Tucson Development Thread

[crzyabe]

Is there a rendering? Your attachment is for Main Gate, right? What are they building at Williams Center?

No renderings yet (that I know if)

There is a secret project slated for the William's Centre called "Project Treasure" it is supposedly an engineering focused business and will be right next to the Texas Instruments building. Everyone assumes it is an expansion of their operations here in Tucson.

There were rumors that they were looking to move next to Caterpillar on the west side. However with this announcement, that seems unlikely.

Updates: “Project Treasure” At Williams Center – Geico Breaks Ground At The Bridges (http://tiboaz.biz/2018/08/01/updates-project-treasure-at-williams-center-geico-breaks-ground-at-the-bridges/)

[InTheBurbs]

Today's Inside Tucson Business had some updates on 75 East Broadway and the new hotel at the TCC.

Rio Nuevo granted an extension to August 31 to JE Dunn to complete the environmental and archaeological reviews on the 75 E Broadway site. They still expect to start construction later this year.

And RN are negotiating a lease with Caliber for the new TCC hotel, which will apparently be a Hilton brand. That is planned to open in time for the 2020 gem show.

More info: https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/rio-nuevo-grants-extension-to-e-broadway-continues-progress-on/article_58719c36-94f8-11e8-ba40-bf5ac097c32a.html

[Ted Lyons]

Today's Inside Tucson Business had some updates on 75 East Broadway and the new hotel at the TCC.

Rio Nuevo granted an extension to August 31 to JE Dunn to complete the environmental and archaeological reviews on the 75 E Broadway site. They still expect to start construction later this year.

And RN are negotiating a lease with Caliber for the new TCC hotel, which will apparently be a Hilton brand. That is planned to open in time for the 2020 gem show.

More info: https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/rio-nuevo-grants-extension-to-e-broadway-continues-progress-on/article_58719c36-94f8-11e8-ba40-bf5ac097c32a.html

It's difficult to get details of the RN meetings when no one from the Daily Star attends so I'm glad someone got an update. My guess on the Hilton brand is Canopy.

[Ted Lyons]

Duplicate

[crzyabe]

Today's Inside Tucson Business had some updates on 75 East Broadway and the new hotel at the TCC.

And RN are negotiating a lease with Caliber for the new TCC hotel, which will apparently be a Hilton brand. That is planned to open in time for the 2020 gem show.

More info: https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/rio-nuevo-grants-extension-to-e-broadway-continues-progress-on/article_58719c36-94f8-11e8-ba40-bf5ac097c32a.html

I thought the soon to be renovated Hotel Arizona was going to be Hilton branded. Does this announcement throw the Hotel Arizona project into limbo?

[Ted Lyons]

I thought the soon to be renovated Hotel Arizona was going to be Hilton branded. Does this announcement throw the Hotel Arizona project into limbo?

My guess would be no. Hilton has to know Marriott/Starwood has a stranglehold on the downtown/UA area with the AC, Marriott, aLoft, and upcoming Moxy so two hotels is far from oversaturation for them.

[InTheBurbs]

My guess would be no. Hilton has to know Marriott/Starwood has a stranglehold on the downtown/UA area with the AC, Marriott, aLoft, and upcoming Moxy so two hotels is far from oversaturation for them.

Not to mention the JW Marriott not far from downtown. The Hotel Arizona could still be a Hilton, with the TCC hotel likely a Hampton or Homewood or some other mid-range business brand.

[somethingfast]

No renderings yet (that I know if)

There is a secret project slated for the William's Centre called "Project Treasure" it is supposedly an engineering focused business and will be right next to the Texas Instruments building. Everyone assumes it is an expansion of their operations here in Tucson.

There were rumors that they were looking to move next to Caterpillar on the west side. However with this announcement, that seems unlikely.

Updates: “Project Treasure” At Williams Center – Geico Breaks Ground At The Bridges (http://tiboaz.biz/2018/08/01/updates-project-treasure-at-williams-center-geico-breaks-ground-at-the-bridges/)

Hey thanks for clarification on this :tup:

[Thirsty]

Frontier is starting service to their hub in Denver.

Outside of the seasonal flights to Minneapolis, this will be the only discount airline flying to Tucson. Anyone know why they've stayed away?

Special introductory rate posted at TUS's website

Fly Tucson (https://www.flytucson.com/articles/frontier-airlines-brings-new-nonstop-flights-between-tucson-and-denver/)
$29 Fare Offer
To take advantage of the special introductory fare of $29 one way. Tickets must be purchased by 8:59 p.m. (Tucson time) Thursday, August 9, 2018. The fare is good on the new nonstop flights between November 7 and February 13, 2019, except for the following blackout dates: November 17-26, December 20-January 8 and January 18-21.

[kmiller5]

Did anyone hear who purchased the old Volvo lot on Broadway? I haven’t seen any details other than that the city approved a sale.

[Ted Lyons]

Did anyone hear who purchased the old Volvo lot on Broadway? I haven’t seen any details other than that the city approved a sale.

Don't think the details are public yet. The agreement was discussed in executive session.

[Patrick S]

Did anyone hear who purchased the old Volvo lot on Broadway? I haven’t seen any details other than that the city approved a sale.

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1780&doctype=SUMMARY (Scan down to item 8)

Council Member Fimbres said the Mayor and Council have had the opportunity to review the proposals submitted in response to the invitation to submit offers to purchase for this property.

