Tucson Development Thread

[Dadedos]

Was there any update on the Nor-Gen project? I thought the deadline had passed for them to start construction and avoid a penalty.

[Ted Lyons]

Was there any update on the Nor-Gen project? I thought the deadline had passed for them to start construction and avoid a penalty.

I believe they've only been discussing that debacle in executive session.

I can just see Norville, who's surely never had any real plans to develop that property, conveniently blaming his delay on the pandemic. If he does, I hope RN remembers that he slapped together this stupid amphitheater concept before anyone realized the effects of the pandemic and sticks to their guns.

[AZ71]

Does anyone know the approximate height of 75 Broadway? I know it says 19 stories, but is it expected to be above 300 feet or at least be in the top 4 for tallest building? Thanks.

During that Youtube Zoom meeting the developers said it would be about the same height at the Pima County Legal Services building which is 260 feet. So I would guess around that height. If it was closer to the One South Church (which is 330 feet) I think he would have made that comparison.

It might be important to note that the height limit of Tucson buildings is 300 feet. From what I remember, back in the late 80s when One South Church was built the local Nimby's went nuts saying it was too tall for our small city and they didn't want to be another Phx. That it interfered with the mountain views. So the city lowered it to 300 feet max.

Its my opinion if you're building something that tall you might as well make it the tallest bldg in Tucson. I think that alone would have marketing appeal with economic benefit to be able to claim that. I emailed Peach Properties and urged them to go higher. Maybe some of you guys that share that viewpoint can email them too and tell them to go HIGHER!

[AZ71]

I believe they've only been discussing that debacle in executive session.

I can just see Norville, who's surely never had any real plans to develop that property, conveniently blaming his delay on the pandemic. If he does, I hope RN remembers that he slapped together this stupid amphitheater concept before anyone realized the effects of the pandemic and sticks to their guns.

Why is everything in "executive session" with Rio Nuevo? Shouldn't the public be able to hear what their next steps are? I too saw that lame bandstand-like amphitheatre proposal and hope they decline it. The plans that were approved 6 years ago (and the reason he was chosen) look nothing like his latest idea. That alone should disqualify him. I fear anything Nor-Gen builds is gonna be cheap like that cheap tent he puts up every year for the gem show. Such a shame. Wish Rio Nuevo could buy the property back and start over with legitimate developers.

[Azstar]

Why is everything in "executive session" with Rio Nuevo? Shouldn't the public be able to hear what their next steps are? I too saw that lame bandstand-like amphitheatre proposal and hope they decline it. The plans that were approved 6 years ago (and the reason he was chosen) look nothing like his latest idea. That alone should disqualify him. I fear anything Nor-Gen builds is gonna be cheap like that cheap tent he puts up every year for the gem show. Such a shame. Wish Rio Nuevo could buy the property back and start over with legitimate developers.

Totally agree.

[Patrick S]

Daily Star article about 75 E. Broadway

Massive high-rise would bring CVS, housing and office space to downtown Tucson (https://tucson.com/business/massive-high-rise-would-bring-cvs-housing-and-office-space-to-downtown-tucson/article_ba25d5f0-0ea6-5c4f-bfe6-14e6c72b3f28.html)

[AZ71]

Daily Star article about 75 E. Broadway

Massive high-rise would bring CVS, housing and office space to downtown Tucson (https://tucson.com/business/massive-high-rise-would-bring-cvs-housing-and-office-space-to-downtown-tucson/article_ba25d5f0-0ea6-5c4f-bfe6-14e6c72b3f28.html)

I read this article too and I don't think its correct. Seems like the reporter is reading off specs from like 2-3 years ago. That zoom meeting clearly laid out plans for 19 stories. Unless something dramatically changed in 2 weeks time.

[AZ71]

Looks like the city is in the final approval to accept a plan for the Kino South Sports Complex - Entertainment Complex...from a company called Knott Development, Inc. They sent out RFPs earlier this year and I guess this one scored the highest. (Frustratingly, doesn't look like they're giving out any information on who else submitted or any development ideas until the contract is awarded. That seems shady to me).

This link is from the County Administrator to the Board of Supervisors. The image in the link is just the conceptual plan from long ago that was sent out with the RFPs. So who knows what this developer wants to do.

