Tucson Development Thread

[kmiller5]

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.

Sounds like the fencing is up at the Trinity site, too! Lots of action starting along the streetcar line!

[Patrick S]

ADOT is holding a meeting on November 29th in regards to proposed widening project of I-10 southeast of downtown. (https://www.azdot.gov/media/News/news-release/2018/11/19/nov.-29-public-meeting-on-improving-mobility-south-of-downtown-tucson)

[crzyabe]

Construction fencing is going up at the RendezVous Urban Flats parcel at Broadway and Stone

[Ted Lyons]

City Council will be discussing the Ronstadt project in Executive Session next week. Potential actions include "discussion or consultation with the attorneys and staff for the City of Tucson in order to consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the City of Tucson’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations . . . and for discussion or consultation to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase or lease of real property." To me, this indicates there's some movement going on. Could be good or bad, I suppose.

[Ted Lyons]

Still not a fan of the overall design, but the finishes are an improvement over the previous iteration, IMO.

https://i.imgur.com/ZPO3Cl6.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/bhc12VB.png

[Ted Lyons]

Construction fencing is going up at the RendezVous Urban Flats parcel at Broadway and Stone

Sure enough, building permit issued last week.

[T'Town]

Could Tucson be the location of the new Steel Dynamics mill set to be built somewhere in the Southwest? To the layman Tucson seems like a good fit. Hope Tucson puts together a good incentive package for this mill.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-praises-steel-dynamics-for-new-billion-dollar-steel-mill

The steel producer – one of the country’s largest – announced plans on Monday to build a flat-roll steel mill in the U.S. with annual production capacity of 450,000 tons. The investment will total as much as $1.8 billion and could create 600 “well-paying” jobs.

While no exact location has been decided for the new facility, Steel Dynamics said it expects it will be located in the Southwest to be able to serve markets both in the U.S. and Mexico. It will base its geographical decision on local infrastructure and incentives.

[andrewsaturn]

City Council will be discussing the Ronstadt project in Executive Session next week. Potential actions include "discussion or consultation with the attorneys and staff for the City of Tucson in order to consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the City of Tucson’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations . . . and for discussion or consultation to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase or lease of real property." To me, this indicates there's some movement going on. Could be good or bad, I suppose.

Definitely vague. Thanks for the update!

[Patrick S]

Does anyone know why they're clearing land on the southwest corner of I-10 and 29th Street?

[Ted Lyons]

Does anyone know why they're clearing land on the southwest corner of I-10 and 29th Street?

It's a 49,500 sf one-floor distribution warehouse. Current project name is "Project Cactus" so not clear what company is behind it. TI and Amazon have both used similar code names recently. The developer is Scannell Properties. A good number of their build-to-suit projects are for FedEx Ground but their clientele is pretty diverse.

The geotechnical report estimates 500 trucks on site per day and there are hundreds of parking spaces, so it would seem to be a pretty labor-intensive and high-volume operation.

[crzyabe]

It's a 49,500 sf one-floor distribution warehouse. Current project name is "Project Cactus" so not clear what company is behind it.

I have heard that Amazon is looking for a second, smaller warehouse for local distribution. Bypassing the use of UPS and handling next day or same day delivery. In fact I heard the warehouse size they are looking for is 30k-40k sqft. I wonder if this is a second amazon location?

You have probably already seen their trucks around

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/DSP2/Van._CB1529616317_.png

[Ted Lyons]

I have heard that Amazon is looking for a second, smaller warehouse for local distribution. Bypassing the use of UPS and handling next day or same day delivery. In fact I heard the warehouse size they are looking for is 30k-40k sqft. I wonder if this is a second amazon location?

You have probably already seen their trucks around

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/DSP2/Van._CB1529616317_.png

This is exactly what I was thinking this could be based on my mental elimination of other possible carriers. For example, OnTrac is in a bigger warehouse with more truck bays near the airport. DHL is in that same building and, although their space is smaller, they just moved in this year. UPS's facility on Park and Silverlake is bigger, I'm pretty sure, as is FedEx's facility near the airport.

Another possible tell is the name of the property owner - SPA Properties Tucson. As I mentioned, the developer is Scannell Properties, so what's the "A" for in the acronym?

[Patrick S]

I have heard that Amazon is looking for a second, smaller warehouse for local distribution. Bypassing the use of UPS and handling next day or same day delivery. In fact I heard the warehouse size they are looking for is 30k-40k sqft. I wonder if this is a second amazon location?

You have probably already seen their trucks around

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/DSP2/Van._CB1529616317_.png
Actually, I did see one of those vans today. Thanks everyone for the info.

[chenley333]

[IMG]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RK_GcuIu88KJ3hAfpL3mD7BiENoJV-4O[IMG]

Initial work on Rendezvous Flats

[crzyabe]

[IMG]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RK_GcuIu88KJ3hAfpL3mD7BiENoJV-4O[IMG]

Initial work on Rendezvous Flats

My understanding is that they are going to preserve those Ben's Bells murals and incorporate them into the property. I hope they do

[crzyabe]

I have heard that the construction at 1-10 and 29th is indeed an Amazon "rapid Distribution Warehouse". Additionally, this is not the only one planned for the area. They are looking for additional locations but no information yet on where

[Patrick S]

I was watching PBS last night - The Desert Speaks - and after the episode was over they had a short news break which mentioned Rio Nuevo had approved funding for a hotel at Broadway and Park. Anyone know anything about this? I haven't been able to find anything about it online.

[Ted Lyons]

I was watching PBS last night - The Desert Speaks - and after the episode was over they had a short news break which mentioned Rio Nuevo had approved funding for a hotel at Broadway and Park. Anyone know anything about this? I haven't been able to find anything about it online.

That would be the Broadway Volvo property. I know a hotel was mentioned as potentially being part of the project but there were no specific details at the November RN meeting. This is the problem with no local news media covering their meetings - we have no idea what was discussed this month beyond the agenda.

[Thirsty]

No articles on TIBO in over a month and then today their domain name expired.

What happened? What is another source of development news?