Based upon the recommendations of the evaluation committee, and based upon the terms of the Invitation for Offers, it was moved by Council Member Fimbres, duly seconded, and CARRIED by a voice vote of 7 to 0, to select “Martha and Mary/Welcome Hospitality” as the preferred purchaser and developer of the property; and to direct the City Manager and his staff to finalize all agreements and documents necessary to carry out the sale and development of the property as proposed by the developer in its Offer to Purchase and subject to all of the conditions included in the Invitation for Offers, to include:

- purchase price based on appraised value;

- prohibition of incompatible uses, such as high-density student housing, convenience store with gasoline sales, large retail establishments, billboards, and auto repair;

- transit-oriented, or mixed-use development that is aesthetically compatible and in scale with surrounding development and neighborhoods;

- ongoing coordination with the neighborhood liaisons, including Barrio San Antonio and Miles neighborhoods;

- strategies for addressing neighborhood concerns over property maintenance, excessive noise, construction activity, and other public nuisances; and

- incorporating street-level amenities, and encouraging pedestrian activity; and identifying parking strategies that encourage shared-parking in existing or new parking lots or structures at or near the site.

The City Manager is further directed to coordinate with the selected proponent to move forward with the Planned Area Development process, to include all associated public notice and stakeholder proceedings, and to return to Mayor and Council as needed to carry out the purposes of this motion.

[Ted Lyons]

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1780&doctype=SUMMARY (Scan down to item 8)

Council Member Fimbres said the Mayor and Council have had the opportunity to review the proposals submitted in response to the invitation to submit offers to purchase for this property.

Based upon the recommendations of the evaluation committee, and based upon the terms of the Invitation for Offers, it was moved by Council Member Fimbres, duly seconded, and CARRIED by a voice vote of 7 to 0, to select “Martha and Mary/Welcome Hospitality” as the preferred purchaser and developer of the property; and to direct the City Manager and his staff to finalize all agreements and documents necessary to carry out the sale and development of the property as proposed by the developer in its Offer to Purchase and subject to all of the conditions included in the Invitation for Offers, to include:

- purchase price based on appraised value;

- prohibition of incompatible uses, such as high-density student housing, convenience store with gasoline sales, large retail establishments, billboards, and auto repair;

- transit-oriented, or mixed-use development that is aesthetically compatible and in scale with surrounding development and neighborhoods;

- ongoing coordination with the neighborhood liaisons, including Barrio San Antonio and Miles neighborhoods;

- strategies for addressing neighborhood concerns over property maintenance, excessive noise, construction activity, and other public nuisances; and

- incorporating street-level amenities, and encouraging pedestrian activity; and identifying parking strategies that encourage shared-parking in existing or new parking lots or structures at or near the site.

The City Manager is further directed to coordinate with the selected proponent to move forward with the Planned Area Development process, to include all associated public notice and stakeholder proceedings, and to return to Mayor and Council as needed to carry out the purposes of this motion.

Holy crap. That's the owners of Welcome Diner. They must have some significant plans to scale up to a project this size. I don't even think any of their projects in Phoenix are this big.

[InTheBurbs]

TI it is: Texas Instruments to build $29M facility in Tucson, add 35 high-paying jobs (https://tucson.com/business/texas-instruments-to-build-m-facility-in-tucson-add-high/article_720848ab-59e2-5e65-b14d-6d0f8c90e082.html#tracking-source=home-top-story)

[Ted Lyons]

Can't find any details yet, but a permit application was filed in connection to 714 N Euclid (The second Main Gate/Residence Inn site) on August 8th. Gotta figure that, between whatever this is and the Graduate project, the Main Gate Overlay District Review Committee will have to meet soon.

[Ted Lyons]

TIA has another new airline/destination scheduled for tomorrow. I know a lot of people are hoping for jetBlue to return but I think a dark horse could be Volaris. They announced a new route between Albuquerque and Guadalajara last week.

[InTheBurbs]

TIA has another new airline/destination scheduled for tomorrow. I know a lot of people are hoping for jetBlue to return but I think a dark horse could be Volaris. They announced a new route between Albuquerque and Guadalajara last week.

The TIA Facebook page says "New Airline, New Destinations" (plural on the destination) and indicated that was a hit about their new tomorrow. Could be multiple new cities? Or just new cities available through a hub?

[Ted Lyons]

The TIA Facebook page says "New Airline, New Destinations" (plural on the destination) and indicated that was a hit about their new tomorrow. Could be multiple new cities? Or just new cities available through a hub?

My conservative guess is through a hub. Domestically, though, you can get pretty much anywhere you want to go via connecting flights on existing carriers. That's why I thought Volaris might be in play.

[Azstar]

My conservative guess is through a hub. Domestically, though, you can get pretty much anywhere you want to go via connecting flights on existing carriers. That's why I thought Volaris might be in play.

There have been 4 carriers over a period of several years that have flown Tucson to Hermosillo and/or Guaymas nonstop. All of them are gone now. I would think that service to Mexico from Tucson is not happening. But, I've been wrong before. Frontier is back for the fifth time(I think) since announcing their original service to Denver in1996.

[Ted Lyons]

There have been 4 carriers over a period of several years that have flown Tucson to Hermosillo and/or Guaymas nonstop. All of them are gone now. I would think that service to Mexico from Tucson is not happening. But, I've been wrong before. Frontier is back for the fifth time(I think) since announcing their original service to Denver in1996.