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Administration/CHHmemosFor%20Web/2020/October/Kino%20South%20Sports%20and%20Entertainment%20Complex%20-%20Update%20on%20Solicitations....pdf

[somethingfast]

It might be important to note that the height limit of Tucson buildings is 300 feet. From what I remember, back in the late 80s when One South Church was built the local Nimby's went nuts saying it was too tall for our small city and they didn't want to be another Phx. That it interfered with the mountain views. So the city lowered it to 300 feet max.

!

That is so pathetically Tucson, sorry. I was born there but, dang, what an idiotic statement...300 ft obstructing mountain views :uhh:

[AZ71]

I agree. I'm a native and the nimby's frustrate me. Same reason we dont have a crosstown freeway. Sadly the city usually always sides with locals.

[andrewsaturn]

I agree. I'm a native and the nimby's frustrate me. Same reason we dont have a crosstown freeway. Sadly the city usually always sides with locals.

Personally, I'm glad we don't have a multi-highway system. I used to think it would be great. But now, more highways= more cars = bad traffic = more pollution. We should of modeled after cities with extensive light rail and extensive walkable neighborhoods imo.

[andrewsaturn]

During that Youtube Zoom meeting the developers said it would be about the same height at the Pima County Legal Services building which is 260 feet. So I would guess around that height. If it was closer to the One South Church (which is 330 feet) I think he would have made that comparison.

It might be important to note that the height limit of Tucson buildings is 300 feet. From what I remember, back in the late 80s when One South Church was built the local Nimby's went nuts saying it was too tall for our small city and they didn't want to be another Phx. That it interfered with the mountain views. So the city lowered it to 300 feet max.

Its my opinion if you're building something that tall you might as well make it the tallest bldg in Tucson. I think that alone would have marketing appeal with economic benefit to be able to claim that. I emailed Peach Properties and urged them to go higher. Maybe some of you guys that share that viewpoint can email them too and tell them to go HIGHER!

I wish we could go much higher too. I remember someone saying 75 E Broadway will be the 2nd tallest building and currently it's Bank of America plaza according to Google which is at 264 ft, so higher than that! Lol

[AZ71]

Personally, I'm glad we don't have a multi-highway system. I used to think it would be great. But now, more highways= more cars = bad traffic = more pollution. We should of modeled after cities with extensive light rail and extensive walkable neighborhoods imo.

Oh I agree, but where I live...it takes me a 30-45 minute drive to get to a freeway. So that's 45 minutes of stop-and-go traffic and exhaust filling the air. I still think they needed a loop freeway so those of us on the east side can get to the west side reasonably.

I do agree about new transit ideas, but the city fails with that too. They're tearing up Broadway as we speak and aren't including the trolly expansion or light rail at all...even though its in the RTA long term goals. They approved that Tucson Int'l Airport to Tucson Mall path but instead of light rail or trolly it'll be a bus. I mean we fail at everything. Cant they see a light rail or trolley brings investment along its route. You wont get that with a bus line.

[andrewsaturn]

Oh I agree, but where I live...it takes me a 30-45 minute drive to get to a freeway. So that's 45 minutes of stop-and-go traffic and exhaust filling the air. I still think they needed a loop freeway so those of us on the east side can get to the west side reasonably.

I do agree about new transit ideas, but the city fails with that too. They're tearing up Broadway as we speak and aren't including the trolly expansion or light rail at all...even though its in the RTA long term goals. They approved that Tucson Int'l Airport to Tucson Mall path but instead of light rail or trolly it'll be a bus. I mean we fail at everything. Cant they see a light rail or trolley brings investment along its route. You wont get that with a bus line.

That's a good point! Tearing up Broadway and not implementing a rail line is now a lost cause. Unfortunately, I do not see Tucson having an eco-friendly and mass transit system. It can be improved but it won't be like anything on the East coast.

[Locofresh55]

That's a good point! Tearing up Broadway and not implementing a rail line is now a lost cause. Unfortunately, I do not see Tucson having an eco-friendly and mass transit system. It can be improved but it won't be like anything on the East coast.


It would have been great to see a rail line go from Broadway/Euclid to Broadway/Pantano area. Do the same thing on Grant. Have the Grant line go through to Sabino Canyon area or at least Udall Park.

Also, utilize Aviation highway and have a light rail go from Golf Links/Craycroft all the way to Downtown Links portion of Broadway.

