Tucson Development Thread

[kaneui]

3. The Franklin Docks are picking up momentum again...Town West originally sat on the project too long, then tried to lower the heights for the buildings, so the project was killed, I believe the City is starting the process again...
http://www.dunbarspring.org/neighborhood-tags/franklin-docks-development

If you read the link info. closely, the city is looking to develop Block 175--the city block across from El Charro currently used as a parking lot. The community meeting on April 14 will be soliciting comments on a draft RFQ/RFP for the site.

As for the Franklin Docks site (where the former El Mirador project was proposed), those renders from Town West were from 2012, so I doubt that their proposal is moving forward. I'm guessing the city will wait until the Downtown Links project with the new realignment of 6th St. is finished before they put out a new RFP for that parcel.

[kaneui]

Below is a map from Pima County showing the alignment of the planned Sonoran Corridor, a 16-mile interstate connector between I-10 and I-19 (note how it will connect with the upcoming realignment of Hughes Access Road south of TIA, which is the first phase of the project). The purpose of the Corridor is to:

- provide a shorter bypass to connect I-19 and I-10, particularly for freight and commercial vehicles;
- connect Raytheon and the upcoming aerospace and defense manufacturing park south of the airport with the UA's Science & Technology Park on Rita Rd.;
- provide a southern entrance to TIA;
- connect I-10 with the proposed I-11 that will be a major transportation route for trade with Mexico.

For more info.:

https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=167881

http://azbex.com/pima-county-plans-600m-sonoran-corridor/


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/3fe33cfd-7243-4c80-89c0-63fb83f4a25f_zpsaits124p.jpg
(courtesy: Pima County)

[farmerk]

Below is a map from Pima County showing the alignment of the planned Sonoran Corridor, a 16-mile interstate connector between I-10 and I-19 (note how it will connect with the upcoming realignment of Hughes Access Road south of TIA, which is the first phase of the project). ....
[/SIZE]

That area or surrounding it should be a good spot for building MODERN mid-rise or even high rise urban development. There probably would have very little opposition for such development.

[southtucsonboy77]

Below is a map from Pima County showing the alignment of the planned Sonoran Corridor, a 16-mile interstate connector between I-10 and I-19 (note how it will connect with the upcoming realignment of Hughes Access Road south of TIA, which is the first phase of the project). The purpose of the Corridor is to:

- provide a shorter bypass to connect I-19 and I-10, particularly for freight and commercial vehicles;
- connect Raytheon and the upcoming aerospace and defense manufacturing park south of the airport with the UA's Science & Technology Park on Rita Rd.;
- provide a southern entrance to TIA;
- connect I-10 with the proposed I-11 that will be a major transportation route for trade with Mexico.

For more info.:

https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=167881

http://azbex.com/pima-county-plans-600m-sonoran-corridor/


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/3fe33cfd-7243-4c80-89c0-63fb83f4a25f_zpsaits124p.jpg
(courtesy: Pima County)

The good sign is that I see interchanges and limited access...therefore, this may be a true "freeway" and not a "parkway", aka Aviation.

[InTheBurbs]

Infill Project Planned for Tyndall/Blacklidge

...Already zoned R-3 for high density housing, the infill project is to be developed in two phases, with 37 two-story, two-car garage homes per phase. There hasn’t been an infill project of this magnitude in Tucson for some time and plans are still tentative pending plat approval.

http://azbex.com/infill-project-enhances-central-tucson/

[Ritarancher]

The good sign is that I see interchanges and limited access...therefore, this may be a true "freeway" and not a "parkway", aka Aviation.

I completely agree! The documents and news articles seem to use freeway and parkway interchangeably. I was worried we were going to get another Aviation Highway or Kino (which serve their purpose well, respectively) and that would not work for this. I'm excited for shorter commutes to sahuarita and even predict that this will be the biggest growing part of Tucson come 2020.
As for the infill, it's good for Tucson, especially in a gritty area. Everything there looks aged and unkempt, especially the strip malls. Some houses still look beautiful though. I love the landscaping residents have come up with.

[Ted Lyons]

Infill Project Planned for Tyndall/Blacklidge

...Already zoned R-3 for high density housing, the infill project is to be developed in two phases, with 37 two-story, two-car garage homes per phase. There hasn’t been an infill project of this magnitude in Tucson for some time and plans are still tentative pending plat approval.

http://azbex.com/infill-project-enhances-central-tucson/

I saw the "some time" language in this article awhile back and started thinking about other projects. Isn't there a similar development on Glenn between Park and Mountain?

[Ted Lyons]

AC Marriott (hopefully) set to begin construction in early June. Turns out the existing building on the property hadn't been purchased yet.

https://realestatedaily-news.com/ac-hotel-downtown-tucson-advances-toward-2016-opening/

[southtucsonboy77]

AC Marriott (hopefully) set to begin construction in early June. Turns out the existing building on the property hadn't been purchased yet.

https://realestatedaily-news.com/ac-hotel-downtown-tucson-advances-toward-2016-opening/

That's exciting news. :cheers:

I have to say this...linking to the planned Tempe Lakefront AC Marriott from the article...the rendering and design of the building is a whole lot better than Tucson's. I know, what I'm saying is just an opinion, but man, our future box-like hotel is eerily similiar to the box-like architecture of the Cadence...just like our new County courthouse is eerily similiar to the new Unisource building.

[Ted Lyons]

Historic Bring Funeral Home Downtown Sells for Repositioning

https://realestatedaily-news.com/historic-bring-funeral-home-downtown-sells-for-repositioning/

TL;DR - A company that includes Ron Schwabe and a member of the Dabdoub family bought the property and then sold the parking lot to HSL to add to their row house project on the parking lot just to the north. The building itself will be converted to office space.

[TakeFive]

"Tucson trolley snags top honor from Arizona Transit Association"
Apr 15, 2015 by Eric Jay Toll, Phoenix Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2015/04/15/tucson-trolley-snags-top-honor-from-arizona.html)
Tucson’s Sun Link streetcar walked off with the Outstanding Transit Organization award from the Arizona Transit Association during its annual conference this week in Phoenix.

