinski, who in less than two years has opened The Hub, 266 E. Congress St., The Playground, 278 E. Congress St., and the forthcoming Lulu’s Shake Shoppe, which will be located between the two. “Before we came here, everyone was like, ‘you guys are nuts,’” Mislinski said. “We believe in downtown.” His investment in the three locations has topped $2 million and the restaurants employ 112 people. For him, opening a bar and restaurant downtown was only natural. He had spent years promoting concerts and raves and DJing events at clubs and warehouses around downtown and another decade with Fox Restaurant Concepts. “What was happening downtown was fun when we were kids and it’s becoming fun and useful again,” he said. Fun is what Mislinski says he’s all about, and it shows in the toy-themed Playground and house-made ice cream at the Hub.

Elliott’s on Congress, 135. E. Congress St., is another newcomer to downtown. Billy Elliott and wife Valaree opened the bar and restaurant in May hoping to tap into the area’s new energy. “It seems like there’s a lot of new stuff going on and we wanted to be a part of it,” Billy Elliott said. In addition, he wanted Elliott’s to offer something slightly out of the ordinary. The menu includes duck, which they use in numerous applications and whimsical desserts like chocolate-covered bacon and deep-fried peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches. “I don’t want our menu to look like Friday’s,” he said. Elliott’s on Congress also offers a selection of house-infused vodkas and cocktails that riff on the theme.

Myles Stone, co-owner of Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., said he and his partners sought a downtown location because they liked the burgeoning urban environment and the connection to history. “We just loved the personality and the history,” Stone said. “It’s got so much more soul.” He and his partners started the downtown brewery on a paltry $2,000. They’ve since attracted more than $200,000 in investment and anticipate reaching the $500,000 threshold by year’s end. Despite the shoestring budget, demand for their beer has swelled, Stone said. “We’ve been under capacity since the minute we opened,” he said. A handful of Tucson bars and restaurants has Borderlands’ beer on tap. Stone said demand has grown to where Borderlands has already ordered new brewing equipment to increase capacity ten fold.

Keith said the influx of private investment projects in downtown has followed on the heels of public infrastructure improvements. “The level of public investment that had gone in already has set the table for the restaurant industry,” Keith said. He notes projects such as the Sun Link modern streetcar, the Fourth Avenue underpass, Plaza Centro Garage and even a nearly $40 million infrastructure investment using funds from the much-criticized Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District all have played a role in preparing downtown for private development. “All of that has set the stage for small investors to go downtown,” he said.

That public investment downtown seemed long overdue, as what once was the heart of the city fell into a state of decline due to suburban growth. Downtown’s proximity on the west side of where much of the population lived, also hurt. By the end of the 1970s the exodus was complete. Excepting a few venerable retail mainstains and private offices, government workers, attorneys and the homeless seemed to be what remained downtown. Several attempts by government over the decades to revive downtown fell flat. But now downtown Tucson appears to be in the midst of a true urban revival.

Tucson Electric Power and its parent company UNS Energy Corp. last November moved into its new $64 million, nine-story headquarters building at 88 E. Broadway. A year earlier, Providence Service Corporation relocated its national headquarters to 64 E. Broadway downtown, investing millions to rennovate a building that was originally constructed in 1909. Blocks of student housing have begun a vertical assent as well, and the $200 million Sun Link modern streetcar project continues to wind its way through downtown. “All of these things are beginning to create a sense of place,” Keith said.

In addition to the nearly 50 new bars and eateries opening downtown over the past five years, Keith said at least 10 more are on their way. Thunder Canyon Brewery, a long-time fixture in Foothills Mall, plans to move into the Brewery Block at 220 E. Broadway. Further west on Broadway, next to the Providence Service’s headquarters at Scott Avenue, a new bar is poised to open. Renovation activity is underway at the now-closed Vaudeville Cabaret site at 110 E. Congress St. Two restaurants and a bar have pending liquor license applications for spaces in the Rialto Block on Congress. The thing all these places have in common, Keith said, is local ownership. That, according to him, is the key to keeping downtown Tucson a unique and growing location, free from the homogeneity of chain restaurants. “Tucson can be very good at being itself,” Keith said, “but being itself very well.”