I think the difference in Volaris's business plan (not that it's going to be them, but based on what they do in other cities) is that they're focusing on destinations that appeal to all sorts of travelers. They also have the ability to leverage existing gate space at major airports in Mexico, which the regional Mexican airlines don't.

Hermosillo may appeal to a small niche of business travelers but not much else. Similarly, Guaymas appeals to a small niche of vacation travelers but not much else. Guadalajara and Mexico City are on a whole other level and the flights to both costs a negligible amount more than what we were seeing to the Sonoran destinations.

[Ted Lyons]

It's Allegiant to Bellingham and Provo.

EDIT - Bellingham is actually a pretty cool destination. Closest airport to Vancouver we'll ever see.

[crzyabe]

Some additional information on the two Eastern lots in the Mission district. The development is being referred to as "The Bautista" and will be a partnership between Mission District Partners and Aerie Development.

The Bautista - Aerie's Site (https://aeriedev.com/bautista-plaza/)

The Bautista - Architect's Project Site (https://www.mparchitects.com/site/projects/bautista)

https://www.mparchitects.com/site/sites/default/files/images/The-Bautista-01.jpg

[Ted Lyons]

Big news. Few details.

https://tucson.com/news/local/engineering-firm-bringing-jobs-to-tucson/article_a48446fc-a7ca-11e8-95b6-53f2dd0a0669.html

Engineering firm bringing 300 jobs to Tucson

Axiscades, an India based engineering firm, is coming to Tucson with plans to hire 300 people over the next five years, officials announced today.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was in Tucson for the announcement Friday.

The firm serves heavy equipment, mining and other industries. Munjay Singh, the firm's CEO, called Caterpillar the 'primary customer' for Axiscades.

[kmiller5]

Big news. Few details.

https://tucson.com/news/local/engineering-firm-bringing-jobs-to-tucson/article_a48446fc-a7ca-11e8-95b6-53f2dd0a0669.html

I know of a proposed building at 75 E. Broadway that could house these employees...

Good for Tucson!

[Ted Lyons]

I know of a proposed building at 75 E. Broadway that could house these employees...

Good for Tucson!

That would be great. Initially, they'll be in the Transamerica Building, but I don't know if there's enough space there for all 300 employees. It may not be sufficient long-term for other reasons, too.

[crzyabe]

Big news. Few details.

https://tucson.com/news/local/engineering-firm-bringing-jobs-to-tucson/article_a48446fc-a7ca-11e8-95b6-53f2dd0a0669.html

There is a rumor that a second company is going to announce 100s of jobs as well. Supposedly related to Caterpillar like this one

[Ted Lyons]

There is a rumor that a second company is going to announce 100s of jobs as well. Supposedly related to Caterpillar like this one

Fingers crossed.

[Azstar]

It was announced. Engineering firm from India called Axiscades. I'm hoping they can be persuaded to commit to space in the new, speculative, 75 E. Broadway, which would make that project more viable.

[kaneui]

Some additional information on the two Eastern lots in the Mission district. The development is being referred to as "The Bautista" and will be a partnership between Mission District Partners and Aerie Development.

The Bautista - Aerie's Site (https://aeriedev.com/bautista-plaza/)

The Bautista - Architect's Project Site (https://www.mparchitects.com/site/projects/bautista)


It's been a challenge over the years to know exactly what is happening with the development of the Mercado and/or Mission Districts. For a bit of history:

The original Mercado District at Menlo Park (south of Congress and west of Avenida del Convento) was designed by urbanist architects Moule & Polyzoides in the early aughts, with about 100 residential lots to be built out by five different developers/builders. Those lots are about half built out at present, although a few of those original builders have left and sold their parcels to the ones who stayed.

The area between Avenida del Convento and the Santa Cruz River (to become known as the Mission District) was contracted out by the city to The Gadsden Company to be developed, with the following site plan eventually created in 2012:


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4265/35468449836_e99627fedd_b.jpg
(courtesy: The Gadsden Co.)


With many announced groundbreakings that never happened due to the recession and other factors, the city became frustrated and transferred title to those parcels to Rio Nuevo to hopefully get things moving. Since then, the streetcar has been finished, and RN has partnered with Gadsden to get the MSA Annex built, and is now building the Caterpillar offices just to the south, which has jump-started further interest in the area.

However, a new website for the Mercado District (apparently by The Gadsden Company) https://mercadodistrict.com/, shows the former Mission District as now part of the Mercado District (perhaps just to keep things simple?):


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/42456059710_2b2d8dd379_b.jpg
(courtesy: Mercado District)


From the earlier posts, it now looks like Gadsden is partnering with Aerie development to build out parcels D & E of the Mission District as The Bautista, or Bautista Plaza--an apartment/retail complex also designed by Moule & Polyzoides (M&P). However, the new Mercado map only shows the project on Parcel E, rather than both D & E as shown by Aerie and M&P renderings. Also, Aerie refers to the project as being in the Mission District, while M&P erroneously refers to it on their website as in the "new neighborhood of Rio Nuevo."