Previously, URS Corporation had received the 2014 People's Choice Award (http://www.acecaz.org/awards.php?pID=34) for the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar.

Various other transit awards are also mentioned in the article.

[Ritarancher]

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2015/04/14/tucson-bike-share-program-getting-closer-to-launchingTucson is looking to make a bike sharing program.

[InTheBurbs]

AZ officials break ground on Hughes Access Road

That was quick.

The ceremony came less than a month after the Pima County Board voted 4-1 to spend $6.6 million to realign Hughes Access Road, which, upon completion, will be renamed Aerospace Parkway...

The project will move Hughes Access Road 2,500 feet south – a long-awaited priority for Raytheon, which in 2010 expanded at its Alabama location after saying space was too limited in Tucson. The county has purchased 328 acres to increase the buffer...

The project is part of the larger vision known as the Sonoran Corridor, which will connect I-10 to I-19 at the University Tech Park. It will also allow for a second runway at Tucson International Airport. The goal of the large-scale project is to induce high-tech and defense businesses to plant their roots in Tucson, making up a grouping of high-tech industries.

http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/az-officials-break-ground-on-hughes-access-road/article_0bb218cc-e48d-11e4-b2d1-63c04be33fd2.html

[southtucsonboy77]

Patel thinks Albuquerque is ready for Major League Soccer, Downtown venue (http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/real-estate/2015/04/patel-thinks-albuquerque-is-ready-for-major-league.html?page=all)

I would be so jealous if they did this ahead of Tucson...

[crzyabe]

Patel thinks Albuquerque is ready for Major League Soccer, Downtown venue (http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/real-estate/2015/04/patel-thinks-albuquerque-is-ready-for-major-league.html?page=all)

I would be so jealous if they did this ahead of Tucson...

I hope they do it! I wish that we would consider a stadium downtown or near Streetcar stops. I dont even care if we get MLS. I dont care if FC Tucson stays PDL, the stadium in an area that has food and entertainment within walking distance is the key.

The barriers to joining MLS are getting quite high. I think it is $250,000,000 buy in, a city centered, soccer specific stadium within your first 3 years, and a proven soccer market.

Besides meeting those requirements, Albuquerque is far down the list for MLS expansion. Miami and Beckham have been stalled, LAFC has stalled, Las Vegas had stadium trouble and Sacramento, with their way successful USL team, would come way before. FIFA is already upset at MLS for wanting more than 20 teams and MLS has stated publicly they would top out at 30. If they do happen to reach thirty, it will be 2 teams at a time with 3-4 years inbetween expansions. If Albuqueue makes the list, they will be in the last addition. This means is it 20 years, best case scenario.

I like soccer :)

[kaneui]

DOWNTOWN UPDATE


The four finalists for the Presidio Park renovation/Jan. 8 memorial (give your comments):
http://www.tucsonsmemorial.org/


The adjacent historic Pima County Courthouse being turned into museum space:
http://www.downtowntucson.org/2015/04/county-aims-put-museums-historic-courthouse/


$750k from Rio Nuevo for downtown streetscape improvements to include:
Phase 1: Scott Ave. - Pennington to Congress (sidewalks, benches, planters, street lights, etc.)
Phase 2: banners - TCC & Mercado; public art - Mercado District
Phase 3: SEC of Congress & Scott (sidewalk, planters, lighting, trees, etc.)
Phase 4: Arizona Ave. - put power lines underground
Phase 5: solar lights on Toole Ave.; dawn-to-dusk TEP lights; shade structures at 11 intersections.

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/cache/2/myhiz0lr11bz1egxx2yqmdoq/682902604192015113308397.PDF

[Patrick S]

Rita Ranch shopping center breaks ground (http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/construction_real_estate/rita-ranch-shopping-center-breaks-ground/article_0b043814-e489-11e4-a1a4-277207648cca.html)

A 17-acre parcel just south of Rita Ranch is beginning to take shape as a shopping and dining hub for the southeast side bedroom community.
Site work has begun at Las Plazas at Old Vail, at the northwest corner of Houghton and Old Vail roads, with grading, retention/detention, curbs, parking lot lighting and undergrounding of utilities.
The plot of land has been divided into 15 lots ranging in buildable areas from 3,000 to 19,000 square feet. The lots are being marketed for retail and restaurant use.
CBRE Tucson’s Nancy McClure and Michael Laatsch have the marketing assignment on the property.
McClure reports significant interest already, with two lots in escrow and another with a contract out for signature. All three are national operators.

[crzyabe]

http://www.kvoa.com/story/28853618/big-expansion-coming-to-the-westside-of-downtown-tucson

Some possible movement on the Westside of I-10

[Ritarancher]

Tucson landed the new Home Goods Distribution Center
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QqQIoADAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kvoa.com%2Fstory%2F28875053%2Fhomegoods-new-distribution-center-will-bring-over-400-jobs-to-tucson&ei=hk04Vc6tOYazoQTCtYGIAg&usg=AFQjCNGzIrQZUL4zoWLjI3YO50iaWXQFYQ&sig2=UVdqCNF_gytLctM1UmQuDg

[ILikeEyeballs]

http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/pima-bond-plan-includes-seven-ballot-questions/article_df451718-e90e-11e4-a005-776f84099129.html

[InTheBurbs]

Campbell Avenue Upgrades Planned

From today's AZ Daily Star...

A stretch of Campbell Avenue on Tucson’s north side will be prettier and more walkable after a quick summertime upgrade project.

The most noticeable feature will be lush, green container gardens in large, red planters on several corners between East Grant and Fort Lowell roads, said city engineering manager Sam Credio.

The gardens will include rosemary, Mexican grass trees, lantana, Texas mountain laurel, bird of paradise and indigo bushes, among other plants.