http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/downtown-restaurant-revival-pours-more-than-m-into-economy/article_1c90b844-083d-11e2-9943-001a4bcf887a.html

[Ted Lyons]

It Appears Yet Another New Restaurant Is Opening Downtown

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2012/09/25/it-appears-yet-another-new-restaurant-is-opening-downtown?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter



http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/clerks/uploads/liquor/RegularLicense.pdf

The name on the license is a guy who serves as agent for liquor license applicants, so that doesn't shed much light on the concept. But, Scott Stiteler said in a Zocalo article last month, (which may be linked on here somewhere), that he had been waiting for the ideal tenant for that spot. Let's hope he's right.

More on this:

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/09/brix-criollo-diablo-burger-new-tucson-restaurants.php

[Anqrew]

More on this:

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/09/brix-criollo-diablo-burger-new-tucson-restaurants.php

how exciting, really looking forward to seeing the streetcar finished and up and running with all these new restaurants!

[Patrick S]

Tech firm to open plant in Tucson (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/tech-firm-to-open-plant-in-tucson/article_09f1c94a-454e-5b42-bb32-58f16ebbe72f.html)
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES GROUP EXPECTS TO EMPLOY 200 IN 5 YEARS

David Wichner Arizona Daily Star

A California-based maker of magnetic components and related products for high-tech applications is opening a plant in Tucson that is expected to employ up to 200 people in five years.

Integrated Technologies Group (ITG), based in Culver City, Calif., has purchased a 25,000-square-foot building in Butterfield Business Park at 3590 E. Columbia St. from Applied Energetics Inc., which is moving to smaller quarters nearby.

ITG expects the new Tucson facility to begin operations by late 2012.

Looking to expand to meet growing demand, the company chose Tucson partly because of its location between the Los Angeles area and a plant ITG opened in Nogales, Sonora, in 2008, said ITG President Anil Nanji.

"We had to make a decision whether to grow in Nogales, or where," Nanji said.

While the Nogales operation has done well, some customers prefer domestic suppliers and long-term security in Mexico is an issue.

"Besides, we're an American company, so we would like to have a larger center of gravity in the U.S.," Nanji said. "(Tucson) felt like a really good place to be. I do feel it has a good business climate, even though it's a little hot."

The optics and engineering strengths of the University of Arizona, the presence of other high-tech firms, and the availability of a skilled local workforce also played in the decision, Nanji said.

Tucson Regional Opportunities Inc. (TREO) helped ITG identify area resources and possible incentives, Nanji said, adding that he also met with Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.

ITG is not currently in line for any government incentives for moving here but is looking into job-training funding offered by the state, Nanji said.

Officials of the Arizona Commerce Authority and Pima County also helped the company.

The property is outside Tucson city limits on a county island adjoining Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

ITG operates several subsidiaries: Integrated Magnetics, which makes custom components incorporating magnetics; CMI Integrated Technologies, which designs and builds custom engineered motors, alternators and other electrical machines; and Magnet Sales and Manufacturing, a supplier of off-the-shelf and custom magnets since 1955.

"We hope over the long run to be able to incorporate optics and software into whatever we are doing," Nanji said.

ITG's assembly plant in Nogales, Integrated Magnetics de Mexico, now employs about 180 people mainly in assembly, said Nanji, the privately held company's majority owner.

The company's new Tucson location will focus on product integration and testing, including clean-room assembly. The plant will employ planners, mechanical, electrical and quality engineers, as well as test and production specialists. The operation will start with about 30 employees, Nanji said.

"Essentially all our business is based on lowish volume, high-value, custom-engineered products - these are all used in critical, difficult applications where things have to work very well," Nanji said.

Compensation levels have not been set, but Nanji said the company offers competitive salaries and benefits.

Magnets are used across a broad range of industries and products, including powerful rare-earth magnets that have allowed an increasing degree of miniaturization for electronics and other applications.

The company's products span the semiconductor, medical, energy, industrial automation and aerospace industries. The company now employs 450 employees in several plant locations, including its headquarters in Culver City; in Huizhou, China; and in Nogales.