I don't even know if the future streetcar routes will ever happen but it doesn't surprise me that such projects a just "good idea" fairies.

[AZ71]

I know everyone has heard the former operators of Old Tucson (Don Diamond Ventures) ended their lease (thankfully) with the county and Pima County is now overseeing it as they search out "Requests for proposals" for new operators. They now have a task force in place brainstorming.

They have had their first zoom meeting and I'll post that here:
https://youtu.be/4qEf9X8w4jw

They are looking for suggestions from the community for their ideas too: OldTucsonFeedback@pima.gov

Everything is listed here: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=18639

What I will say is what they decide can be HUGE for Tucson and its development. Many want investment back into the movie lot to center around filmmaking again. (Don Diamond for 25 years focused on theme park and not filmmaking). So rebuilding the sound stages and bringing productions back to Tucson. But if you listen to their brainstorming ideas they seem a bit off point talking about camping or glamping. Log rolling, ecotourism, etc. This is all WRONG.

I have some inside information people like Netflix have been sniffing around to operate it as a permanent backlot for them. Note Netflix recently bought Albuquerque Studios and are doing a majority of their filming there. ABQ Studios have expressed interest in acquiring it too. But we as a community need to force Pima County to go this direction. Make it a working lot again to hire people in the industry which will in turn only boost our economy and our building. I urge you all to give your feedback to them.

Their next zoom meeting is Nov 10th so we'll see if anything has happened. But I fear this task force might go more of a local direction (theme park and rodeo and camping venue) rather than choosing a bigger picture of studio filmmaking again.

[Ted Lyons]

This morning, among the accounts Instagram suggests I should follow, appeared one called citizenhoteltucson. I Googled it and found this: https://www.thecitizenhoteltucson.com/.

82 S. Stone is just south of 1 W. Broadway.

[AZ71]

The Draft Tier EIS is finally finished and public comments will be heard on Dec 1st in person or online Dec 3rd. (This project is painstakingly slow. But every little step helps.)

https://tucson.com/news/local/public-hearing-dec-1-for-proposed-connection-from-i-19-to-i-10/article_b33f3dae-81a8-566a-aeac-cdb61d186968.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Arizona_Daily_Star&fbclid=IwAR2ukcMJCfrGtKGwWhKTRXtPlJhlMurHAqin3u3mZsb8J1WSde-sX-pqua0

Here is a link to the website: https://azdot.gov/planning/transportation-studies/sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmental-impact-statement

[InTheBurbs]

Updated view of The Flin apartments under construction

https://www.tofeldent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/theFlin_202010_7.jpg
Photo: Tofel Dent

[Locofresh55]

Updated view of The Flin apartments under construction

https://www.tofeldent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/theFlin_202010_7.jpg
Photo: Tofel Dent

This looks out of place. Especially because they retained some of the La Placita buildings alongside the newer Flin apartments. I hope they fix up the original buildings so it looks a little newer (fresh coat of paint at least). And that gazebo needs to be upgraded to a stage or a massive awning to host events (COVID Friendly area hopefully).

EDIT: I haven't been following this project so if there is a plan for the gazebo area, my apologies.

[beardown]

This looks out of place. Especially because they retained some of the La Placita buildings alongside the newer Flin apartments. I hope they fix up the original buildings so it looks a little newer (fresh coat of paint at least). And that gazebo needs to be upgraded to a stage or a massive awning to host events (COVID Friendly area hopefully).

EDIT: I haven't been following this project so if there is a plan for the gazebo area, my apologies.

I completely agree that the gazebo is starting to look rather sad, but it's a rich part of the city's history that has been rather forgotten and shouldn't/couldn't be removed. Here's a picture of it as a core part of Tucson before the area around it was destroyed during urban renewal. Everything built up around it was very out of context for the gazebo.

I agree though, an outdoor stage, maybe situated how they had cinema La Placita back in the day, could be a cool addition to the area.

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c3/ec3b0062-02e3-11e8-8a9f-73ba726b7408/5a6ba451daf5c.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1155

[Patrick S]

TMC has announced they will build a 60-bed hospital at Houghton and Drexel.