The city also will build eight sections of raised medians in the center turn lane. The medians will have red gravel, bottle trees, lantana and yucca.


Link: http://tucson.com/news/local/project-to-beautify-campbell-avenue-shopping-district/article_fa408e5f-222e-5bee-bf3a-b0f97f08244d.html

[farmerk]

http://www.kvoa.com/story/28853618/big-expansion-coming-to-the-westside-of-downtown-tucson

Some possible movement on the Westside of I-10

I lost count how many times this project has been in the construction phase. Hopefully, it gets done this time. I like the renderings of this project. The El Rio Community Center across it isn't bad either.

Also I drove around The Junction at Iron Horse (504 E. 9th St.) and it's a big improvement in that neighborhood.

I wished the rest of downtown west would be replaced with something like this :
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/02ddf5fd-4828-4897-98bd-80e874ebf24e_zpspsbolrh7.jpg

Since they are deep into the 'historical' architecture. Anything that would get rid of that blight and eyesore.

Anyways, I like the comment from Phil Damgar in this link (http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-a-rejected-mcdonald-s-doesn-t-spell-tucson-s/article_e6885b3f-1e41-53c0-a121-2bfc05021e7f.html?mode=comments)

[kaneui]

Downtown's historic, three-story Old Pueblo Club building (1906) is being rehabbed to house up to 30 homeless veterans:

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/clip/11444209/housing-first-for-homeless-vets?autostart=true

[Patrick S]

Not to kick-start a debate we just had on this thread, but KOLD had a piece on the idea of a cross-town freeway. FYI - estimated cost according to AzDOT and the RTA? $3 Billion.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/28939827/traffic-troubles-does-tucson-need-a-crosstown-freeway

[combusean]

^ The premise of that article is ridiculous. Since when did anyone pave their way out of congestion?

[somethingfast]

^ The premise of that article is ridiculous. Since when did anyone pave their way out of congestion?

Do you realize how absurd that response is? Re-orienting urban mazes more for more efficient flow with a net gain of zero (or little) asphalt doesn't compute?? Anti-freeway is fine. Anti-freeway rhetoric in of itself is just as obvious and useless as pro-freeway rhetoric.

[InTheBurbs]

El Rio adding 3-story building to Manning House campus

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ed/9ed5d663-bd8d-5e59-9cce-7c0178862fc8/5543b71b4d0ac.image.jpg?resize=620%2C310

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/cc/4cc941dd-b84c-5dd7-b962-b1b4f56f2393/554293acc9be0.image.png?resize=620%2C470

Images: Arizona Daily Star

El Rio Community Health Center will add a three-story office building to its project to redevelop the historic Manning House property in downtown Tucson.

The healthcare company is remodeling the interior of the Manning House, 450 W. Paseo Redondo, near West Congress Street and North Granada Avenue. It will become El Rio’s administration headquarters.
...
Plans filed with the city’s Planning and Development Services Department last week call for a new 36,000-square-foot, three-story office building on the north side of the property. It will house the company’s information technology department and call center.
...
El Rio will move about 200 employees to downtown Tucson by the end of the year if all goes according to plan, and the company will leave a leased space in a south side business park...
Link to Story (http://tucson.com/news/local/el-rio-adding--story-building-to-manning-house-campus/article_905b51c7-dc64-5a87-9d7a-56f79c9a1ae6.html)

It's a good move for downtown - new employees, new construction - but hopefully they make some improvements to the design of the new building. It looks a bit boxy and stark compared to the Manning House.

[Ted Lyons]

El Rio adding 3-story building to Manning House campus

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ed/9ed5d663-bd8d-5e59-9cce-7c0178862fc8/5543b71b4d0ac.image.jpg?resize=620%2C310

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/cc/4cc941dd-b84c-5dd7-b962-b1b4f56f2393/554293acc9be0.image.png?resize=620%2C470

Images: Arizona Daily Star


Link to Story (http://tucson.com/news/local/el-rio-adding--story-building-to-manning-house-campus/article_905b51c7-dc64-5a87-9d7a-56f79c9a1ae6.html)

It's a good move for downtown - new employees, new construction - but hopefully they make some improvements to the design of the new building. It looks a bit boxy and stark compared to the Manning House.

Agreed on the design. The overall presentation to the DRB sounded really good. Then, I saw these and :???:.

[kaneui]

Agreed on the design. The overall presentation to the DRB sounded really good. Then, I saw these and :???:.

The article quoted the architect as saying the new building's window and trim details will complement the historic building, so hopefully these are just preliminary renders. The other good news is that this campus will add 200 more employees to downtown.

[Ted Lyons]

The article quoted the architect as saying the new building's window and trim details will complement the historic building, so hopefully these are just preliminary renders. The other good news is that this campus will add 200 more employees to downtown.

That is good news. Curious where they're moving from. You'd think some will be coming from the building on Broadway and Fremont as that's on the demolition list for the Broadway widening.

[andrewsaturn]

You can see a little bit of the new courthouse park area if you haven't passed by in the area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=189-lYsRDyQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lXt1QbyDc0

[ppdd]

You can see a little bit of the new courthouse park area if you haven't passed by in the area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=189-lYsRDyQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lXt1QbyDc0

As someone who's been watching this get built day by day for the last two years, I can't figure out this bike lane. It's difficult to safely get to either end of this path, and it goes a long block from nowhere to nowhere. I hope it's supposed to connect to some bike paths in the Downtown links at some point, but right now it's a head scratcher. Seems very strange to have a ceremony dedicated to this.

[Ted Lyons]

New project downtown at Broadway and Stone. Good to see developers move so quickly after completing their first project. Hope this one is architecturally distinct from One East Broadway, though.

https://realestatedaily-news.com/one-east-meets-two-west-downtown-tucson/

[Qwijib0]

New project downtown at Broadway and Stone. Good to see developers move so quickly after completing their first project. Hope this one is architecturally distinct from One East Broadway, though.

https://realestatedaily-news.com/one-east-meets-two-west-downtown-tucson/

Even if it isn't, I'll take any market-rate housing that's a couple stories and run by competent developers.