[Patrick S]

That would be the Broadway Volvo property. I know a hotel was mentioned as potentially being part of the project but there were no specific details at the November RN meeting. This is the problem with no local news media covering their meetings - we have no idea what was discussed this month beyond the agenda.
I figured that was the property they were talking about. Hopefully we'll get some news on this soon.

[Patrick S]

No articles on TIBO in over a month and then today their domain name expired.

What happened? What is another source of development news?
I just checked their website and was able to access it, but still no new post since 10/1/18. This has happened to them before. They actually had another web address before this one that was not updated for awhile before their new/current website was unveiled. They provided some good stories but there were times that things were posted here before they were there. And no offense to them, but their writing was not very good.

There are still plenty of places to find good information about developments - Rio Nuevo's website (https://rionuevo.org/), the City of Tucson's website (https://www.tucsonaz.gov/), the Regional Transportation Authority's website (http://www.rtamobility.com/), the AZ Daily Star's website (Tucson.com (https://tucson.com/)) are good places to start as well as Inside Tucson Business (https://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/).

For all of Arizona, including Tucson, there's the AZ DOT's website (https://www.azdot.gov/home) and also the Arizona Builder's Exchange website (http://azbex.com/) as well as Real Estate Daily News (https://realestatedaily-news.com/).

[kmiller5]

Steve K's weekly newsletter says the ground breaking has occurred at 75 E. Broadway. Anyone know if this is actually the case?

Also, would love to see a rendering with the updated/smaller design.

[Ted Lyons]

Steve K's weekly newsletter says the ground breaking has occurred at 75 E. Broadway. Anyone know if this is actually the case?

Also, would love to see a rendering with the updated/smaller design.

Don't see anything on PRO to confirm this.

On another note, a permit was issued earlier this month for demolition of the parking garage just west of Hotel Arizona.

[fawd]

Hey, Tucsonians!

Wanted to check in on the construction status of the new football practice facility... does anyone have any recent pictures?

Also, does the UA still have that construction cam portal?

Thanks!!!

[Ted Lyons]

Hey, Tucsonians!

Wanted to check in on the construction status of the new football practice facility... does anyone have any recent pictures?

Also, does the UA still have that construction cam portal?

Thanks!!!

The camera is still live at http://www.pdc.arizona.edu/project/18-9390?tab=camera.

[fawd]

The camera is still live at http://www.pdc.arizona.edu/project/18-9390?tab=camera.

Thanks! Looking great!

[andrewsaturn]

Steve K's weekly newsletter says the ground breaking has occurred at 75 E. Broadway. Anyone know if this is actually the case?

Also, would love to see a rendering with the updated/smaller design.

The fencing is up around 75 E Broadway!

[Ted Lyons]

The fencing is up around 75 E Broadway!

Nice! The documents on PRO must be under a mystery address. We'll figure it out eventually.

[Ted Lyons]

Missed this last month, but Rio Nuevo posted some info about their investment in the Broadway Volvo site project along with a (very artful) rendering.

https://rionuevo.org/rio-nuevo-agrees-to-participate-%EF%BB%BFin-volvo-site-project/

[andrewsaturn]

I know this has been said before but I want to continue to say thank you to Kaneui
for continuously updating the Tucson post and letting us see and read about the latest Tucson development in a more condensed version. Thanks!

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4004052&postcount=788

[Azstar]

I know this has been said before but I want to continue to say thank you to Kaneui
for continuously updating the Tucson post and letting us see and read about the latest Tucson development in a more condensed version. Thanks!

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4004052&postcount=788

Ditto. Thanks.

[kaneui]

I know this has been said before but I want to continue to say thank you to Kaneui
for continuously updating the Tucson post and letting us see and read about the latest Tucson development in a more condensed version. Thanks!

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4004052&postcount=788

With this month marking ten years since I posted my initial Tucson development list, I will be stepping away from doing any further updates. When I first created the list, the recession had just begun and development activity was slowing to a crawl. Contrast that with today, where there is much more momentum in the whole region, especially the downtown.

The list was never meant to be a comprehensive one, but it did cover most of the projects in the downtown/UofA/streetcar corridor, with a few others thrown in. It's been a good run, but time for me to let it go.

As was mentioned in an earlier post, there are numerous other sources for local development information, so those who are interested can keep abreast of current and proposed projects.

[somethingfast]

With this month marking ten years since I posted my initial Tucson development list, I will be stepping away from doing any further updates. When I first created the list, the recession had just begun and development activity was slowing to a crawl. Contrast that with today, where there is much more momentum in the whole region, especially the downtown.

The list was never meant to be a comprehensive one, but it did cover most of the projects in the downtown/UofA/streetcar corridor, with a few others thrown in. It's been a good run, but time for me to let it go.

As was mentioned in an earlier post, there are numerous other sources for local development information, so those who are interested can keep abreast of current and proposed projects.

I don't live in Tucson (born there) but I've followed your updates over these last 10 years - well done and much appreciated! Take care...

[Ted Lyons]

With this month marking ten years since I posted my initial Tucson development list, I will be stepping away from doing any further updates. When I first created the list, the recession had just begun and development activity was slowing to a crawl. Contrast that with today, where there is much more momentum in the whole region, especially the downtown.

The list was never meant to be a comprehensive one, but it did cover most of the projects in the downtown/UofA/streetcar corridor, with a few others thrown in. It's been a good run, but time for me to let it go.

As was mentioned in an earlier post, there are numerous other sources for local development information, so those who are interested can keep abreast of current and proposed projects.

Thanks for keeping this going for as long as you did!

[Patrick S]

Northwest Hospital has announced they plan to build a new hospital in Tucson’s east side, at the corner of Houghton & Old Spanish Trail.

Northwest Healthcare adds nearly 600 jobs (https://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/2019/01/07/northwest-healthcare-adds-nearly-jobs/)

[crzyabe]

The fencing around the 75 E Broadway lot is for Cultural Remediation work, so technically construction hasn't started.

May be that is why there is no permit?

[Ted Lyons]

The fencing around the 75 E Broadway lot is for Cultural Remediation work, so technically construction hasn't started.

May be that is why there is no permit?