Additionally, Cushman & Wakefield apparently has a listing for Parcel F (http://www.suncorridorinc.com/SunCorridor/media/Sun-Corridor/Documents/Sites%20and%20Data/Mission-District-brochure.pdf?ext=.pdf) as a build-to-suit site for lease. The following map from their listing also shows Parcel B to be built out as the Menlo Park Commons--33k s.f. of retail with a 500-space parking garage--none of which is mentioned on the new Mercado map:


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/44215197472_d90ce24013_b.jpg
(courtesy: Sun Corridor)


Also, the name of this announced project with Aerie seems rather curious (The Baptist? Baptist Plaza?), as the Mission District was named in honor of the now demolished Catholic Mission San Agustin a few blocks south. (Maybe a reference to John the Baptist, or a part of local history I am unaware of? Hmmm....)

So, this long development story continues, but hopefully at a quicker pace going forward. However, as with most local developers, I'll believe a project is really happening when I see shovels in the ground.

[InTheBurbs]

Also, the name of this announced project with Aerie seems rather curious (The Baptist? Baptist Plaza?), as the Mission District was named in honor of the now demolished Catholic Mission San Agustin a few blocks south. (Maybe a reference to John the Baptist, or a part of local history I am unaware of? Hmmm....)


It is an interesting choice for the name of an apartment complex. It may be a reference to Juan Bautista de Anza, Colonial Governor of New Mexico in the 1700's who was named as commander of the Presidio of Tucson.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Bautista_de_Anza

[Ted Lyons]

It's been a challenge over the years to know exactly what is happening with the development of the Mercado and/or Mission Districts. For a bit of history:

Scrambling seems to be the Gadsden way but any progress is better than no progress. *cough*HSL, Norville, etc.*cough*

[kmiller5]

Rio Nuevo agenda has an item to discuss participation in a project with “Monier Investors”. Possibly that garage/retail piece? Maybe the apartments are finally moving forward? Guess we will find out tomorrow.

[Ted Lyons]

Rio Nuevo agenda has an item to discuss participation in a project with “Monier Investors”. Possibly that garage/retail piece? Maybe the apartments are finally moving forward? Guess we will find out tomorrow.

I'm pretty sure it's the apartments. Plans were approved earlier this year but no permits filed yet.

[crzyabe]

I'm pretty sure it's the apartments. Plans were approved earlier this year but no permits filed yet.

I hope this finally happens. It has been on the "proposed" list for 5+ years

[crzyabe]

Rio Nuevo: The Monier Building Moves Forward, Armory Park Upgrades In The Future (http://tiboaz.biz/2018/08/28/rio-nuevo-the-monier-building-moves-forward-armory-park-upgrades-in-the-future/)

Looks like the Monier needed a $2.4 million loan from Rio Nuevo in order to get off the ground. The Board approved the loan and now the plans to go HUD for review. If approved, the project will be in construction before the end of the year.

[Obadno]

Just popping in, Looks like the Nikolai electric truck factory is going in just outside of Eloy, which means the Northern suburbs of Tucson will probably see more of an economic impact than phoenix Will now.

Just an Fyi https://www.pinalcentral.com/coolidg...205f39557.html

[Patrick S]

Just popping in, Looks like the Nikolai electric truck factory is going in just outside of Eloy, which means the Northern suburbs of Tucson will probably see more of an economic impact than phoenix Will now.

Just an Fyi https://www.pinalcentral.com/coolidg...205f39557.html
I couldn't get your link to take me to an article.

I found this article about it, saying the factory was being built in Coolidge, which is closer to the southern suburbs of Phoenix (Chandler) than it is to the northern suburbs of Tucson (Marana).

https://www.pinalcentral.com/coolidge_examiner/news/semi-truck-plant-announced-in-coolidge-would-employ-up-to/article_ecc7ccbd-5d23-5103-ae76-b69205f39557.html

[Obadno]

I couldn't get your link to take me to an article.

I found this article about it, saying the factory was being built in Coolidge, which is closer to the southern suburbs of Phoenix (Chandler) than it is to the northern suburbs of Tucson (Marana).

https://www.pinalcentral.com/coolidge_examiner/news/semi-truck-plant-announced-in-coolidge-would-employ-up-to/article_ecc7ccbd-5d23-5103-ae76-b69205f39557.html

Look at where its being built, https://goo.gl/maps/WjsRSLj8scD2

its in "coolidge" but its closer to Tucson

[azsunsurfer]

Look at where its being built, https://goo.gl/maps/WjsRSLj8scD2

its in "coolidge" but its closer to Tucson

Their corporate headquarters will be in Phoenix for what it's worth.

[sheep unite]

Sorry to return to a previous subject. After some research, reading, and pondering, I am extremely disappointed with the city of Tucson's intention to let a bland, suburban apartment block be built on the site of La Placita Village. The area of the TCC and La Placita Village used to be more or less the downtown/epicenter for the Mexican and to a lesser extent other minority's half of Tucson. La Placita Village is named after La Plaza de la Mesilla, a tree lined plaza surrounded by businesses that was the center of Tucson cultural life before the 1960s. Festivals used to be held there. The plaza was kin to all the other plazas that are the center of countless Latin American towns. The gazebo is all that remains of it. The area was the most densely populated area in the state until the urban renewal projects in the 1960s(Otero) left us with the underwhelming convention center, parking lots, and La Placita Village (a pretty ugly epic failure). I won't even delve into the racism and whitewashing of history that were pretty plainly evident in these decisions. Obviously the TCC is not going anywhere, but Tucson finally realized La Placita Village was a rainbow ghost town and decided to turn it in to what... An apartment block? Really?
I'm just saying the city had the opportunity to do something cool and meaningful and once again is seriously blowing it. I really had no idea all this history existed down there just south of Broadway and I wish more people did.
http://jsw.library.arizona.edu/3504/veregge/images/v27.gif

Otero, Lydia R. La Calle: Spatial Conflicts and Urban Renewal in a Southwest City. Univ. of Arizona Press, 2010.