New 60-bed hospital coming to Southeast Tucson (https://kvoa.com/news/top-stories/2020/11/10/new-60-bed-hospital-coming-to-southeast-tucson/)

This will be adjacent to their TMC One - Rincon office building that they now explain is phase 1 of a 3-phase project (the future hospital, which is projected to open in 2023, is to be phase 3). Though TMC had planned on building a hospital on this land in the 2000s before the Great Recession and though the area's population is expanding, I find this to be surprising as Northwest Medical Center is currently building a 51-bed hospital approximately 3.5 miles up the road at Houghton and Old Spanish Trail (Work is underway on Tucson's newest hospital (https://tucson.com/business/work-is-underway-on-tucsons-newest-hospital/article_52b85c40-4a69-5e2f-84c1-cc50c1d5fd2e.html)).

On a similar note, NW Medical Center has opened the first hospital in Sahuarita - New Sahuarita hospital opens doors to patients (https://tucson.com/business/new-sahuarita-hospital-opens-doors-to-patients/article_84713a5c-4357-57f7-af47-35710a7865d3.html)

[wildcatmd]

New project on Campbell and 6th for a midrise and mixed use with likely student housing. Kozachik talks about it in his usual NIMBYish manner in his newsletter. Dude really hates student housing.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZTUCSON/bulletins/2aac40c

[AZ71]

Kozachik has been one of the worst people for development in Tucson. He's nixed so many things downtown. And the dude just got fired from UA too. Time for him to hang his hat up. I think this project is appropriate and 1000x better than the shacks on that corner for the past 50 years.

[AZ71]

I'm sure most have read about this but its actually finally happening. They have begun construction on our poor, old, sad zoo. The expansion and redevelopment looks great! I hope they bring it up to a world-class zoo level. I wish they'd expand it into the old Randolph Golf Course. Maybe one day. But this looks pretty nice.

https://reidparkzoo.org/future/#

[andrewsaturn]

A unique new way of tiny house living is hoping to be pioneered right here in Tucson. The Stackhouse concept envisions a community of shipping containers transformed into living spaces for those who want affordability and the ability to actually transport their homes to Stackhouses in different cities.

-Starting price of a container is $45k
- 320 sq ft
- community spaces and gathering areas within
- Onsite parking
- Six story stackhouse
- They want to build in 25 cities including NYC, Kansas City, Dallas, Denver, Charlotte.
- 941 N. Stone Ave, proposed site

They have already raised over $150k and according to their Facebook, they are supposed to start construction in Q4 of 2020. However, they haven't updated information on their FB since August 2020 so it seems like they might have hit a bump or delay. They posted a community meeting video on July 30 detailing the plans: SIDE NOTE, a representative from the 4th Ave coalition noted that the OPUS development that is supposed to happen on the old Maloney's site has fallen through due to them rejecting the GPLET they were seeking..? (Not sure if the 4th Ave coalition has to approve projects to get the GPLET on 4th Ave).

Check out Video here and more photos:

https://www.facebook.com/stackhouseliving/

https://i.imgur.com/k9vFnrJ.png
https://i.imgur.com/ukyqErd.png
https://i.imgur.com/4WtpMrE.png
https://i.imgur.com/ar9g7ze.png

[combusean]

This a container design I don't hate. Innovative and outstanding.

[AZ71]

First I've heard of this. A new 3 story Mount Lemmon Lodge is being built. Chalet-style. Should be done by 2022.

https://thisistucson.com/todo/mount-lemmons-second-lodge-will-be-full-of-mountain-magic-and-a-beyond-bread-cafe/article_49d56308-29cd-11eb-a1ba-c76d97689d89.html?fbclid=IwAR0HUK_In9EKhzLtybO7oXAfbTeguXO2lr1CgusQwrzBo2-SL8DV7VGExas

https://mtlemmonlodge.com/

[andrewsaturn]

This a container design I don't hate. Innovative and outstanding.

I like it too. People will look for different affordable housing options especially in big urban cities.

[crzyabe]

The Stackhouse Project has been around for a few years:

https://stackhouse.life/

I hope it is actually realized, but I have my doubts

[wildcatmd]

The Stackhouse Project has been around for a few years:

https://stackhouse.life/

I hope it is actually realized, but I have my doubts

yea I really agree very doubtful this gets realized especially if after all these years they've only raised 150k. Don't really see the advantage over an RV.