Yeah, I don't think a permit is necessary for archaeological work, but it's a good sign nonetheless.

[Patrick S]

News on 75 E. Broadway

Development of 12-story building in downtown Tucson moves forward with lease approval (https://tucson.com/business/development-of--story-building-in-downtown-tucson-moves-forward/article_ef35948a-8a04-562b-84ef-d68cff98e794.html)

The development of a 12-story building in downtown Tucson can move forward after the Pima County Board of Supervisors agreed to lease the property to the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District.

The District will lease the property at 75 E. Broadway — which is the size of a city block — for $189,000 a year, with plans by the J.E. Dunn corporation to begin construction of the tower within the next year.

Plans for the multi-story tower call for between 150,000 and 250,000 square feet of office space, a 350-space parking garage and a mix of retail shops and restaurants on the ground floor and part of the alley between Congress and Broadway.

When construction is complete in what is expected to be two years, Rio Nuevo will purchase the property from the county for the appraised value, $2.7 million.

The county acquired the property in 2005 for $500,000 as part of the purchase of 97 E. Congress St.

[somethingfast]

News on 75 E. Broadway

Development of 12-story building in downtown Tucson moves forward with lease approval (https://tucson.com/business/development-of--story-building-in-downtown-tucson-moves-forward/article_ef35948a-8a04-562b-84ef-d68cff98e794.html)

The development of a 12-story building in downtown Tucson can move forward after the Pima County Board of Supervisors agreed to lease the property to the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District.

The District will lease the property at 75 E. Broadway — which is the size of a city block — for $189,000 a year, with plans by the J.E. Dunn corporation to begin construction of the tower within the next year.

Plans for the multi-story tower call for between 150,000 and 250,000 square feet of office space, a 350-space parking garage and a mix of retail shops and restaurants on the ground floor and part of the alley between Congress and Broadway.

When construction is complete in what is expected to be two years, Rio Nuevo will purchase the property from the county for the appraised value, $2.7 million.

The county acquired the property in 2005 for $500,000 as part of the purchase of 97 E. Congress St.

any new development in Tucson is great but, ugh, another blown chance at a true tall...sigh

[Almost Now]

Financial feasibility is important. It was marketed as taller and this is all the market would bear. They blew an opportunity to overbuild and fail.

[Patrick S]

Update on Amazon's construction at I-10 & Silverlake: Amazon expands Tucson presence with major project on city's west side (https://tucson.com/business/amazon-expands-tucson-presence-with-major-project-on-city-s/article_6b13f43b-b3e5-5836-95a5-074007bd94fd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story)

Update on some other construction across the region: What's going up? TEP structures on Tucson's south side (https://tucson.com/business/what-s-going-up-tep-structures-on-tucson-s-south/article_dfa41422-4120-5d10-8c08-6c10ca12ce19.html)

Update on some new road construction across the region: New road construction coming to Tucson in 2019 (http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/2019/01/11/new-road-construction-coming-tucson/)

Steller's take on Downtown development: Steller column: Downscale spots in downtown Tucson in danger of disappearing (https://tucson.com/news/local/steller-column-downscale-spots-in-downtown-tucson-in-danger-of/article_417f2800-2814-5dfd-a579-81e0a5b36738.html)

[kmiller5]

http://www.75broadway.info

75 Broadway renderings

[Ted Lyons]

http://www.75broadway.info

75 Broadway renderings

It looks more proportional than I expected after the height reduction, but they have to do something with that east-facing metal feature. It's really unappealing.

[crzyabe]

http://www.75broadway.info

75 Broadway renderings

I was looking forward to a roof top bar/restaurant. Sad to not see one in this render

[Ted Lyons]

Webcam has been posted for the UA Student Success District.

http://www.pdc.arizona.edu/project/17-9381?tab=camera

EDIT - Found a Sundt webpage with multiple updated renderings of the project.

http://www.sundt.com/projects/university-of-arizona-student-success-district/

[crzyabe]

A vague update on the Arena Site at Congress and I-10

Steller column: Clock ticking slowly on development of downtown gem-show site (https://tucson.com/news/local/steller-column-clock-ticking-slowly-on-development-of-downtown-gem/article_2f82bf59-10af-563b-95a5-4caf91e4bdd2.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1)

[Ted Lyons]

A vague update on the Arena Site at Congress and I-10

Steller column: Clock ticking slowly on development of downtown gem-show site (https://tucson.com/news/local/steller-column-clock-ticking-slowly-on-development-of-downtown-gem/article_2f82bf59-10af-563b-95a5-4caf91e4bdd2.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1)

Doesn't sound promising. I get the idea that Norville only wanted the property to continue his two-bit-looking gem show. Set aside $2.5 million in profit over seven years (of a probably much larger margin) and the RN fine pays for itself. After that, who cares? You continued your business for seven more years with no additional capital inputs.

The nonsense about the other proposals is a non-starter for me. None of them would have taken up the whole parcel, so we theoretically should have seen some development even if they were seriously contemplated.

[crzyabe]

Doesn't sound promising. I get the idea that Norville only wanted the property to continue his two-bit-looking gem show. Set aside $2.5 million in profit over seven years (of a probably much larger margin) and the RN fine pays for itself. After that, who cares? You continued your business for seven more years with no additional capital inputs.

The nonsense about the other proposals is a non-starter for me. None of them would have taken up the whole parcel, so we theoretically should have seen some development even if they were seriously contemplated.

Agreed, Norville was the wrong selection for that property. Does he lose the option to develop the property if he does not make the 9/2020 deadline?

[Azstar]

Doesn't sound promising. I get the idea that Norville only wanted the property to continue his two-bit-looking gem show. Set aside $2.5 million in profit over seven years (of a probably much larger margin) and the RN fine pays for itself. After that, who cares? You continued your business for seven more years with no additional capital inputs.

The nonsense about the other proposals is a non-starter for me. None of them would have taken up the whole parcel, so we theoretically should have seen some development even if they were seriously contemplated.

I always had my doubts. It's highly unlikely that any local Tucson developer could fund a $110M + project without massive investments from bigger, wealthier, out of town developers.

[Patrick S]

Article on Chroma Project in midtown.