[Ted Lyons]

TuSimple is announcing an expansion at a press conference right now - 500 more jobs, which will put them at 600 employees locally.

http://www.sectorpublishingintelligence.co.uk/news/2087216/selfdriving+truck+company+tusimple+announces+expansion+in+tucson+arizona

They recently moved to a facility on Old Vail Road, which is sizeable, but I'm not sure it's big enough to accommodate 600 employees. Curious if they'll keep expanding there or look for office space elsewhere.

[crzyabe]

TuSimple is announcing an expansion at a press conference right now - 500 more jobs, which will put them at 600 employees locally.

http://www.sectorpublishingintelligence.co.uk/news/2087216/selfdriving+truck+company+tusimple+announces+expansion+in+tucson+arizona

They recently moved to a facility on Old Vail Road, which is sizeable, but I'm not sure it's big enough to accommodate 600 employees. Curious if they'll keep expanding there or look for office space elsewhere.

This is probably the "other" job announcement I heard rumored and mentioned a few weeks ago.

[InTheBurbs]

Former dive hotel on Tucson's west side gets new life (https://tucson.com/business/former-dive-hotel-on-tucson-s-west-side-gets-new/article_6d4bc6a4-a663-53ff-8209-6fa1d58d9fd3.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest)

Refurbished Silverbell Inn on Silverlake and I-10 to open as Hotel McCoy, featuring local art, local beer:

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/38/43847dbb-f7a8-5fa0-8cc5-aab913b8e1f9/5b9b020c20f9e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C744

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/a0/8a0eb59d-712d-5284-b86a-878d413f4fc5/5b9b020c9aaa4.image.jpg?resize=750%2C534

Photos by Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

[crzyabe]

More detail on the Benedictine Monastery project from TIBO:

Update: Preliminary Benedictine Monastery Plans Discussed By Planning Commission (http://tiboaz.biz/2018/09/18/update-preliminary-benedictine-monastery-plans-discussed-by-planning-commission/)

[kmiller5]

If I'm not mistaken, the deadline for JE Dunn to decide on 75 E Broadway has come and passed. Anyone hear if the demand was there to move forward?

[kmiller5]

https://tucson.com/business/tucson-city-council-to-vote-on-incentives-for-freeway-hotel/article_f6b949f9-91ec-5c55-afdb-5f5496283b4a.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest

This is great! That stretch of hotels has long been an embarrassment for the city and a hot spot for crime.

[Patrick S]

If I'm not mistaken, the deadline for JE Dunn to decide on 75 E Broadway has come and passed. Anyone hear if the demand was there to move forward?
September Rio Nuevo board meeting cancelled.

"JE Dunn has until the October meeting to finalize plans for the proposed 20-story tower designed to be located across the street from TEP. Preliminary concepts include retail, parking and Class A office. Rio Nuevo has completed the necessary steps to enable the parcel, including survey, environmental and archeology studies. Rio Nuevo will lease the property to JE Dunn and no state funds will be required for construction."

https://rionuevo.org/september-rio-nuevo-update/

[crzyabe]

The Downtown Clifton hotel expansion received their build permit two weeks ago. There is construction fencing around the lot now. That project should kick off very soon

[Ted Lyons]

The Downtown Clifton hotel expansion received their build permit two weeks ago. There is construction fencing around the lot now. That project should kick off very soon

Cool! Was curious when this would get going.

[andrewsaturn]

We still don't know the opening date of the new Round 1 bowling and amusement center at Park Place and it still says opening 2019 on their website. According to their video, construction is usually 4-6 months so I expect an announcement in the first quarter of 2019. Here is a little teaser from their website of what we could expect with a video:

https://www.round1usa.com/real-estate-information/

Place Place Mall basically checked off everything in what they were looking for in a host.

*600,000 residents within 20 miles
*Needs to be in enclosed mall with 800,000 sqft space
*Direct parking lot access as well as mall access so we can expect to see it not closed off like Total wine is

On their website, it evens lists what types of facilities could be built like Regular, Compact, and Stadium being 105k-120k sqft with "sport facilities". We will be the compact type at 44k according to tucson.com

[Locofresh55]

We still don't know the opening date of the new Round 1 bowling and amusement center at Park Place and it still says opening 2019 on their website. According to their video, construction is usually 4-6 months so I expect an announcement in the first quarter of 2019. Here is a little teaser from their website of what we could expect with a video:

https://www.round1usa.com/real-estate-information/

Place Place Mall basically checked off everything in what they were looking for in a host.

*600,000 residents within 20 miles
*Needs to be in enclosed mall with 800,000 sqft space
*Direct parking lot access as well as mall access so we can expect to see it not closed off like Total wine is

On their website, it evens lists what types of facilities could be built like Regular, Compact, and Stadium being 105k-120k sqft with "sport facilities". We will be the compact type at 44k according to tucson.com


I was stationed in Japan (Yokota Air Base, not far from Tokyo) from 2011-2015, I must say that Round 1 is fun for pretty much everyone. I have gone to the regular and stadium version. The stadium version had a floor full of sports you can play. Basketball, volleyball, tennis, batting cages and even an indoor fishing pond. The regular Round 1 is great too. The US versions are like Dave and Busters or Main Event Entertainment. Either way, a great place to go and it will be good for Park Place.