Nanji declined to provide a list of clients, citing nondisclosure agreements with customers.

But as an example, major defense contractor Alliant Techsystems recently cited Integrated Magnetics among the subcontractors on its Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile program for the Navy.

In the semiconductor industry, Nanji said, ITG's products include magnetrons for the "sputtering" process used to deposit thin layers of chip materials; magnets uses in wafer-handling robots and extremely precise linear motors for the circuit-printing lithography.

Steve Eggen, TREO chairman and chief financial officer at Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems, said ITG's arrival will boost the local high-tech industries with a key new supplier and good jobs.

"We certainly are trying to get a good (high-tech) cluster here in Southern Arizona, particularly in the Tucson region, and one of the things we like to see is part of an integrated supply chain," Eggen said. "The closer we can have a supply chain, and attract others, it builds that cluster."

The fact that ITG's magnetic products span many industries is a plus because such diversity can help overcome the cyclical nature of certain industries, Eggen said.

"We're pretty excited about this - it's certainly great for the region here, it's going to bring some very good quality jobs, and that's good for everyone."

[omarainza]

A crap ton of residential is being built/developed downtown.

EDIT:

Cadence
One East Broadway
Armory Park/Herbert redevelopment
Greenline
The Armory

And that's not accounting for completed projects or anything around 4th or across the interstate.

lol yeah i know that but stuff that isnt studios, dorms, or senior living. stuff that just normal people can live in. apartments but like the cool ones from other cities with views out your living room and youre amongt the other buildings. i like the thought of 44 broadway but taller
:)

also something that made the skyline distinct, something with a lighted room, or dome/pyramid like woolworth, worldwide plaza, etc. like some flood lights on boa plaza would light it up nice or relighting the marquis on top of pima county legal services.

i do agree though downtown is feeling so urban. me and my friend went walking around the whole area and its starting to feel so alive. we spoke to one of the owners of a bar and he told us all about his expansions. we could tell he was very excited. and so were we :yes:

[kaneui]

Some small renders for The Herbert--a renovation of the former Armory Park Apartments into market-rate units:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/TheHerbert.jpg
(courtesy: Peach Properties)

[Ted Lyons]

Holy crap. I was not expecting that big of an exterior transformation, or any transformation at all for that matter. That'll look great.

[Mattic505]

I was following Kaneui's post on the Herbert and noticed this updated schematic of the GreenLine Project. It looks similar but you may notice the revised north facing glass... A nice touch!:cheers:

This image is huge so just a link folks. Don't want to destroy your browsing :haha:

Courtesy: Peach Properties (http://peachprops.com)
http://peachprops.com/images/schematic-2012-4-26.jpg

[Anqrew]

some new photos/info i've found regarding Campus Acquisition's project/s

"The building's exterior uses stucco and the University's signature red brick, with accents of metal and glass. The ground-floor curtainwall engages Tyndall and its residents with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape."
http://www.shepleybulfinch.com/p_images/A45/01.jpg
shepley bulfinch

http://www.shepleybulfinch.com/project/campus-acquisitions/A45/


also found a diagram for the 2nd tower on Park
http://i47.tinypic.com/2q1cot0.png
http://www.tucsonaz.gov/SIREPub/cache/2/4191320C2C20CE43925100C33333337373374554544557/464441010022012015641513.pdf

[ComplotDesigner]

I was following Kaneui's post on the Herbert and noticed this updated schematic of the GreenLine Project. It looks similar but you may notice the revised north facing glass... A nice touch!:cheers:

This image is huge so just a link folks. Don't want to destroy your browsing :haha:

Courtesy: Peach Properties (http://peachprops.com)
http://peachprops.com/images/schematic-2012-4-26.jpg

:previous: Resized it.

http://imageshack.us/a/img832/6363/schematic2012426.jpg

[Ted Lyons]

The paving is finished on Congress between Stone and 6th. Based on my totally uneducated guess, the road between 6th and 5th has a few more layers of asphalt and it'll be done as well.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/304095_371985479544752_541649382_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=371985479544752&set=a.371985242878109.87786.147598338650135&type=1&theater

[Anqrew]

FORS architecture posted this on their FB. a proposed redesign of Arizona Ave. (an alley downtown)

scroll to page 7 to see the renderings... great alternative for creating pedestrian areas without shutting down congress.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/ward6/Newsletter_10-1-12.pdf

[Locofresh55]

I like that proposal for Arizona Ave. The only thing I would like to see (I know this is a rendering...) would be a multicolored paver stones for that walkway. Red is nice but you can mix that up with some solid desert brown stone or even some grey with red. I would love some type of design as well. The overstreet lighting is pretty nice too but those should be multi-colored as well. But definitely some nice promise for that street.