[Azstar]

Even if it isn't, I'll take any market-rate housing that's a couple stories and run by competent developers.

Amen.

[Patrick S]

Not that NCAA football needs any more bowl games, but it appears Tucson has been approved for a new one (along with Orlando and Austin). It also appears, though, that it's still not for sure that it will happen this year.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/ua/2015/05/06/approved-tucson-bowl-game-has-long-way-to-go/70913656/

http://tucson.com/sports/football/college/details-scarce-on-new-tucson-bowl-game/article_31cc76ec-f41e-11e4-9e33-5b51c0807a8d.html

[Ted Lyons]

We know who is taking over the Saint House spot.

Elvira's restaurant in Tubac to open downtown

http://tucson.com/entertainment/blogs/caliente-tuned-in/elvira-s-restaurant-in-tubac-to-open-downtown/article_38d8a919-c48b-55c7-a71b-43f67bb5af9f.html

Elvira's Restaurant in Tubac will bring their saucy moles and splashy restaurant decor to Congress Street this winter. After extensive renovations, the upscale Mexican restaurant will open in the former Saint House Rum Bar at 256 E. Congress St.

Elvira's has a good reputation, so this seems like a good pickup for downtown.

[kaneui]

Tuesday's Buckmaster Show spent the full hour with Fletcher McCusker (board chair of Rio Nuevo) and Michael Keith (Exec. Director of the Downtown Tucson Partnership) discussing the latest redevelopment and future plans for downtown. Michael also announced that seven different housing projects will be breaking ground within the next 12 months in the downtown area. From the latest info. I have, some of those could be:

- Nine townhomes just west of Mercado San Agustin
- The West Abbey - Mission District (128 units)
- West End Station - Mission District (94 units)
- The Post (Bourn's 6-story apartments on the Thrifty block)
- Two West Broadway (40 units- Broadway and Stone)
- San Agustin Plaza (Holualoa Cos.' project on two city blocks across from the cathedral)
- Ronstadt Transit Center redevelopment (will have a housing component)


For the full conversation: http://www.buckmastershow.com/

[farmerk]

Tuesday's Buckmaster Show spent the full hour with Fletcher McCusker (board chair of Rio Nuevo) and Michael Keith (Exec. Director of the Downtown Tucson Partnership)
....

For the full conversation: http://www.buckmastershow.com/

I like the idea of a museum of the west at the old county courthouse. Hopefully, along the way, that museum will be extended with a modern museum besides it.

[Ossiria23]

http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-big-south-stone-apartment-block-will-displease-some/article_2d8e408a-89a0-543d-870a-70e24fe51e76.html?id=201408

[southtucsonboy77]

http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-big-south-stone-apartment-block-will-displease-some/article_2d8e408a-89a0-543d-870a-70e24fe51e76.html?id=201408

I actually like the renderings.

[Ted Lyons]

Cinemark to build 14-screen theater on south side

http://tucson.com/business/local/cinemark-to-build--screen-theater-on-south-side/article_6176cd8d-6702-5f4c-b161-6fee30241ac8.html?id=201408

A new, high-tech, extra comfy, 14-screen movie theater is coming to Tucson.

Texas-based Cinemark announced Friday it will build an all-digital movie theater at the Tucson Marketplace at the Bridges, the center near Interstate 10 and South Kino Parkway anchored by Walmart and Costco stores. The theater is expected to open in summer of 2016.

A couple of other pads at the Bridges are also being developed - one into a Verizon store and a Starbucks and another into a Chinese buffet. Oddly, when I saw news of those projects, I looked at the site plan and noticed the theater space for the first time. I figured that was a ways off, but I guess not.

[Patrick S]

Cinemark to build 14-screen theater on south side

http://tucson.com/business/local/cinemark-to-build--screen-theater-on-south-side/article_6176cd8d-6702-5f4c-b161-6fee30241ac8.html?id=201408



A couple of other pads at the Bridges are also being developed - one into a Verizon store and a Starbucks and another into a Chinese buffet. Oddly, when I saw news of those projects, I looked at the site plan and noticed the theater space for the first time. I figured that was a ways off, but I guess not.
I was in the Bridges less than a year ago looking for a Starbucks, and couldn't find one. LOL. Anyways, I was driving by on I-10 earlier this week and wondering when more would get developed there - thinking a theatre would be perfect and might be what could tip that project into a successful one. Glad to hear about this.

[andrewsaturn]

Live webcam link in article

http://marana365.com/2015/03/31/inside-look-at-the-outlet-mall/

[farmerk]

I'm hoping the Bridges would build some high quality condos and apts along with the 750 architecturally distinctive single-family homes. That should be a good spot to live since most of your daily needs are within walking distance.

EDIT: There actually were plans for apts reserved for UA graduate students and faculty back in 2010 (http://www.tucsonmarketplaceatthebridges.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58:ua-bioscience-park-ready-to-sign-apartments-agreement&catid=41:bioscience-news&Itemid=69)

[Ted Lyons]

Live webcam link in article

http://marana365.com/2015/03/31/inside-look-at-the-outlet-mall/

Wow. It's pretty far along. Gotta think we'll be hearing about tenants in the next month or so.

[farmerk]

I actually like the renderings.

I second that. I just wished they add more floors. Instead of just 4 floors, 10 floors would be fantastic!

[Ossiria23]

http://tucson.com/news/opinion/column/guest/linda-ronstadt-rebuilding-plaza-would-give-tucson-sense-of-place/article_75115bf7-c164-5e4b-acd8-6044051eaf8b.html?id=201408


I agree we need a great plaza downtown

[farmerk]

It's barely a year, the streetcar is about to reach it's millionth passenger (http://www.kvoa.com/story/29087947/rider-1000000-to-board-streetcar)

FYI, Metro Tucson's population is about a million.