[kmiller5]

https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/new-hotel-announced-for-downtown-tucson/article_4cffccf4-c664-11e8-a7d2-1fcd31bb67d3.html

Replacing the Moxy planned on top of the underground garage I assume.

[InTheBurbs]

https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/new-hotel-announced-for-downtown-tucson/article_4cffccf4-c664-11e8-a7d2-1fcd31bb67d3.html

Replacing the Moxy planned on top of the underground garage I assume.

The link is broken, and ITB doesn't have anything on it's web page. Bourn Companies' FB page has the same link, but no further info other than it may be at Broadway and Fifth - right next to the AC?

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.2212022,-110.9668859,3a,75y,347.99h,97.97t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sKpt3WIFDx1YvXSszdx2Kwg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DKpt3WIFDx1YvXSszdx2Kwg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D36.7206%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

Update: ITB's Twitter page says that the new hotel will be co-managed by Marriott's Moxy and Element brands. If it is dual-branded, that could make it fairly substantial and add even more variety to the downtown hotel inventory.

https://twitter.com/azbiz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Aazbiz&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidetucsonbusiness.com%2F

[crzyabe]

The link is broken, and ITB doesn't have anything on it's web page. Bourn Companies' FB page has the same link, but no further info other than it may be at Broadway and Fifth - right next to the AC?

I had heard rumors that the AC Marriott was exceeding expectations and the same group was planning to build a new hotel on the south side of the Rialto block. I did not know they were moving this quickly, I thought it was just a idea for now.

Moving the Moxy to this location would line up with another rumor that the lot on 5th and Toole could not accommodate a large building.

[InTheBurbs]

I had heard rumors that the AC Marriott was exceeding expectations and the same group was planning to build a new hotel on the south side of the Rialto block. I did not know they were moving this quickly, I thought it was just a idea for now.

Moving the Moxy to this location would line up with another rumor that the lot on 5th and Toole could not accommodate a large building.

If this and 75 Broadway goes ahead, there would be major new developments on almost every block of East Broadway from 4th to 7th - TEP, 75 East, AC, Moxy/Element and Cadence. Plus the new and planned buildings further west around Stone and Church. And if HSL gets moving, the Flinn and renovated Hotel Arizona/Hilton further west.

[andrewsaturn]

I had heard rumors that the AC Marriott was exceeding expectations and the same group was planning to build a new hotel on the south side of the Rialto block. I did not know they were moving this quickly, I thought it was just a idea for now.

Moving the Moxy to this location would line up with another rumor that the lot on 5th and Toole could not accommodate a large building.

That would be great for that corner instead of the other location.

[InTheBurbs]

https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/new-hotel-announced-for-downtown-tucson/article_4cffccf4-c664-11e8-a7d2-1fcd31bb67d3.html

Replacing the Moxy planned on top of the underground garage I assume.

Link to the article on Tucson Weekly: https://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2018/10/03/new-hotel-announced-for-downtown-tucson

[InTheBurbs]

According to Real Estate Daily News, construction on RendezVous Urban Flats next to One South Church may start development within weeks and could complete within a year: https://realestatedaily-news.com/tucson-may-see-latest-downtown-housing-project-rendezvous-urban-flats-as-early-as-next-year/

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43053720_856855404518989_181013372374876160_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&oh=c55628e08b7a3240a5299f775d2378fd&oe=5C515DE4

[crzyabe]

According to Real Estate Daily News, construction on RendezVous Urban Flats next to One South Church may start development within weeks and could complete within a year: https://realestatedaily-news.com/tucson-may-see-latest-downtown-housing-project-rendezvous-urban-flats-as-early-as-next-year/

That's great news, hope it happens soon.

As someone else noted a while back: The Stone and Broadway intersection will be the only intersection in Tucson where each corner exceeds 2 stories. That is, once this project is built.

[Ted Lyons]

The final agenda item - future agenda items - for today's Historical Commission Plans Review Subcommittee meeting included discussion of the Residence Inn on Euclid. Should hopefully see some documents on PRO soon.

[kmiller5]

Next Tuesday Rio Nuevo will be discussing the "Hilton Hotel at Cathedral Square" for a site just to the east of Cathedral Square. Maybe the lot at Stone and Ochoa won't be that awful apartment building after all...

[Ted Lyons]

Next Tuesday Rio Nuevo will be discussing the "Hilton Hotel at Cathedral Square" for a site just to the east of Cathedral Square. Maybe the lot at Stone and Ochoa won't be that awful apartment building after all...

I'd say this is great news but, with the Caliber hotel also being a Hilton brand, I wonder if this means the Hotel Arizona refurb project (also supposedly a Hilton brand) is dead.

[Ted Lyons]

First look at the Moxy/Element project.

https://media1.fdncms.com/tucsonweekly/imager/u/original/21438266/5bca4aff32dc5.image.jpg

Lots of details from Tucson Weekly.

https://m.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2018/10/19/downtown-developers-announce-plan-for-a-new-hotel-tower

[kmiller5]

First look at the Moxy/Element project.

https://media1.fdncms.com/tucsonweekly/imager/u/original/21438266/5bca4aff32dc5.image.jpg

Lots of details from Tucson Weekly.

https://m.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2018/10/19/downtown-developers-announce-plan-for-a-new-hotel-tower

I love this. Joining with The Rialto is the perfect way to combine the cool historic Tucson with the new, growing Tucson.