[kaneui]

They certainly won't be confused with Park Ave. apartments in NYC, but these new renderings show an attractive second project from Campus Acquisitions next to the current Level project under construction, adding more density and height to the new Main Gate Urban Overlay District:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/ParkAvenuestudenthousing-Tucson.jpg
These renderings show the Level and Park Avenue projects together--back to back.
(renders: Shepley Bulfinch)


Beal | Derkenne Construction to Build Student Housing Project in Tucson
By Peter Madrid
AZREMagazine.com
October 2, 2012

Beal | Derkenne Construction has entered a pre-construction agreement for a student housing project in Tucson. The project, Park Avenue, is being developed by Campus Acquisitions (CA) of Chicago. Work is scheduled to begin in 1Q 2013, with completion expected to be finalized by 3Q 2014. Park Avenue is representing the second phase of a student housing project close to the University of Arizona. Park Avenue, bordering the UA campus, will allow Beal | Derkenne to go beyond the realm of ordinary student living by being part of the extensive, high end, luxury, student housing project, which will be home to 386 student residents with 166 units in total.

“Campus Acquisitions is pleased to announce the start of its second high-rise, luxury student housing project at the University of Arizona, adding to CA’s legacy of building the premier buildings on campuses nationwide,” said Stephen G. Bus, VP Acquisitions & Development of Campus Acquisitions. “We are looking forward to work with BDC on an exceptional project with a demanding schedule and trust BDC’s experience to deliver with their remarkable standards.”


http://azremagazine.com/new-market/beal-derkenne-construction-build-student-housing-project-tucson

[kaneui]

Here's a brief slideshow of construction progress on the North End Zone project at Arizona Stadium from April-September:

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/ward6/10-1-12MonthlyAerialPhotosMay-Sep.pdf

[Anqrew]

So the second tower is being called "Park Avenue"? interesting.
but those renders look amazing! MAin gate is going to be so lively in 5 years. wish we could get this density downtown!

[Ted Lyons]

So the second tower is being called "Park Avenue"? interesting.
but those renders look amazing! MAin gate is going to be so lively in 5 years. wish we could get this density downtown!

It's crazy how different the renderings look compared to the sketches you posted. It's clearly the same but not what I was expecting.

[kaneui]

On the heels of the repaving of east Congress St. for the modern streetcar, nearly $1M of improvements to downtown's Ronstadt Transit Center will wrap up later this month:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/RonstadtTransitCenterimprovements10-1-12-Tucson.jpg
Construction on the east side of the RTC next to the MacArthur Building - October 1
(photo: city of Tucson)


http://dot.tucsonaz.gov/projects/project.cfm?cip=78FA72B4-CD82-6F02-BC9F1F4D502D98AD

[kaneui]

Even after spending $1M for stabilization work, WAMO still needs another $1.5M to make the 1907 Steinfeld Warehouse habitable as apartments and studios for artists and space for other retail tenants, hopefully by 2014:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/Steinfeldwarehouse-Tucson-2.jpg
The top 10 layers of bricks were replaced with better quality reclaimed bricks that
are also 100 years old.
(photo: Downtown Tucsonan)


Artists Shopping for $1.5 Million to Revive Steinfeld Warehouse
By Teya Vitu
Downtown Tucsonan
October 4, 2012