[Ted Lyons]

On my way to work this morning, I'm pretty sure I saw a "FORS" sign inside the old Which Wich space on University. Can't find anything on PRO yet, though.

Also, the article below on the GPLET process downtown mentions that buildout for Proper Meatery is expected to begin this summer. Again, nothing on PRO yet.

http://tucson.com/news/local/blighted-buildings-plus-tax-incentives-draw-developers-downtown/article_852a29a6-67bb-5b59-b102-3bbd740b2b4f.html

[crzyabe]

I saw signs posted around the parking lot south of Playground/Bianco/Hub stating that they would begin towing any cars in the lot on May 18th. I assume this means they are beginning to clear the lot for construction.

[ppdd]

I saw signs posted around the parking lot south of Playground/Bianco/Hub stating that they would begin towing any cars in the lot on May 18th. I assume this means they are beginning to clear the lot for construction.

There's a also a big banner on the law building in that lot stating that it's being demolished - things are certainly moving along.

[Ted Lyons]

Sounds like Bud Foster will have a report on downtown housing developments tonight at 6 if anyone watches local news.

[Ted Lyons]

Not much to the Bud Foster story, but the link is below.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/29096077/downtown-growth-enters-new-phase

Major highlight was mention of a meeting tonight between HSL and the city regarding redevelopment of Hotel Arizona. Lowlight was putting up an image of Bob Vint's hotel proposal on Euclid in place of the AC.

[crzyabe]

I took a quick walk this morning around the AC Marriott lot and through Arizona Ave. The Marriott lot is gated off and they have begun ripping up the asphalt. The Independent Distillery and Johnny Gibson's back courtyard are really coming along and looking nice

[andrewsaturn]

The Hub restaurant spinoff is here. Grand opening is this Friday, however, according to their facebook page, you can stop by today to sample.

https://www.facebook.com/HubIceCream

[farmerk]

Developers' downtown projects advance in incentives program

The Bourn properties have been the subject of much criticism, because he bought the property for $100 but until now no projects were under way. Uhlich said that should have been overtly addressed. “We can’t ignore that history,” she said.
...
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild noted Bourn must work quickly on the apartment project because the terms of a settlement agreement with Rio Nuevo say the next deadline is in October. That project is “on a fuse that’s running,” he said.

SOURCE (http://tucson.com/business/local/developers-downtown-projects-advance-in-incentives-program/article_e4981954-8eed-54cc-9c11-bf33a3a7bd9f.html#utm_source=tucson&utm_campaign=most-popular-tabs-2&utm_medium=direct)

I'm hoping this project gets canceled and a non-Tucson corporate developer builds that 30+ high rise. :fingerscrossed: It's about time Tucson!!

[Qwijib0]

It's barely a year, the streetcar is about to reach it's millionth passenger (http://www.kvoa.com/story/29087947/rider-1000000-to-board-streetcar)

FYI, Metro Tucson's population is about a million.

Millionth rider happened today, I was on the car where it happened. They were handing out swag bags full of left-overs from opening day and a summer in the city discount card.

[andrewsaturn]

Millionth rider happened today, I was on the car where it happened. They were handing out swag bags full of left-overs from opening day and a summer in the city discount card.

Winning a million dollars would of been cool :p

[InTheBurbs]

I took a quick walk this morning around the AC Marriott lot and through Arizona Ave. The Marriott lot is gated off and they have begun ripping up the asphalt. The Independent Distillery and Johnny Gibson's back courtyard are really coming along and looking nice

Downtown Tucsonan had a picture on their Facebook page. They said the archaeological dig will start soon and the official groundbreaking will be in July.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11133643_10152715064781923_7735658823806273883_o.jpg

Link (https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11133643_10152715064781923_7735658823806273883_o.jpg)

[farmerk]

Steller: Cathedral plaza proposal intriguing but flawed

...

Holualoa plans to put market-rate apartments on the site, probably four stories high, he said. Whether there’s enough room on a less-than-1-acre property for an urban plaza that actually needs to provide a return on investment is questionable to say the least.

Holualoa has already bought the surface parking lots one block south on Stone, across the street from the Carrillo mortuary. They plan to put around 25 three-story row houses on that property. Preliminary responses from neighbors and others have been enthusiastic.

...

Article (http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-cathedral-plaza-proposal-intriguing-but-flawed/article_a7d9d5f2-2077-569c-b21e-a740b1562d56.html)

BTW, the renovated Coronado Hotel's restaurant with tables outside (by 4th ave underpass) is quite popular and the Mercado San Augustine market ( with a tiny plaza at downtown west) is equally popular. If Holualoa doesn't build a plaza, at least allow restaurants with outside tables besides it.

[Patrick S]

Steller: Cathedral plaza proposal intriguing but flawed

...

Holualoa plans to put market-rate apartments on the site, probably four stories high, he said. Whether there’s enough room on a less-than-1-acre property for an urban plaza that actually needs to provide a return on investment is questionable to say the least.

Holualoa has already bought the surface parking lots one block south on Stone, across the street from the Carrillo mortuary. They plan to put around 25 three-story row houses on that property. Preliminary responses from neighbors and others have been enthusiastic.

...

Article (http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-cathedral-plaza-proposal-intriguing-but-flawed/article_a7d9d5f2-2077-569c-b21e-a740b1562d56.html)

BTW, the renovated Coronado Hotel's restaurant with tables outside (by 4th ave underpass) is quite popular and the Mercado San Augustine market ( with a tiny plaza at downtown west) is equally popular. If Holualoa doesn't build a plaza, at least allow restaurants with outside tables besides it.
That parking lot across from Carrillo's used to be where I parked for work as I work right around the corner from it on S. Scott (I now park one block north just across Corral St. at another parking lot). I don't see how they're going to fit that many row houses on that property. It's not very big. They have it fenced off and have been doing work at the old funeral home on the east side of the property.

[Ted Lyons]

I don't see how they're going to fit that many row houses on that property. It's not very big.