Rooftop dining will be feature of six-story building going up in midtown Tucson (https://tucson.com/business/rooftop-dining-will-be-feature-of-six-story-building-going/article_8b50bff0-06be-5879-b8ac-95505fb353df.html)

A rooftop dining option atop a six-story tower is coming to midtown Tucson.

Chroma Complex, on Speedway just east of Country Club Road, will feature retail, office and residential space in multiple new structures along Camino Miramonte and rehabilitated retail space that fronts Speedway.

The nearly 83,000-square-foot development will have 24 rental townhouses on Camino Miramonte and 18 market-rate apartments in the tower.

“It will give people an opportunity for a live-work-play environment,” said broker Debbie Heslop, with Volk Co., which is marketing the property. “Central Tucson is getting a lot of attention from retailers.”

Connectivity Source, a Sprint dealer, just inked the first new lease for 2,456 square feet in the Chroma Annex, which is the retail space that currently houses Fronimo’s Greek Cafe.

The tower, which will sit just south of Speedway, will have ground-level retail, office space on the second floor, three stories of apartments and the restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, on the sixth floor.

“It was designed with sensitivity to the surrounding neighborhood,” Heslop said.

It will be the second high-rise project on the periphery of the Miramonte neighborhood.


Plans are underway for an apartment complex surrounding the Benedictine Monastery on the neighborhood’s west border.

While the Benedictine project caused some controversy, the Chroma development was better received, said Sam Behrend, vice president of the Miramonte Neighborhood Association.

“The neighborhood wasn’t concerned about height because of its location,” he said of the vacant project site.

“We liked that it wasn’t going to be a big box or traditional strip mall,” Behrend said.

“Even though it’s higher than anything else in the neighborhood, people loved that there would be a restaurant on that top floor.”

Developers hope to have the project online by 2020, Heslop said.

[Patrick S]

Article on proposed new apartments on 4th Avenue.

Tucson coalition's agreement gives locals more say in Fourth Avenue apartment plan (https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-coalition-s-agreement-gives-locals-more-say-in-fourth/article_144441e4-4d1f-5515-8d60-55bc4daa36f3.html)

A year ago, Fourth Avenue businesses and nearby residents were blindsided by a proposal for a multistory apartment complex on Fourth Avenue, concerned that the development would alter the character of the strip.

But given that the Memphis, Tennessee-based developer Education Realty Trust (EdR) didn’t need the approval of the Tucson City Council, the neighbors could make noise but had little leverage to do anything about the development, dubbed The Union on Sixth.

What a difference a year makes. Today an alliance of area businesses, nonprofits and several nearby neighborhood associations known as the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition have worked out a binding, legal agreement with the new owners of the proposed development, Greystar Real Estate Partners. Greystar absorbed EdR last year, part of a $4.6 billion acquisition deal.

The “community benefits agreement” gives preferences to locally owned businesses — national chains need not apply — for ground-floor commercial spaces at The Union as well as a six-figure sum specifically set aside for street, sidewalk and parking improvements along Fourth Avenue.

The completely voluntary arrangement between the developer and the community is a first in the state, organizers behind the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition say. However, local developers note that smaller agreements with a single neighborhood group or business coalition are relatively routine.

Sitting in a coffee shop about a block away from the proposal development, DeeDee Koenen, Michael Peel and Shannon Riggs concede the first reaction to the proposed development wasn’t good.

“We were a little blindsided,” Koenen said. “We kinda freaked out.”

Koenen, one of the owners of Pop Cycle on Fourth Avenue, has deep roots along Fourth Avenue and describes the block south of Sixth Street as the “the heart of Fourth Avenue.”

Her family has owned property on Fourth Avenue for decades, and she hoped the developers of the former Flycatcher bar would embrace some adaptive reuse for the property rather than tearing it down.

But she stressed that locals were not opposed to any new developments; they just wanted projects that helped Fourth Avenue grow.

While calls to the public at council meetings and campaigns on Facebook garnered media attention, Koenen and Riggs quickly realized that they needed a unified voice in their talks with the developer.

Neighborhood groups, including the West University Neighborhood Association and the Iron Horse Neighborhood Association, were supportive of their efforts — especially after other informal agreements with developers weren’t honored in the past.


Rory Juneman, an attorney representing Greystar, said the developer is deeply committed to working with the surrounding community.

To make sure that the company will hire local businesses, Greystar has agreed to cap the monthly rent to make it more affordable for small Tucson businesses.

The agreement is set to last eight years — tied to the lifespan of an unrelated tax incentive offered by the city of Tucson — although the deal is expected to contain language that would allow for additional time extensions.

After a self-imposed crash course in city development rules and procedures last summer, Riggs and Koenen have pushed the city of Tucson to make changes to its zoning codes.

For example, the city offers developers incentives for open space, but those requirements are open to interpretation.

A small park on the edge of the property — Riggs suggests hypothetically — offers a significant community benefit over a courtyard that is only available to those living in the development.

Koenen reached out to Peel, the Southern Arizona director for Local First Arizona, for help with the developers early in their talks with EdR and later, Greystar. The nonprofit advocates for locally owned small businesses.

Peel said the community benefits agreement is beneficial not only to the Fourth Avenue community, but to other Tucson neighborhood groups in discussions with developers as well.

Riggs agreed, predicting a number of new developments would likely spring up along Fourth and Sixth Avenues.

Councilman Steve Kozachik, whose ward includes Fourth Avenue, said his support for tax incentives for Greystar was partially based on the community benefits agreement.

Often a skeptic of the necessity of such incentives, Kozachik said he was encouraged that Greystar was willing to sign an agreement outlining a multiyear agreement with the surrounding neighborhood and businesses.

[Ted Lyons]

Someone posted this on Reddit. Not sure why the image is so distorted, but looks legit. As a commenter noted, Jack in the Box is included in the concept.

https://i.redd.it/j2nx5f3xmne21.png

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson/comments/an91w1/prepare_yourself_because_apparently_we_need/

EDIT - Mystery solved. It's before the Main Gate Overlay District Review Committee tomorrow. You can see Pieology is also included in the project. It's almost like it's being built over it.