[AZ71]

Does anyone know what is going on with this? Their September deadline has come and gone and I know they submitted renderings of that bandstand looking thing, but never really heard much of a response from Rio Nuevo even from that. I know they talk about it in the "executive sessions" but they never saying anything public.

Anyone have any inside info?

[OldPueblo$]

A unique new way of tiny house living is hoping to be pioneered right here in Tucson. The Stackhouse concept envisions a community of shipping containers transformed into living spaces for those who want affordability and the ability to actually transport their homes to Stackhouses in different cities.

-Starting price of a container is $45k
- 320 sq ft
- community spaces and gathering areas within
- Onsite parking
- Six story stackhouse
- They want to build in 25 cities including NYC, Kansas City, Dallas, Denver, Charlotte.
- 941 N. Stone Ave, proposed site

They have already raised over $150k and according to their Facebook, they are supposed to start construction in Q4 of 2020. However, they haven't updated information on their FB since August 2020 so it seems like they might have hit a bump or delay. They posted a community meeting video on July 30 detailing the plans: SIDE NOTE, a representative from the 4th Ave coalition noted that the OPUS development that is supposed to happen on the old Maloney's site has fallen through due to them rejecting the GPLET they were seeking..? (Not sure if the 4th Ave coalition has to approve projects to get the GPLET on 4th Ave).

Check out Video here and more photos:

https://www.facebook.com/stackhouseliving/

https://i.imgur.com/k9vFnrJ.png
https://i.imgur.com/ukyqErd.png
https://i.imgur.com/4WtpMrE.png
https://i.imgur.com/ar9g7ze.png

Unfortunately, appears the project doesn't pencil. At least from a lender's perspective. Infrastructure to make this feasible is very expensive. Costs (and in turn the loan amount most likely desired) aren't covered by cash flow.

[Ted Lyons]

On Thursday's Buckmaster Show, Jim Tofel of Tofel Dent Construction noted that funding for all of their hotel projects in the pipeline has been pulled, which doesn't bode well for proposed Tucson hotels, including the Hyatt Regency and One South Church conversions in downtown, as well as the Tech Park at The Bridges hotel.

The SpringHill Suites at The Bridges is moving forward. A grading permit was issued last week. To be clear, this is separate from the hotel that's being built next to Dave & Buster's.

[oldpueblo]

Here's a great live cam of the Union on 6th apartment complex. Any other live cams out there, I would love to know. Happy holidays!

https://app.oxblue.com/open/chasse/unionon6th

[kmiller5]

Has there been any updates on 75 E. Broadway or the apartment project in the Mercado right on the Santa Cruz? I know 75 E Broadway had a few more hurdles but haven't heard any thing in a few months.

[InTheBurbs]

Here's a great live cam of the Union on 6th apartment complex. Any other live cams out there, I would love to know.

Here's the webcam from the Hampton/Home2 hotel downtown

https://app.truelook.com/?u=eh1576095343#tl_live

[AZ71]

Has there been any updates on 75 E. Broadway or the apartment project in the Mercado right on the Santa Cruz? I know 75 E Broadway had a few more hurdles but haven't heard any thing in a few months.

Last I heard was 75 E Broadway is still a go. I read the transcript for Novembers Rio Nuevo meeting and it appeared they have done all they need to. Rio Nuevo signed off on the sublease and those papers just need final approval with Pima County Board of Supervisors and then those are signed by the developer and lender. So its in the last bit of paperwork. But, of course, with Covid exploding in the last month...quite a lot might have changed. But as long as lenders dont pull out I believe its a go.

[crzyabe]

FYI - In a discussion with SAHBA reps this week, we heard that new home construction permits in Pima County are up 10% over 2019. Even with the pandemic, growth seems to not have slowed

[Locofresh55]

FYI - In a discussion with SAHBA reps this week, we heard that new home construction permits in Pima County are up 10% over 2019. Even with the pandemic, growth seems to not have slowed

As far as SE Tucson and Vail, you have La Estancia (where I Live), Valencia Crossing (I-10 and Valencia), Rocking K (Old Spanish Trail into Vail), Sierra Morado area has A.F Sterling Homes and KB homes has a couple new communities in SE Tucson. Also hearing rumblings of a new community to be built across from the new Vail District High School on Valencia (Mica Mountain I think).