Evidently like this:

http://i.imgur.com/HgwLJny.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/DgiDtFG.png?1

[farmerk]

That parking lot across from Carrillo's used to be where I parked for work as I work right around the corner from it on S. Scott (I now park one block north just across Corral St. at another parking lot). I don't see how they're going to fit that many row houses on that property. It's not very big. They have it fenced off and have been doing work at the old funeral home on the east side of the property.

Couldn't find a rendering of this project. I hope it's NOT your typical low grade cookie cutter strip mall architecture. Tucson has enough of these rip offs.

[southtucsonboy77]

Downtown Tucson has one of the smallest footprints in the country for a large-medium sized metro area. I really thought this parcel was the cut-off of what I would have called "downtown" with a higher height limit and density. Again, this proposed development is infilling a surface parking lot...which is always a positive and I will never knock that. But 3-story row houses that close to "central" downtown? I love row houses...but not for that location. Just seems like developers are taking the path of least resistance from Neighborhood Associations and building smaller scale projects. I could be wrong, but that's the impression I get.

[hthomas]

Downtown Tucson has one of the smallest footprints in the country for a large-medium sized metro area. I really thought this parcel was the cut-off of what I would have called "downtown" with a higher height limit and density. Again, this proposed development is infilling a surface parking lot...which is always a positive and I will never knock that. But 3-story row houses that close to "central" downtown? I love row houses...but not for that location. Just seems like developers are taking the path of least resistance from Neighborhood Associations and building smaller scale projects. I could be wrong, but that's the impression I get.

I think you nailed it. Not trying to be negative but I don't think Tucson will ever have the skyscrapers we want. I think that our development will be much more in line with the heights and densities of San Jose, Washington D.C., Dublin, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Munich, St. Petersburg...

[Ritarancher]

Tucson has far too many parking and dirt lots to get a skyscraper. Building to the sky is only needed when land gets scarce. I'd imagine we'll get the tall stuff we want in the early 2020's when Mercado and Arena fill up. When all of Tucson's tallest towers were built, the downtown core was full of small houses. Now, they've fallen apart and we've paved them over opening space up again.

[farmerk]

Downtown Tucson has one of the smallest footprints in the country for a large-medium sized metro area. I really thought this parcel was the cut-off of what I would have called "downtown" with a higher height limit and density. Again, this proposed development is infilling a surface parking lot...which is always a positive and I will never knock that. But 3-story row houses that close to "central" downtown? I love row houses...but not for that location. Just seems like developers are taking the path of least resistance from Neighborhood Associations and building smaller scale projects. I could be wrong, but that's the impression I get.

I agree with you. I'd wish there's a spot or two in Tucson where the sky is the limit for building height. I like Kolb and I-10 to be one of those spots for Tucson's new downtown. The current downtown will be Tucson's gaslamp district or old downtown. With this setup we can line I-10 from Kolb to Tucson's gaslamp district with skyscrapers (light rail route besides it).

And it won't hurt to create urban islands in Tucson.

Within 50 years, Tucson will be fully urbanized and the current NIMBY's should be dead by then. :D

[southtucsonboy77]

I think you nailed it. Not trying to be negative but I don't think Tucson will ever have the skyscrapers we want. I think that our development will be much more in line with the heights and densities of San Jose, Washington D.C., Dublin, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Munich, St. Petersburg...

The mid-size buildings and densities they create are not bad in those cities...the thing that's driving me crazy here in Tucson is that we have not built any buildings taller than 9 stories in downtown since 1986. I think that time span is a bit much...and it's a symptom of what ails Tucson...and I won't get into that. But 3, 4, 5 stories...I mean, really, 3 stories...that's not mid-level by any means. The 3 student housing projects at Main Gate, the Casino del Sol Hotel...those are mid-size and appropriate for Tucson. These recent 6, 8, and 9 projects...okay, it's kick-started excitement and progress. I'm waiting on 10...that's my magic number for a downtown skyline celebration. To any critics of my frustration rant, I know it's all superficial and towers and skyscrapers don't truly represent a vibrant downtown. However, they are symbolic of success and prides of beauty and joy.

One last thought: Ever notice that our downtown doesn't light up or outline our buildings at night? Yes, our beloved dark skies ordinance...but man, we are behind in showcasing our skyline (as small as it is).

[Patrick S]

Hadn't heard about this yet. Looks like Comcast is opening a new Customer Service Center in Tucson. Though it is a call center, it will still employee over 1,000 people, which is good.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2015/05/21/comcast-seeks-to-fix-horrible-customer-service.html

http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/governor-doug-ducey-comcast-announce-customer-support-center-in-tucson/article_71fb2940-fff2-11e4-b394-53a77e102c66.htmlhttp://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/governor-doug-ducey-comcast-announce-customer-support-center-in-tucson/article_71fb2940-fff2-11e4-b394-53a77e102c66.html

[kmiller5]

I'll be excited to see some of these housing projects get off the ground. I think I remember hearing that the Marriot Residence Inn on campus would break ground this summer along with West End Station (finally!). Anyone know if this is still the case?

[andrewsaturn]

I'll be excited to see some of these housing projects get off the ground. I think I remember hearing that the Marriot Residence Inn on campus would break ground this summer along with West End Station (finally!). Anyone know if this is still the case?

Yes I believe both projects are starting this summer, if not, later this year.

[Ted Lyons]

At this point, I'd say the Residence Inn has no chance for a start this summer. Permitting hasn't even started as far as I can tell.