[somethingfast]

Looks great ! Is this pretty much a real deal? What about the 20-story building that was proposed on Broadway?

[andrewsaturn]

Looks great ! Is this pretty much a real deal? What about the 20-story building that was proposed on Broadway?

I think there is an update this Tuesday about this.

[crzyabe]

Did anyone happen to attend or hear a summary of the Downtown Now (https://www.downtownnowtucson.com/) event last night?

I wonder if anything new was announced

[kmiller5]

https://rionuevo.org/project/ochoa-streetscape/

Couple renderings of the Ochoa Street improvements that I hadn't seen before.

[southtucsonboy77]

A lot of good projects moving forward from the feedback I got from yesterday’s Rio Nuevo mtg. One semi-negative piece of news is that the Broadway tower will be decreasing in floors due to cost.

Side note...what happened to TIBO? They’ve been silent for awhile.

[Ted Lyons]

A lot of good projects moving forward from the feedback I got from yesterday’s Rio Nuevo mtg. One semi-negative piece of news is that the Broadway tower will be decreasing in floors due to cost.

Side note...what happened to TIBO? They’ve been silent for awhile.

Did they provide a new floor count?

[Patrick S]

Did they provide a new floor count?

Planned 20-story downtown retail, office building scaled down to 12 stories (https://tucson.com/business/planned--story-downtown-retail-office-building-scaled-down-to/article_6e573234-3f7c-56a9-b30b-952b5de97a26.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest)

[southtucsonboy77]

I was told a ballpark #, but I hope today’s media release will say something about it. It’s supposed to be just a couple of floors, but nothing crazy like the Rendezvous scenario.

[southtucsonboy77]

Well shoot! There it is!

[Ted Lyons]

Planned 20-story downtown retail, office building scaled down to 12 stories (https://tucson.com/business/planned--story-downtown-retail-office-building-scaled-down-to/article_6e573234-3f7c-56a9-b30b-952b5de97a26.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest)

Ha, how timely. Disappointing overall, but glad to hear the parking is being reduced in light of the reduced office floor count. It would have been supremely ugly otherwise.

[southtucsonboy77]

Sticking to my soapbox, anything above 10 floors is positive for downtown. This will be the first 10+ story building since 1986.

[Ted Lyons]

Sticking to my soapbox, anything above 10 floors is positive for downtown. This will be the first 10+ story building since 1986.

Exactly, and hopefully two in one year with the Moxy/Element project.

[Ted Lyons]

I'd say this is great news but, with the Caliber hotel also being a Hilton brand, I wonder if this means the Hotel Arizona refurb project (also supposedly a Hilton brand) is dead.

According to KGUN, the split Hilton project at Cathedral Square will be a Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites.

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/five-hotels-set-for-tucsons-downtown

Since the Caliber project is a DoubleTree, I think this bodes well for the Hotel Arizona project not being dead as I think it would most likely be a Hilton. Seems like Hilton has quickly realized that Marriott will have six hotels on five properties along the streetcar line while they have zero.

On another note, the Hampton Inn on Grant and I-10 that's been vacant for several months is being redeveloped as a Hyatt Place.

[andrewsaturn]

Planned 20-story downtown retail, office building scaled down to 12 stories (https://tucson.com/business/planned--story-downtown-retail-office-building-scaled-down-to/article_6e573234-3f7c-56a9-b30b-952b5de97a26.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest)

Wish that the worst scale back would be 15 stories but what are we gonna do... Still should add something more to our skyline along with new Rialto hotel (please don't scale this one back!) To have the 20 story and 16 story project start together would have been epic for Tucson but it was too good to be true lol

[Ted Lyons]

A development package for the Residence Inn at Main Gate Square was submitted on Tuesday. Blueprints are on PRO but still no renders.

[kmiller5]

A development package for the Residence Inn at Main Gate Square was submitted on Tuesday. Blueprints are on PRO but still no renders.

Great! Did you happen to notice how many floors? This is the planned hotel south of main gate, on Euclid, right?

[Ted Lyons]

Great! Did you happen to notice how many floors? This is the planned hotel south of main gate, on Euclid, right?

Correct. Plans say six floors.

[InTheBurbs]

AA to drop Charlotte flight

According to Business Journals, American is ending its nonstop flight between Charlotte and Tucson effective Feb. 14, almost one year after it started, citing low demand.

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2018/10/30/aa-nixing-new-flight-at-charlotte-douglas.html

It's also "re-evaluating" it's flight from Charlotte to San Jose.

[Azstar]

AA to drop Charlotte flight

According to Business Journals, American is ending its nonstop flight between Charlotte and Tucson effective Feb. 14, almost one year after it started, citing low demand.

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2018/10/30/aa-nixing-new-flight-at-charlotte-douglas.html

It's also "re-evaluating" it's flight from Charlotte to San Jose.

I'm pretty sure one of the reasons for the"low demand" is that the Charlotte to Tucson flight left at 7:30 in the morning (for the first six months of operation). Unless you were just coming from Charlotte, there were absolutely no inbound connections to the flight.