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pdsd/boards-committees-commissions/Hub_IV_design_package_for_DRC_courtesy_review.pdf

[Almost Now]

Image distortion looks like what you get with a 3D Google aerial or Google Earth.

[Patrick S]

312-unit Multifamily Development Proposed in Tucson’s Rita Ranch (http://azbex.com/312-unit-multifamily-development-proposed-in-tucsons-rita-ranch/)

HSL Construction Services, LLC has announced plans to develop Encantada at Rita Ranch, a luxury apartment community at the southeast corner of Valencia Road and Nexus Road in Tucson’s Rita Ranch.

The 312-unit complex, situated on 17.16 acres, will be the fifth Encantada development in Tucson. Additionally, HSL operates three Encantada communities in the Phoenix area, each boasting high-end details like granite countertops, upgraded lighting and flooring and high ceilings.

The complex will be a mix of two- to three-story buildings housing 117 studios, 117 two-bedroom and 78 three-bedroom units. Residents can enjoy a fully equipped fitness center, clubhouse and resort pool.

Located at 9300 E. Valencia Road, Encantada at Rita Ranch is in the heart of the master-planned community southeast of Tucson, with schools, shopping and hiking trails nearby. Encantada at Rita Ranch may attract military families from nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Late last month, the developer submitted a design development option request for the installation of 6- to 8-foot walls where the City of Tucson requires only 5-foot barriers. The interior perimeter walls would include a mixture of wrought iron fencing, masonry and vegetative screening.

“Taken together, we believe these measures will enhance the safety, aesthetics and maintenance of the project and its neighbors,” the developer said in the application.

A Design Review Board meeting was held February 1 to discuss the interior perimeter changes and a recommendation to the Planning and Development Services Director is pending.

Encantada at Rita Ranch residents also will have multiple access points to the complex, according to a traffic impact analysis. The site will have two new proposed full-access driveways on Valencia Road, both of which will be gated.

[crzyabe]

HSL Construction Services, LLC has announced plans to develop Encantada at Rita Ranch, a luxury apartment community at the southeast corner of Valencia Road and Nexus Road in Tucson’s Rita Ranch.

Hey HSL - How are the Flin apartments and the Hotel Arizona coming along?

[crzyabe]

Newly-Constructed Tucson Hotel Receives $40 Million in Financing via Walker & Dunlop (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newly-constructed-tucson-hotel-receives-40-million-in-financing-via-walker--dunlop-300796359.html)

"Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it recently structured financing in the amount of $40,000,000 for the newly-built AC Marriott in Tucson, Arizona. Completed in the fall of 2017, the eight-story, 136-key property marks the first hotel built in downtown Tucson since the early 1970s. Within its first year of operation, the hotel far exceeded proforma and occupancy expectations and has been a key contributor to the revitalization of Tucson's central business district."

This is probably one reason why we are seeing so many Downtown hotel proposals lately

[kmiller5]

Newly-Constructed Tucson Hotel Receives $40 Million in Financing via Walker & Dunlop (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newly-constructed-tucson-hotel-receives-40-million-in-financing-via-walker--dunlop-300796359.html)

"Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it recently structured financing in the amount of $40,000,000 for the newly-built AC Marriott in Tucson, Arizona. Completed in the fall of 2017, the eight-story, 136-key property marks the first hotel built in downtown Tucson since the early 1970s. Within its first year of operation, the hotel far exceeded proforma and occupancy expectations and has been a key contributor to the revitalization of Tucson's central business district."

This is probably one reason why we are seeing so many Downtown hotel proposals lately

Is this essentially a re-financing? And it would indicate that the $36M investment in the AC is now worth significantly more?

[southtucsonboy77]

I don’t think anyone has posted this, but the Rio Nuevo website has the TCC Hotel renderings. Looks nice.

[crzyabe]

I don’t think anyone has posted this, but the Rio Nuevo website has the TCC Hotel renderings. Looks nice.

Here are the new pics

https://rionuevo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/northeast-high-1-950x640.jpg

https://rionuevo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/south-high-950x640.jpg

[crzyabe]

The Gadsden Company continues development around Mercado San Agustin (https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_5b0e7f02-3482-11e9-9759-3b3626431277.html)

Interview with Gadsden Company about future of west side development. Interesting part mentioning the high rises along the Santa Cruz.

"Thinking ambitiously, Weinstein said he hopes their plans for the district are completed in the next seven years. The company is working on adding three mid-rise residential buildings along the Santa Cruz River behind the Sentinel Plaza, along with retail and parking garage buildings and a grocery store with more residential units. The company will invest more than $100 million more with the future projects it’s working on."

[Patrick S]

The Gadsden Company continues development around Mercado San Agustin (https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_5b0e7f02-3482-11e9-9759-3b3626431277.html)

Interview with Gadsden Company about future of west side development. Interesting part mentioning the high rises along the Santa Cruz.

"Thinking ambitiously, Weinstein said he hopes their plans for the district are completed in the next seven years. The company is working on adding three mid-rise residential buildings along the Santa Cruz River behind the Sentinel Plaza, along with retail and parking garage buildings and a grocery store with more residential units. The company will invest more than $100 million more with the future projects it’s working on."
I was reading this article a couple days ago. I'm assuming these mid-rise buildings are the Bautista, though I could be wrong. They also mentioned that the MSA Annex is not permanent and that they hope to have something more permanent there in the future - possibly another mercado.

[Ted Lyons]

Just as it seems the Hub 4 project includes some of the existing structure at Tyndall and Speedway, another developer (Capstone Collegiate Communities) is proposing a project at Euclid and Speedway that would cantilever over the three houses that front the south side of Speedway between Euclid and the alley.

http://tucson.siretechnologies.com/SIREPub/cache/2/4304102C2C32C3925D4533FEC3333333737337545425545447/920951202212019095109853.pdf

I'm not 100% sure what the incentive of keeping these structures is.