[kaneui]

Acknowledging that "we are part of the blight, but we want to be part of the solution," Tucson's Catholic diocese is proposing yet another plan to save the historic but crumbling Marist College, as well as redevelop parts of the two city blocks the diocese owns downtown:

http://tucson.com/news/local/new-effort-to-save-historic-downtown-building/article_cfa73c36-b6d2-5ada-a616-5093ec39a044.html

[kaneui]

A review of the county's upcoming $815M bond election in November shows that downtown projects could receive nearly $75M, although whether voters are likely to approve anything other than Prop. 425 for road and highway improvements remains to be seen:

DOWNTOWN BOND PROJECTS

Prop. 426
Southern Arizona Regional Orientation Center - $18M

Prop. 427
Music Hall, Leo Rich Theatre, and TCC landscape renovations* - $23.5M
Historic county courthouse restoration/repurposing - $25M
Temple of Music & Art rehab - $.9M
Tucson Children's Museum remodel/expansion - $5M

Prop. 428
Sentinel Peak Park improvements - $1.5M


http://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=195314


*Rio Nuevo is currently in discussions with the city of Tucson on how to fund an additional $48M of suggested renovations to the Tucson Convention Center. (Phase I renovations of $9M to the Tucson Arena and other areas were completed in December, 2014.)

[crzyabe]

Some concept drawings of Two West Broadway

https://www.facebook.com/engberganderson/posts/897250976987798

[Ted Lyons]

Some concept drawings of Two West Broadway

https://www.facebook.com/engberganderson/posts/897250976987798

Awesome. Looks pretty similar, but I'll be happy with it as long as they keep the distinct color scheme.

[Ted Lyons]

Some concept drawings of Two West Broadway

https://www.facebook.com/engberganderson/posts/897250976987798

Oddly, the development package that was submitted on 5/19 indicates 7 floors. Curious which of the renderings or the development package are outdated.

[crzyabe]

That 2 story building on the AC Marriot lot is gone. I was downtown yesrtday morning and they were clearing the debris pile. Things are moving rather quickly.

Additionally, if you look through the fence on the lot, you see the current archaeology occuring on the south east corner.

[ppdd]

PAG is seeking input on the 30 year Regional Transportation Plan.

You can visit the survey site and contribute to the community input/vision here:

http://gismaps.pagnet.org/RTPEngage/

[InTheBurbs]

Delta to add flights to LA

http://tucson.com/business/local/delta-to-add-daily-tucson-to-lax-nonstops/article_f34ed0c4-7a91-5168-b5e1-8020a11c9f60.html

Starting Dec 19, Delta will add 3 flights a day from Tucson to LAX. That same day Delta starts daily non-stop service to Seattle.

[southtucsonboy77]

Sundt & DPR Take On $400M Banner Project (http://azbex.com/sundt-dpr-take-on-400m-banner-project/)

This article was in the Daily Star a few days ago, but this website is free.

[ProfessorMole]

Got lunch at Main Gate today and saw the wonderful, big green sign at the Which Wich location. It's going to be a place called Red's Smokehouse & Tap Room. Once I saw that, did a search when I got back to my office and found this article (https://tucsonfoodie.com/2015/06/01/pasco-owner-to-open-reds-smokehouse-tap-room-in-main-gate-square/) from about a week ago on Tucson Foodie.

[southtucsonboy77]

Got lunch at Main Gate today and saw the wonderful, big green sign at the Which Wich location. It's going to be a place called Red's Smokehouse & Tap Room. Once I saw that, did a search when I got back to my office and found this article (https://tucsonfoodie.com/2015/06/01/pasco-owner-to-open-reds-smokehouse-tap-room-in-main-gate-square/) from about a week ago on Tucson Foodie.

Nice! Main Gate Square will be hopping with the addition of this new place and Illegal Pete's.

[Azstar]

Supercuts opening in the former Buffalo Exchange space on Congress?

[ComplotDesigner]

University of Arizona - Environment & Natural Resources Building - 061315

lhK9OCgwcSE

[Qwijib0]

I attended the Downtown Links open house yesterday, they still expect to break ground next year with the 100% plan (http://downtownlinks.info/app/uploads/2014/04/Phase-3_100-percent-design.pdf) with one possible change.

They are apparently working with ADOT who owns the 210 up to Broadway to see if they can't change the current interchange with Broadway from this:
http://i.imgur.com/dkmV9XX.jpg?1

into more of a standard intersection since all three directions off aviation will now be more like arterials (Broadway EB/WB, Downtown Links NB) instead of parkways, though upon completion the whole roadway from I-10 through the length of the 210 portion will all be known as the Maclovio Barraza Parkway.

[Ted Lyons]

Updated rendering of the "Stone Avenue Homes."

http://i.imgur.com/3ZsgWDw.png?1

Hope the name is temporary.

[Qwijib0]

Just for fun, I found an old sketch of the Butterfield Parkway alignment as envisioned in the 60s and made an Earth overlay

http://i.imgur.com/1eWJ5Fe.jpg?1

[Ritarancher]

Google finally updated it's downtown/UofA street view! Hub and Level actually look beautiful. The sidewalks and trees really improve the area's aesthetics . A completed One East Broadway is also included.
Oddly enough, what appears to be a channel 4 newscast is seen across from One East Broadway

[farmerk]

Nothing new here in this video (http://www.kvoa.com/story/29381732/new-opportunities-to-live-downtown-could-be-coming-to-tucson) except that there are already 37 people on the waiting list for those 3 story houses across San Augustine Catherdral . I feel some real high rises will be coming soon.


Yes, the HUB looks nice (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hub+At+Tucson/@32.23464,-110.958013,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x5060766dce8f7ed8). I like that block of mid-rise buildings across the UofA (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.234325,-110.956853,3a,75y,307.5h,73.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s88_3nK4ukDFlW913yUSPSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1).