[Ted Lyons]

Permits issued this week for:

Corbett Building (temporary Rialto home)
Monier Building
La Placita
Coffee shop/bakery in the ground floor of 110 E. Congress (the Bourn building just west of City Park)

[Azstar]

Permits issued this week for:

Corbett Building (temporary Rialto home)
Monier Building
La Placita
Coffee shop/bakery in the ground floor of 110 E. Congress (the Bourn building just west of City Park)

According to the permit, the coffee shop/bakery is 20 E. Congress. It seems strange because there doesn't seem to be any street presence there. Also, permit was issued for a Japanese restaurant at the Mercado annex.

[kmiller5]

Permits issued this week for:

Corbett Building (temporary Rialto home)
Monier Building
La Placita
Coffee shop/bakery in the ground floor of 110 E. Congress (the Bourn building just west of City Park)

And once permits are issued construction must start within six months, right?

I'm surprised La Placita is actually moving forward...

[Ted Lyons]

And once permits are issued construction must start within six months, right?

I'm surprised La Placita is actually moving forward...

To the best of my knowledge, that's right. And, yeah, the La Placita one surprised me too!

[Ted Lyons]

UA has two research buildings totaling $200 million up for approval by ABOR. One would be built just east of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering on the northwest corner of Speedway and the Highland underpass. The other, which would be 10 floors, would be built on the parking lot just south of Optical Sciences on Cherry. The 10 floor building should significantly impact the UA skyline. The Health Sciences Innovation Building, by comparison, is 8 floors and about 100 feet tall.

https://tucson.com/news/local/two-new-ua-buildings-totaling-m-up-for-approval-by/article_1478a25f-76da-59ea-bbb2-c33169e0b47f.html

[Thirsty]

Sounds like the 10 story building is going on the site of the Revenge of the Nerds tricycle racecourse.

https://sites.google.com/site/80sfilmlocations/_/rsrc/1401903527536/Film-List/revenge-of-the-nerds-1984/Snapshot00210.jpg?height=217&width=400

[Tloc]

Permits issued this week for:

Corbett Building (temporary Rialto home)
Monier Building
La Placita
Coffee shop/bakery in the ground floor of 110 E. Congress (the Bourn building just west of City Park)

110 E Congress is the new Ten55 brewing and sausage. The Bourn Building is 60 E Congress (20 E Congress is the Indian Trading Post Bldg, 40 E Congress is City Park and 60 E Congress is Bourn Bldg).

So now I’m confused, is the coffee shop in 20 E Congress (SW corner of Congress and Scott)?

[crzyabe]

After 85 years in same family, Tucson's 'ugly but honest' car lot is sold (https://tucson.com/business/after-years-in-same-family-tucson-s-ugly-but-honest/article_26122d1d-16be-5954-ab1b-b470b78aee97.html#tracking-source=home-trending)

Ugly but Honest car lot near 5 Points sold to the same developer who owns the empty parcel just south of the car lot. I am sure we will see some expansion of the Baffert Proposal (https://armoryparktucson.org/2018/04/11/baffert-headlines-apna-agenda/)

[Ted Lyons]

110 E Congress is the new Ten55 brewing and sausage. The Bourn Building is 60 E Congress (20 E Congress is the Indian Trading Post Bldg, 40 E Congress is City Park and 60 E Congress is Bourn Bldg).

So now I’m confused, is the coffee shop in 20 E Congress (SW corner of Congress and Scott)?

Ha. I mistyped that. Should have read 20 E Congress as you noted. The addresses go up as you go east from Stone so 20 is the three-floor building next to the Chase Building, just west of City Park.

EDIT - The unit number is 110. Business name is Matin Cafe.

[Ted Lyons]

Imperfect Produce is bringing up to 350 jobs to Tucson

https://tucson.com/business/imperfect-produce-is-bringing-up-to-jobs-to-tucson/article_bcb66279-a6d4-5af9-95c6-e2b2607bea01.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

San Francisco-based Imperfect Produce is entering the Arizona market and has chosen Tucson as the site of its national customer care center, creating up to 350 new jobs over the next five years.

The company leased 24,000 square feet at 3535 E. Valencia Road, near South Palo Verde Road, to support its subscription-based produce delivery business.

Plans for a future distribution center locally are also underway. In the meantime, the company will service the Arizona market from its Los Angeles warehouse.

[Ted Lyons]

Oddly, no workers have been on site at Aspire since Thursday. Could be a strike of some sort, but work continues at The Mark.

[crzyabe]

Rio Nuevo Board meets today. Volvo site, Armory Park and YMCA on their agenda

https://rionuevo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-13-Agenda.pdf

[Ted Lyons]

Oddly, no workers have been on site at Aspire since Thursday. Could be a strike of some sort, but work continues at The Mark.

In other Main Gate news, the parking lot on the Graduate site is barricaded off, so figure construction should begin there shortly.

[andrewsaturn]

In other Main Gate news, the parking lot on the Graduate site is barricaded off, so figure construction should begin there shortly.

That's fantastic. Hopefully they get back to work soon lol

[Ted Lyons]

In other Main Gate news, the parking lot on the Graduate site is barricaded off, so figure construction should begin there shortly.

Fencing up around the site now. I believe this is a UEB project which means we should get a construction camera.

[Ted Lyons]

Also, Monier broke ground today.

https://twitter.com/rionuevotucson1/status/1063227363343749120

EDIT: The copy on the sign in the image through the link is horrific.

[crzyabe]

Also, Monier broke ground today.

Holy crap, I thought we would never see this project actually realized