[Qwijib0]

Just as it seems the Hub 4 project includes some of the existing structure at Tyndall and Speedway, another developer (Capstone Collegiate Communities) is proposing a project at Euclid and Speedway that would cantilever over the three houses that front the south side of Speedway between Euclid and the alley.

http://tucson.siretechnologies.com/SIREPub/cache/2/4304102C2C32C3925D4533FEC3333333737337545425545447/920951202212019095109853.pdf

I'm not 100% sure what the incentive of keeping these structures is.

can you rehost it? that's a 404 now

[Ted Lyons]

can you rehost it? that's a 404 now

Not sure how to rehost the PDF, but here's a screenshot from it showing the proposed massing.

https://i.imgur.com/HQg1egZ.jpg?1

[Ted Lyons]

Looks like Rio Nuevo will be discussing potential incentives for a new employer downtown in their executive session on Tuesday. Pretty sure, if they're getting involved, it could mean something significant.

[kmiller5]

Looks like Rio Nuevo will be discussing potential incentives for a new employer downtown in their executive session on Tuesday. Pretty sure, if they're getting involved, it could mean something significant.

Well, Amazon HQ2 did just pull out of NYC...:haha:

[Patrick S]

Here's an article about the aforementioned Hub IV

Hub IV Mixed-Use Proposed for Tucson Main Gate District (http://azbex.com/hub-iv-mixed-use-proposed-for-tucson-main-gate-district/)

The City of Tucson’s Main Gate Overlay District Review Committee heard a proposal from Core Campus at their February 6 meeting, for the development of a new mixed-use student housing complex planned for the SWC of Speedway Boulevard and Park Avenue.

The project, called Hub IV at Park & Speedway, will be located on six parcels at 902, 910, 914 and 916 E Speedway Boulevard and will stretch from Park Avenue to Tyndall. The property is currently separated by an alley and is expected to be consolidated into either two parcels or one depending on whether the alley is incorporated.

The property is zoned C-1 within the Main Gate District and is “currently developed with various commercial uses,” according to the owner’s preapplication submittal.

Hub IV at Park & Speedway will be a six-story, mixed-use development consisting of 115-135 “town home style” dwelling units with room for up to 499 beds, and approximately 9.5KSF of retail on the ground floor.

Features include below-grade and ground level parking composed of about 90 spaces, as well as an upper mezzanine level consisting of a pool and rooftop terrace will be available.

According to the submittal, the design is consistent with the requirements of the Main Gate District Overlay and “serves to transition the heights and densities of the nearby, taller student housing complexes,” by using a variety of materials and colors that complement the adjacent buildings.

The building’s location helps mitigate noise by strategically being placed near large University buildings and parking garages that act as buffers.

The streetscape will, “enhance the Tyndall pedestrian corridor with ‘town home style units fronting on Tyndall Avenue,” according to the submittal. “The project will also incorporate a ‘feature landscape/hardscape/monument’ element at Park & Speedway, which will accentuate and possibly identify the Main Gate District.”

Core has experience developing in the Main Gate District with their fourth project, The Collective, currently under construction.

In an email to BEX on February 19, Core Spaces Principal & Chief Development Officer, Eric Grimm noted that Hub IV is currently in the entitlements stage, and that construction is estimated to start in the Fall of 2019 for a 2021 delivery.

A general contractor has not yet been selected.

[Ted Lyons]

Looks like the UA Indoor Sports Center is pretty much done.

https://i.imgur.com/v7Tvngl.jpg?1

[InTheBurbs]

Looks like the UA Indoor Sports Center is pretty much done.

Here's a view of the inside from Arizona Athletics:

https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaAthletics/videos/294387497918785/

[Ted Lyons]

Quick updates:

-A crane was being erected at La Placita yesterday. Based on the progress I saw over a few hours, it should probably be done today.

-Project signage is up at 75 E Broadway.

[Qwijib0]

Not sure how to rehost the PDF, but here's a screenshot from it showing the proposed massing.

https://i.imgur.com/HQg1egZ.jpg?1

That is odd. maybe it was cheaper just to buy the air rights for those properties and lose the two floors of space?

[crzyabe]

Quick updates:

-A crane was being erected at La Placita yesterday. Based on the progress I saw over a few hours, it should probably be done today.

The crane is indeed complete. I did not know that had a permit to begin construction

[crzyabe]

Why America’s New Apartment Buildings All Look the Same (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-02-13/why-america-s-new-apartment-buildings-all-look-the-same)

Not exactly Tucson related, but relevant

[somethingfast]

The crane is indeed complete. I did not know that had a permit to begin construction

any chance one of you resident Tucsonans could take a pic for us??? :cheers:

[crzyabe]

Crane at Flin Apartments Construction Site
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/751/D8S35b.jpg

Rendezvous Urban Flats construction
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7325/Avcn9H.jpg

75 E Broadway Cultural Mitigation work
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/718/syPULE.jpg

[somethingfast]

^ hey thanks for posting! nice to see the activity !

[Mark H]

Per Daily Star Raisin’ Canes going in at 2604 E Speedway in a formerly vacant lot.

[crzyabe]

Looks like the Graduate got its construction permit

Boutique hotel, apartment complex is going up at Main Gate Square near UA (https://tucson.com/business/going-up-boutique-hotel-apartment-complex-is-going-up-at/article_e9557a65-98f5-5116-acaf-434cc4937936.html)

[Ted Lyons]

Anyone think apartments in Main Gate Square are oversaturated? Developers sure don't.

Aspire II coming soon.

https://i.imgur.com/RFWjVq1.png?1

https://i.imgur.com/gTQUc5o.png?1

[InTheBurbs]

Anyone think apartments in Main Gate Square are oversaturated? Developers sure don't.

Aspire II coming soon.

Where is this? On Park where Chase bank is (or was)?

[Ted Lyons]

Where is this? On Park where Chase bank is (or was)?

Yes. As it happens, the credit union just north of Chase moved out about a month ago. Wouldn’t surprise me if that lot gets developed soon as well.