[Patrick S]

Work on I-10 to start soon (http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_d20dc760-19e8-11e5-a413-03d8f4aa7bd1.html)

It’s been a long time in the planning process, but reconstruction of the Interstate 10-Ina Road interchange is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016 and take approximately two years to complete, an Arizona Department of Transportation district engineer told a crowd of more than 250 people at a public meeting held in Coyote Trail Elementary School in Marana.
Rod Lane, ADOT Tucson district engineer, said the anticipated construction timeline would be divided into four major phases — preparation work when Ina Road will remain open, Eastbound I-10 construction when Ina Road will be closed, Westbound I-10 construction (Ina Road closed) and finishing work when Ina Road will be open. Lane was not able to furnish a projected finishing date other than 2018.
Dustin Krugel, ADOT public information officer, said the biggest challenge to the project is to keep traffic flowing around and through the construction site for two years.
“People rely on that interchange every day so we still have to move traffic through the area,” Krugel said. “Our task is to keep three lanes moving in each direction, similar to what we did when we reconstructed the I-10-Prince Road interchange.”
Krugel advised citizens to go to the project’s website, www.azdot.gov/InaTI, to get information about the project and proposed traffic access routes that can be used during construction.
Lane said the improvements to the interchange and roadways include:
• Widening I-10 to accommodate four lanes in each direction, although the highway will be striped for three lanes until further corridor widening is completed;
• Construction of an Ina Road overpass over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad, much like the interchange at Twin Peaks Road, two interchanges to the northwest;
• Widening Ina Road to two lanes in each direction; and
• Architectural treatments and landscaping.
Lane added that Ina Road will be widened to two lanes in each direction from Star Commerce Way to Silverbell Road as part of the project for the town of Marana, with two new bridges being built to carry the roadway over the Santa Cruz River and pedestrian underpasses built under the bridges.
Krugel noted that the need for the project is to bring the roadways in conformance with ADOT’s 1993 General Plan and the Regional Transportation Authority’s 2006 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan.
“The project is designed to meet existing and future traffic demand (to 2040) and improve operations,” he said. “Most important, with the Ina Road overpass, it will eliminate vehicle-train conflicts at the crossroads and also improve emergency response times for law enforcement, fire agencies and emergency medical services.”
The revisions to the proposed project design since the 2012 Design Concept Report and Environmental Assessment, Lane pointed out, include modification of the Ina Road profile to eliminate a south loop off Ina Road, elimination of a bridge at Camino de Oeste, changes in the slope at the approach and departure to the Ina Road overpass, reconfiguring retaining walls at Camino de Oeste, access to Ina Road at Camino de Oeste and improvements to business access by retaining access to Ina Road.
A simple, repetitive geometric design inspired by the angles and facets found in the Sonoran desert was chosen as an architectural treatment to give the Ina Road interchange a unique look, according to the ADOT presentation at the public meeting. Treatments will include Formliner for retaining wall panels, barriers and bridge piers and decorative metal on bridge pedestrian fences.
Plant material selections for the landscape will include Palo brea, velvet mesquite, ironwood, ocotillo, red bird of paradise, Chihuahuan sage, Baja fairy duster, saguaro, desert carpet, giant hesperaloe, and Santa Rita prickly pear.

[Ted Lyons]

New Main Gate Square Residence Inn renderings.

http://i.imgur.com/N1LQUFa.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/UYSk02c.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/vl792Wt.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/1MHpTN7.png?1

[Qwijib0]

New Main Gate Square Residence Inn renderings.

http://i.imgur.com/UYSk02c.png?1



Looks better than the current marriot and fits in with the marshall building, is it still supposed to break ground this year?

[Ted Lyons]

Looks better than the current marriot and fits in with the marshall building, is it still supposed to break ground this year?

Not sure about the start date. These are from their first presentation to the Main Gate Design Review Committee coming up in mid-July. I suspect we'll see some media about the project in the next month or so.

[aznate27]

Not sure about the start date. These are from their first presentation to the Main Gate Design Review Committee coming up in mid-July. I suspect we'll see some media about the project in the next month or so.

I only counted 12 floors? I thought the original called for 14? Unless I counted wrong...

[Ted Lyons]

I only counted 12 floors? I thought the original called for 14? Unless I counted wrong...

This is definitely 12. Not sure what it was originally supposed to be.

[farmerk]

Looks better than the current marriot and fits in with the marshall building, is it still supposed to break ground this year?

I wished they tear down marriot. I never liked that building.

This Residence Inn is acceptable to me. If it were 14 floors before what made them drop to 12? Neighborhood associations hijacked by cow town activist? :shrug:

Just drove around the Mission District hoping to see some construction and as usual all I saw was the same pile of dirt. Turns out construction has been postponed (again for the nth time) next fall. :haha:

I'm crossing my fingers Thrifty Block would fail and allow another developer to build a real high rise with an urban Target and Starbucks at the bottom floors. I'm getting tired of these local restaurants and retail shutting down every 6 months. And please tear down the Indian Trading Post.:tup:

[kaneui]

Just drove around the Mission District hoping to see some construction and as usual all I saw was the same pile of dirt. Turns out construction has been postponed (again for the nth time) next fall. :haha:

Councilman Kozachik has run out of patience with Gadsden and wants to solicit other developers to build out the vacant Westside parcels along the streetcar route:

http://www.kvoa.com/story/29448585/city-councilman-calls-out-west-downtown-builder-for-missed-deadlines

[farmerk]

Councilman Kozachik has run out of patience with Gadsden and wants to solicit other developers to build out the vacant Westside parcels along the streetcar route:

http://www.kvoa.com/story/29448585/city-councilman-calls-out-west-downtown-builder-for-missed-deadlines

Thanks for that clip. :tup:

Steller: Hey, City Council, pull plug on Gadsden project already (http://tucson.com/news/local/columnists/steller/steller-hey-city-council-pull-plug-on-gadsden-project-already/article_387192b4-509e-5310-ac18-9a4b935b0925.html#utm_source=tucson&utm_campaign=most-popular-tabs-2&utm_medium=direct)

...Even Council Member Regina Romero (Council Babe), who has been Gadsden’s biggest fan on the council, has lost patience.

...Now all signs are, they’re sobering up. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild told me he wants the city to disentangle itself financially from the Gadsden development, either by calling the bonds or by some other arrangement.

...Steve Kozachik, the council member who has long opposed accommodating Gadsden, is ready to bring down the hammer, too.

“We’ve never held them accountable for any of the deadlines,” he said. “They continue to say, ‘We’re close, we’re close’ ”