Yeah, no signs of slowing down. I'm sure it's like this throughout Tucson metro. Between this and the fixer uppers in places like Barrio Viejo, the market is rocking and rolling.

[AZ71]

As far as SE Tucson and Vail, you have La Estancia (where I Live), Valencia Crossing (I-10 and Valencia), Rocking K (Old Spanish Trail into Vail), Sierra Morado area has A.F Sterling Homes and KB homes has a couple new communities in SE Tucson. Also hearing rumblings of a new community to be built across from the new Vail District High School on Valencia (Mica Mountain I think).

Yeah, no signs of slowing down. I'm sure it's like this throughout Tucson metro. Between this and the fixer uppers in places like Barrio Viejo, the market is rocking and rolling.

Its true...there are so many new developments being built and flips happening in the city core. But to me its distressing when some of these old homes (and I mean like an old 2bed/1bath under 1000 sq foot home) are going in the mid 200s. Virtually the same price as a new home in many developments. It really puts a roadblock up for people on the lower end of the budget. They cant get in the market at all anymore.

I am 100% growth...but I wish there was something to do about providing better house price ranges for all of us while still encouraging growth.

[Patrick S]

As far as SE Tucson and Vail, you have La Estancia (where I Live), Valencia Crossing (I-10 and Valencia), Rocking K (Old Spanish Trail into Vail), Sierra Morado area has A.F Sterling Homes and KB homes has a couple new communities in SE Tucson. Also hearing rumblings of a new community to be built across from the new Vail District High School on Valencia (Mica Mountain I think).

Yeah, no signs of slowing down. I'm sure it's like this throughout Tucson metro. Between this and the fixer uppers in places like Barrio Viejo, the market is rocking and rolling.
The SE side is certainly growing. Your neighborhood of La Estancia just had 544 new lots approved for development at the last Tucson City Council meeting (https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1427&doctype=2). I live just south of Escalante and Camino Seco and KB is currently building the Bella Tierra subdivision (https://www.kbhome.com/new-homes-tucson/bella-tierra?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=tuc&utm_term=Bella+Tierra&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2MTxQON1aldBFnQltK430bkrbtKwosEgXpsD0pCYSw5QFulYwCRQnQaArOUEALw_wcB) next to my neighborhood. The Tucson City Council approved (https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1415&doctype=2) rezoning at the southwest corner of Wilmot & I-10 to rezone the area to allow a proposed subdivision with almost 290 new homes (Item #8 on the link - a map is located in attachment G)

Elsewhere, on November 4th, the Tucson City Council approved La Terra Reserve (https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1423&doctype=2) at 6th Ave just south of Valencia, which will add 40 houses, and there are plans for a new 139 lot KB subdivision, Vista Del Oro (https://realestatedaily-news.com/kb-home-plans-new-subdivision-vista-del-oro-in-nw-tucson/), at Overton and La Cholla, north of Magee Rd.

[Patrick S]

Its true...there are so many new developments being built and flips happening in the city core. But to me its distressing when some of these old homes (and I mean like an old 2bed/1bath under 1000 sq foot home) are going in the mid 200s. Virtually the same price as a new home in many developments. It really puts a roadblock up for people on the lower end of the budget. They cant get in the market at all anymore.

I am 100% growth...but I wish there was something to do about providing better house price ranges for all of us while still encouraging growth.
Agreed there needs to be a focus on affordable housing being built. This is a problem in many metro areas unfortunately.

[wildcatmd]

What we really need to do is emphasize urban infill. Apartments and condos, townhomes, and duplexes/triplexes. Some of the tiny houses in the middle of town are built on lots that could accommodate like 3 giant town homes. If we’re going to continue to sprawl, which is inevitable I think, we need to promote densification if both new suburb and the old urban suburbs

[Azstar]

What we really need to do is emphasize urban infill. Apartments and condos, townhomes, and duplexes/triplexes. Some of the tiny houses in the middle of town are built on lots that could accommodate like 3 giant town homes. If we’re going to continue to sprawl, which is inevitable I think, we need to promote densification if both new suburb and the old urban suburbs

There was a time, not that long ago, when 1/3 of the City of Tucson was vacant lots.