[Eapiwo]

Found some new renderings of the Moxy/Element Hotel. The Broadway facing side looks a little bland and I wish that the 60 foot tall cage surrounding the parking would be better incorporated into the facade of the upper floors. Definitely a unique building and will stand out nicely IMO. I appreciate that it's not the basic "five over podium" that was posted by crzyabe. Not that those buildings are necessarily bad looking and seem to be valuable to low density cities like ours. The Moxy will likely be skyline changing to a small extent. I wonder how tall it'll be. Seems like it'll be the tallest building built in Tucson since 1 South Church in the 80's. :cheers:

Even without major changes to the skyline, downtown has gotten much nicer and full of life again with the smaller buildings. It's a wonderful place to be which it really hasn't been for much of my life so far. I can't wait to be there once this next wave of construction starts and finishes.

http://www.jdp-arc.com/moxy-element-dual-hotels/r30ltdaz1s0fpq12gusj05o8g30ku4

[Eapiwo]

Looks like the Sonoran Highway Freeway is still in the works. The potential routes seem to be the same as what they've presented us with in the past.


https://tucson.com/news/local/weigh-in-on-proposed-sonoran-corridor-routes-that-would-link/article_6cf25aa4-f340-59ba-8c75-572787c86e78.html

[andrewsaturn]

Found some new renderings of the Moxy/Element Hotel. The Broadway facing side looks a little bland and I wish that the 60 foot tall cage surrounding the parking would be better incorporated into the facade of the upper floors. Definitely a unique building and will stand out nicely IMO. I appreciate that it's not the basic "five over podium" that was posted by crzyabe. Not that those buildings are necessarily bad looking and seem to be valuable to low density cities like ours. The Moxy will likely be skyline changing to a small extent. I wonder how tall it'll be. Seems like it'll be the tallest building built in Tucson since 1 South Church in the 80's. :cheers:

Even without major changes to the skyline, downtown has gotten much nicer and full of life again with the smaller buildings. It's a wonderful place to be which it really hasn't been for much of my life so far. I can't wait to be there once this next wave of construction starts and finishes.

http://www.jdp-arc.com/moxy-element-dual-hotels/r30ltdaz1s0fpq12gusj05o8g30ku4

Thanks for finding this. It is a large project and I hope the developers are serious about it because I feel pretty shafted about the je dun project :haha:

[Azstar]

Thanks for finding this. It is a large project and I hope the developers are serious about it because I feel pretty shafted about the je dun project :haha:

Sadly, there is almost no demand for office or retail space downtown.

[Qwijib0]

Looks like the Graduate got its construction permit

Boutique hotel, apartment complex is going up at Main Gate Square near UA (https://tucson.com/business/going-up-boutique-hotel-apartment-complex-is-going-up-at/article_e9557a65-98f5-5116-acaf-434cc4937936.html)

They finished the electrical vaults and have moved on to hole

https://i.imgur.com/zGY8fFZ.jpg

[crzyabe]

The entire 148 page PAD package has been uploaded to the COT website for the Benedictine Monastery development.

Benedictine PAD Submittal (https://www.tucsonaz.gov/pro/pdsd/permitdetail/RZ19-001/12513068A)

[crzyabe]

They are tearing down the Casa Vicente building on South Stone. I have heard there are plans for a multi-level condo building with ground floor retail. Casa Vicente might be included in the new plans, but not sure.

[ProfessorMole]

They are tearing down the Casa Vicente building on South Stone. I have heard there are plans for a multi-level condo building with ground floor retail. Casa Vicente might be included in the new plans, but not sure.

At least from their update last August (https://www.casavicente.com/news/august-2018-update-although-there-are-no-visiblephysical-signs-that), they were still expecting to be in the same location once the new building is up.

[Patrick S]

Aspire Tucson Phase II to Offer High-Rise Living (http://azbex.com/aspire-tucson-phase-ii-to-offer-high-rise-living-for-ua-students/)

Developer, The Dinerstein Companies of Houston is doubling down on their investment in student housing near the University of Arizona by proposing a new, 130-unit high-rise just two blocks from campus. The eight-story building, dubbed Aspire Tucson Phase II, is directly west of Aspire Tucson, a 12-story community set to open in August 2019.

The mixed-use student housing development is located in the heart of the Main Gate entertainment district and will replace the current Chase Bank site at the SWC of Park Avenue and First Street. The property is zoned C-1 and thus the height and density are appropriate for student housing near the University.

Aspire Tucson Phase II isn’t just a step up from a dormitory – from the underground parking garage to the rooftop pool, residents will find modern amenities and a sense of community within the shared living spaces. Thirteen studios, 26 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom, 46 four-bedroom, 19 five-bedroom and 20 six-bedroom units are available, with each student signing individual leases.

With 228KSF of living space and 5,700 SF of retail, Aspire Tucson Phase II will offer students the ability to live, study and recreate on-site. Amenities like a social lounge, tanning room, fitness center, indoor/outdoor bike room, private study rooms and study café, fenced-in pet park and outdoor gaming courtyard make sure students only need to leave to attend class.

If students do choose to venture out, the site will encourage multi-modal transportation, being within walking distance of the University and two streetcar stops. A ride-share pick-up zone will provide access to ride-share vehicles while not blocking traffic along Park Avenue or 1st Street. Aspire Tucson Phase II will also meet the environmentally conscious design requirements of the Main Gate Overlay District (MGO), and the developer’s goal for the Project is a silver LEED certification.

According to the developer’s application, “While both this project and Aspire I share similar design elements, materials and colors, the project has a unique design that is illustrated in the design package. The project uses a variety of materials, colors, bulk reductions and fenestrations to create an interesting design that complies with MGO. Of significance is the project’s east side facing the University, where the design incorporates a series of vertical and horizontal articulations different from any other MGO project.”

[Patrick S]

Grimm Commercial Bringing RoadHouse Cinemas to Northwest Tucson (https://realestatedaily-news.com/grimm-commercial-bringing-roadhouse-cinemas-to-northwest-tucson/)

An investment group of seven LLCs managed by Steve Grimm of Grimm Commercial has acquired the Fiesta Plaza at the northwest corner of Oracle and River Road in Tucson for $5.3 Million and is planning to bring RoadHouse Cinemas to the site.

The acquisition followed the sale of a ground lease in Marana with a leased fee interest to Village Inn at 5955 W Arizona Pavilions Drive for $2.6 million and was the downleg in the 1031 exchange.