As soon as artists got the keys to the Steinfeld Warehouse on Nov. 9, 2011, they scooted onto the fast-track to resurrect the 1907 brick structure as a live-work-shop-dine haven for artists. The top 10 layers of bricks were replaced with better quality reclaimed bricks that are also 100 years old. Fast-track does not mean overnight for a fragile, 105-year warehouse – more like 2014. The Steinfeld has stood vacant since artists were evicted in July 2007, and Mother Nature has not been kind to the warehouse in the mean time or in the 30 years since it was acquired by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Steinfeld may not look any different now when you drive by on 6th Street, but a closer inspection with architect Corky Poster reveals a world of difference. 2012 has seen a transformation from what Poster called a “pile of rocks” because much of the mortar that held rocks and bricks together at street level and below had completely pulverized. “There was 8 inches of gray dust right against the foundation wall,” said Poster, a principal at the Poster Frost Mirto architecture, the urban planning firm that undertook the stabilization project.

The warehouse got a $980,000 major tune-up with upward of 5,000 replacement bricks; new mortar on the foundation rock level and the lowest brick wall level above the foundations; and the entire roof structure was replaced. “Less than a year ago, we were not allowed to enter the building unless we had a $1 million liability policy, a hard hat and a city fire marshal was with us,” said Susan Gamble, co-chair of the Friends of Steinfeld, a committee of the Warehouse Arts Management Organization. “Now we are poised to work with our first tenant and get them in here.”


For full article: http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/10/artists-shopping-for-1-5-million-to-revive-steinfeld-warehouse/

[Ritarancher]

I have been away from the thread for a week and when I came back I was EXTREMELY excited as to what is happening to Tucson. I love the renderings of Park Avenue Apartments and Level. When I first saw the picture I asked myself, is this in Tucson!? I also saw that the restaurants in downtown pulled in an astonishing 12 million dollars, with more restaurants and offices coming to downtown I can not wait to see the future food scene. Another thing that caught my eye is the installation of solar panels to the parking lots at the airport. WOW!!! That is one of the greatest ways that visitors to Tucson get a glimpse of who we are and what we are about. The future for the Herbert also looks bright with its new design. I was also pleased to see that ITG was coming to Tucson because our people are qualified.

Rio Nuevo has done less to downtown in all its years of operation than the streetcar has done before a single car has traveled Tucson streets. I have a good feeling that when the streetcar proves to be a success, we will be looking up at the 400+ foot tallest building of Tucson.

[kaneui]

Rio Nuevo may partially fund a feasibility study for Rancho Chuk-Shon--a proposed cultural and events center planned as a major tourist attraction featuring Hispanic, Native American and Southwestern cultures, to be located near the new Mission Gardens west of I-10:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/RanchoChuk-Shon-Tucson.jpg
(courtesy: Rio Nuevo)


http://rionuevo-tucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Rancho-Chuk-Sohn-presentation.pdf

[Ritarancher]

Rio Nuevo may partially fund a feasibility study for Rancho Chuk-Shon--a proposed cultural and events center planned as a major tourist attraction featuring Hispanic, Native American and Southwestern cultures, to be located near the new Mission Gardens west of I-10:


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/RanchoChuk-Shon-Tucson.jpg
(courtesy: Rio Nuevo)


http://rionuevo-tucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Rancho-Chuk-Sohn-presentation.pdf

I honestly feel that this is useless. A space this big that is close to the streetcar, the freeway and downtown has a better purpose. People are not going to come and visit this. What would really do Tucson good is a world-class science center. People would want to see that! Not only does a science center help further expand the tourism industry, it represents Tucson and our involvement to science which can also add more science related jobs.

[gozilla]

I honestly feel that this is useless. A space this big that is close to the streetcar, the freeway and downtown has a better purpose. People are not going to come and visit this. What would really do Tucson good is a world-class science center. People would want to see that! Not only does a science center help further expand the tourism industry, it represents Tucson and our involvement to science which can also add more science related jobs.

Unless they turn that into a park and entertainment venue, that area would be just as wasteful and useless as the Presidio del San Augustin del Tucson (http://www.visittucson.org/listings/index.cfm?action=displayListing&listingID=22913&catID=25&menuID=15&hit=1) at Church Ave. The Presidio is a joke. It's a miniature replica of the original fortress.

They should have something like 'Jazz at the Missions' or 'Chamber Music Convento' or 'Rock the Native American' at the Mission Garden area.

The other joke, the seven story One Broadway "high rise" . I mean c'mon, that spot in the very center of downtown (stone/broadway) needs to be just as tall as the Unisource "tower". The developers need to partner with several real estate corporations.

[Ted Lyons]

Unless they turn that into a park and entertainment venue, that area would be just as wasteful and useless as the Presidio del San Augustin del Tucson (http://www.visittucson.org/listings/index.cfm?action=displayListing&listingID=22913&catID=25&menuID=15&hit=1) at Church Ave. The Presidio is a joke. It's a miniature replica of the original fortress.

They should have something like 'Jazz at the Missions' or 'Chamber Music Convento' or 'Rock the Native American' at the Mission Garden area.

The other joke, the seven story One Broadway "high rise" . I mean c'mon, that spot in the very center of downtown (stone/broadway) needs to be just as tall as the Unisource "tower". The developers need to partner with several real estate corporations.

Here are your options in reality: A 7-story shovel-ready mixed-used project or a parking lot for the next 10 to 20 years. What's better?

[gozilla]

Here are your options in reality: A 7-story shovel-ready mixed-used project or a parking lot for the next 10 to 20 years. What's better?

Neither. I'd say not to rush into building that 7 story building. The economy is picking up and the owners of that lot should seek more revenues and partners to build a much taller building.

In a few years, the owners of that lot will regret rushing into building a shorter building when they could make more money with a taller building. A bigger slump in the economy follows a massive recovery. It's no excuse building with that height and size in that area when buildings that are 2 times taller and 3+ times more sq footage are currently being built close to the U of A.

[Ted Lyons]

Neither. I'd say not to rush into building that 7 story building. The economy is picking up and the owners of that lot should seek more revenues and partners to build a much taller building.

You might not be aware that space and infrastructure for a "much taller building" has existed at that exact intersection for the past 26 years and, yet, no such building has been constructed. One can only figure that market conditions haven't allowed for that level of construction. The fact that the Unisource building is half empty right now further backs that hypothesis.

In a few years, the owners of that lot will regret rushing into building a shorter building when they could make more money with a taller building. A bigger slump in the economy follows a massive recovery. It's no excuse building with that height and size in that area when buildings that are 2 times taller and 3+ times more sq footage are currently being built close to the U of A.

The above facts dictate that this is probably wrong.

[gozilla]

You might not be aware that space and infrastructure for a "much taller building" has existed at that exact intersection for the past 26 years and, yet, no such building has been constructed. One can only figure that market conditions haven't allowed for that level of construction. The fact that the Unisource building is half empty right now further backs that hypothesis.



The above facts dictate that this is probably wrong.

Unisource building is not a mixed used building. Unisource building is half empty right now because it's previous tenants just moved out to other buildings. Taller buildings weren't built around that area over the years because Tucson has an anti-business anti-growth culture. There have been attempts to build buildings around Tucson over the years only to be discouraged by Tucson's anti-business anti-growth culture and not to mention the good ol' boy and corrupt culture in the Tucson city gov't.

If you are having doubts about demand living downtown, just look around the student housing demand being built in and around downtown.

[Ritarancher]

Unless they turn that into a park and entertainment venue, that area would be just as wasteful and useless as the Presidio del San Augustin del Tucson (http://www.visittucson.org/listings/index.cfm?action=displayListing&listingID=22913&catID=25&menuID=15&hit=1) at Church Ave. The Presidio is a joke. It's a miniature replica of the original fortress.

They should have something like 'Jazz at the Missions' or 'Chamber Music Convento' or 'Rock the Native American' at the Mission Garden area.

The other joke, the seven story One Broadway "high rise" . I mean c'mon, that spot in the very center of downtown (stone/broadway) needs to be just as tall as the Unisource "tower". The developers need to partner with several real estate corporations.

:previous::previous::previous::previous::previous: I couldn't agree more!!!! 1 Broadway is literally across the street from the tallest buildings in Tucson. We shouldn't jump the gun and put a small building there just because we can. A building of that height would have better use in the new west side development in downtown, near the new senior apartments. I understand that we do not have any proposals for any tall highrises but that does not mean that we won't in the near future. Besides, the Chase building was designed so that buildings on its sides will be taller than itself.