The Fiesta Plaza purchase includes the Red Lobster Restaurant and First Watch Restaurant in addition to three vacant pads. The U-like Buffet was not included.

The plan is to now bring the popular Roadhouse Cinemas to the back pad, Grimm told us. Roadhouse Cinemas has locations at Crossroads Festivals Shopping Center at Grant Road and Swan in Tucson, and two others in Scottsdale and Colorodao Springs.

Open 365 days a year, RoadHouse Cinemas offers an inviting movie and dining experience, with an extraordinary restaurant menu created by an award-winning chef and restaurateur, an impressively creative full bar featuring high quality wines and craft beers, and overwhelmingly comfortable recliners, all to be enjoyed while experiencing state-of-the-art digital projection and 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound!

[Patrick S]

Sundt Starts Work on Student Success District (https://realestatedaily-news.com/sundt-starts-work-on-student-success-district/)

Sundt Construction, Inc. (www.sundt.com) recently started construction on the University of Arizona Student Success District in Tucson.

“This project marks our 58th project on the University of Arizona campus,” said Dave Ollanik, Project Director for Sundt. “We look forward to again working with the University of Arizona on this project and helping to build a unique and groundbreaking resource for current and future students.”

The project will transform the Main Library, the Science-Engineering Library, and Bear Down Gym, while adding a new four-story student success building into an interconnected district, which will provide indoor and outdoor spaces. The new district will encourage students to move seamlessly between spaces that provide a full range of services and expertise, allowing them to reach their academic and career goals.

The project is being delivered via design-build delivery method with Sundt’s design partners of Miller Hull and Poster Frost Mirto. The multi-facility project is expected to be fully completed and open to students by 2021.

The Sundt opened its Tucson office in 1929. In the decades since, it has built notable UA landmarks including McKale Center, Centennial Hall and the Arizona Stadium skyboxes. Sundt most recently completed the remodel of Old Main on the campus. The award-winning project renovated the campus’s oldest building and completed the project in 2014. The company has three offices in Arizona, in Tucson, Tempe and Phoenix.

Sundt Construction, Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The 128-year-old firm specializes in building, transportation, industrial and concrete work and is owned entirely by its 2,000 employees. Sundt is distinguished by its diverse capabilities and experience, unique employee-ownership culture and depth of self-perform expertise in 13 major trades. Half of Sundt’s workforce is comprised of skilled craft professionals who, together with the company’s administrative employees, enable Sundt to fulfill its mission to be the most skilled builder in America. Sundt has 11 offices throughout Arizona, California, Texas and Utah and is currently ranked the country’s 65th largest construction company by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine.

[kmiller5]

Rio Nuevo will be discussing 75 E. Broadway, Wig-O-Rama, a new downtown employer, and possibly purchasing the Access Tucson building tomorrow. Really wish local media would attend and write on these.

[Locofresh55]

Rio Nuevo will be discussing 75 E. Broadway, Wig-O-Rama, a new downtown employer, and possibly purchasing the Access Tucson building tomorrow. Really wish local media would attend and write on these.

Do they livestream Rio Nuevo Meetings? I don't expect it to be on Facebook or Twitter but would be interesting to watch or at least have it recorded to watch later.

I'll check Rio Nuevo's site but just curious about the livestream if anybody has any knowledge.

[InTheBurbs]

Rendering of the proposed Hampton Inn/Home 2 Suites on South Stone across from the Cathedral

https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/03b175fb-82eb-4789-b1c3-8c290469ca21/decea9fe-f065-4309-b9d1-6133da80d11c.png/:/rs=w:807,h:403.5,cg:true,m/cr=w:807,h:403.5
Source: SeaverFranks via https://faythhosp.com/projects-1

[InTheBurbs]

Rio Nuevo will be discussing 75 E. Broadway, Wig-O-Rama, a new downtown employer, and possibly purchasing the Access Tucson building tomorrow. Really wish local media would attend and write on these.

According to Channel 9 (https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/mystery-employer-to-bring-350-jobs):

The mystery employer was recruited by Sun Corridor. It's a national brand that would bring up to 350 people downtown
RN will chip in up $650,000 to guarantee parking
Dabdoub is planning on adding 3 floors of living space to the old Wig-o-rama building, with entertainment space on the ground floor
RN are working to obtain the Access Tucson building and are also working on design standards for Sunshine Mile

[kmiller5]

https://tucson.com/business/m-project-calls-for-retail-space-short-term-rentals-at/article_971676be-a60c-5b37-a6d0-405765b393f4.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest

Interesting how it's set back a little but I like it.

[Mark H]

https://tucson.com/business/m-project-calls-for-retail-space-short-term-rentals-at/article_971676be-a60c-5b37-a6d0-405765b393f4.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest

Interesting how it's set back a little but I like it.

Unless they’re going to parcel out that 10,000 square foot ground floor retail space could this be the long-awaited downtown pharmacy, albeit slightly smaller? That’s a relatively big space and, if I recall correctly, Dabdoub and Schwabe were the ones that had CVS lined up for the other end of the block at the Chicago Music Store until CVS pulled out for reasons apparently unrelated to Tucson.

[Ted Lyons]

Unless they’re going to parcel out that 10,000 square foot ground floor retail space could this be the long-awaited downtown pharmacy, albeit slightly smaller? That’s a relatively big space and, if I recall correctly, Dabdoub and Schwabe were the ones that had CVS lined up for the other end of the block at the Chicago Music Store until CVS pulled out for reasons apparently unrelated to Tucson.

The spaces are broken up already by nature of the existing construction. Per Patricia Schwabe's comments at February's Rio Nuevo meeting, they're still working to lease to a local coffee shop, presumably for the corner space. Curious if there was any update on the leasing at this month's meeting.

[crzyabe]

Looks like the shipping container high rise is back and possibly moving forward

Housing project made of shipping containers to break ground in central Tucson (https://tucson.com/business/housing-project-made-of-shipping-containers-to-break-ground-in/article_f7cf0a1c-a9cc-507c-9c5e-3331d62db0d8.html)