[gozilla]

:previous::previous::previous::previous::previous: I couldn't agree more!!!! 1 Broadway is literally across the street from the tallest buildings in Tucson. We shouldn't jump the gun and put a small building there just because we can. A building of that height would have better use in the new west side development in downtown, near the new senior apartments. I understand that we do not have any proposals for any tall highrises but that does not mean that we won't in the near future. Besides, the Chase building was designed so that buildings on its sides will be taller than itself.

Thanks Ritarancher. I predict that ugly blue building across that chase parking lot (current location of that proposed puny One Broadway complex) will eventually be demolished and replaced with a high rise , hopefully, this time a condo. In fact, about a year from now, I believe Tucson will have a slew of new proposals of mid/high rise buildings in and around downtown. The parking lot across the TEP/Unisource building (besides the Chicago Store) might have a chance of another mid-high rise mixed use complex.

So the folks at One Broadway will be out of place with these other real high rises popping up over the years. They need to add more floors! Downtown Tucson isn't big. Building a seven floor building downtown is a waste of real estate. The One Broadway developers are MAKING A BIG F***ING MISTAKE!

[Ted Lyons]

Unisource building is not a mixed used building.

Who said it was?

Unisource building is half empty right now because it's previous tenants just moved out to other buildings.

That doesn't change the facts of market demand. In fact, it just further proves my point that the demand isn't there. If it were, when Unisource and the FBI moved out, other tenants would have moved in. As it is, Buzz Isaacson recently said he doesn't have any potential tenants lined up for 1 South Church. If he can't fill existing space, how long do you think it's going to be before someone can lease hundreds of thousands of feet of unbuilt space? That's just not realistic right now.

Taller buildings weren't built around that area over the years because Tucson has an anti-business anti-growth culture. There have been attempts to build buildings around Tucson over the years only to be discouraged by Tucson's anti-business anti-growth culture and not to mention the good ol' boy and corrupt culture in the Tucson city gov't.

These are all tangents and non-sequiturs that do nothing to negate the fact that a literal foundation for a skyscraper has existed at Church and Broadway for 26 years and none has been built.

If you are having doubts about demand living downtown, just look around the student housing demand being built in and around downtown.

You mean projects just like the one you're saying isn't worthwhile? I have no doubt that there's demand for residential development downtown. Check out my posting history.

What I do doubt is that there is significant demand for a 20+ floor building downtown given the development we're currently seeing. The adjustments we've seen in size to The Cadence and Peach Property's adjustments to their development plan for the lot across the street confirm that a project such as the one you're proposing isn't feasible.

In line with these facts, it's probably a pipe dream to think anything better than 1 East Broadway would be built on that lot in the next 20 years.

[gozilla]

Who said it was?



That doesn't change the facts of market demand. In fact, it just further proves my point that the demand isn't there. If it were, when Unisource and the FBI moved out, other tenants would have moved in. As it is, Buzz Isaacson recently said he doesn't have any potential tenants lined up for 1 South Church. If he can't fill existing space, how long do you think it's going to be before someone can lease hundreds of thousands of feet of unbuilt space? That's just not realistic right now.



These are all tangents and non-sequiturs that do nothing to negate the fact that a literal foundation for a skyscraper has existed at Church and Broadway for 26 years and none has been built.



You mean projects just like the one you're saying isn't worthwhile? I have no doubt that there's demand for residential development downtown. Check out my posting history.

What I do doubt is that there is significant demand for a 20+ floor building downtown given the development we're currently seeing. The adjustments we've seen in size to The Cadence and Peach Property's adjustments to their development plan for the lot across the street confirm that a project such as the one you're proposing isn't feasible.

In line with these facts, it's probably a pipe dream to think anything better than 1 East Broadway would be built on that lot in the next 20 years.

You'll gonna have to wait and see the changes that's coming the next two years in and around downtown. And there will be more high rises proposed and built.

I won't be surprised someone like you posting in this forum five years ago predicting that downtown can't be renovated.

The Cadence and Peach Property's adjustments is due to not having enough $$$ to build a higher building.