[AZ71]

What we really need to do is emphasize urban infill. Apartments and condos, townhomes, and duplexes/triplexes. Some of the tiny houses in the middle of town are built on lots that could accommodate like 3 giant town homes. If we’re going to continue to sprawl, which is inevitable I think, we need to promote densification if both new suburb and the old urban suburbs

I agree with this. But I dont think they should charge the same amount for infill projects as homes in a brand new developments. I think we need more homes that are "affordable" for all price ranges. Not just "affordable housing" which implies people in subsidized housing. There are virtually no homes at all in the Tucson vicinity under 200k anymore. We do need to somehow get the big developers to find these vacant city lots and build more economical homes on them.

[wildcatmd]

I agree with this. But I dont think they should charge the same amount for infill projects as homes in a brand new developments. I think we need more homes that are "affordable" for all price ranges. Not just "affordable housing" which implies people in subsidized housing. There are virtually no homes at all in the Tucson vicinity under 200k anymore. We do need to somehow get the big developers to find these vacant city lots and build more economical homes on them.

There is no solution to affordable housing that involves begging, asking, coercing or dictating to developers. Cities like NYC, LA, SF have all tried this approach and continually failed. The only way to get housing in all price ranges is to build enough housing to demand. If you can’t build enough to meet the demand of all the people who can and are willing to pay 300k dollars for a home them why, as a developer would you ever choose to build a house for someone that can only pay 200k?

That’s why upzoning and densification are good. You don’t need to tell the developers to do anything. The housing is cheaper to build so they can charge less. More houses sucks up excess demand from people with high incomes.

It’s also why those giant student apartment complexes are a good thing. If those places didn’t exist those students wouldn’t just go away, they would just be competing with locals for housing and driving rents up.

[andrewsaturn]

ICYMI, Jan 8 Memorial is expected to be completed soon in conjunction with a virtual 10 year remembrance happening on Jan 8, 2021. The event is scheduled as planned with a possible limited number of people at the new memorial.

https://tucson.com/news/local/construction-progresses-on-tucsons-january-8-memorial/article_5153a0dc-dd5a-50e7-be9c-d8026fe6b0a1.html

https://i.imgur.com/CzDvRv3.png
https://i.imgur.com/DbY3Bgj.png

[andrewsaturn]

The new arches are installed at Five Points in downtown:

https://i.imgur.com/zfaJ3w6.png
courtesy of Reddit
https://i.imgur.com/h9ZFWz4.png
Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star

There also was a statue of Cesar Chavez installed:

https://twitter.com/Tucson_DOT/status/1337789528581566465

[Locofresh55]

The new arches are installed at Five Points in downtown:

https://i.imgur.com/zfaJ3w6.png
courtesy of Reddit
https://i.imgur.com/h9ZFWz4.png
Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star

There also was a statue of Cesar Chavez installed:

https://twitter.com/Tucson_DOT/status/1337789528581566465

I'm still holding out hope for the Baffert Project that will be on the NE corner. I see they are adding to the Ugly But Honest Building and the project just south of Five Points is in full swing.

Would be nice if they can spruce up South Sixth Avenue from Five Points to 22nd Street. Area has potential.

I've always thought they could do a light rail line from TEP Building and send it south to Valencia/Nogales Hwy area or even have it go to Midvale park area. Anyways, digging what the Five Points area is doing. :tup:

[AZ71]

The new arches are installed at Five Points in downtown:

https://i.imgur.com/zfaJ3w6.png
courtesy of Reddit
https://i.imgur.com/h9ZFWz4.png
Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star

There also was a statue of Cesar Chavez installed:

https://twitter.com/Tucson_DOT/status/1337789528581566465

Hmmm. These turned out a little more plain and boring-looking than I was expecting. Seems very cluttered with all the electrical wires and streetlights everywhere else.

[Locofresh55]

Hmmm. These turned out a little more plain and boring-looking than I was expecting. Seems very cluttered with all the electrical wires and streetlights everywhere else.

The signage should have been lit up as well. Can't really see it at night. Maybe we(Tucsonans) will get used to it. But the lightning would have helped IMHO.:shrug:

[andrewsaturn]

The signage should have been lit up as well. Can't really see it at night. Maybe we(Tucsonans) will get used to it. But the lightning would have helped IMHO.:shrug:

Not sure what the status of it is right now, but according to tibo, the neighborhood signage is supposed to be written using neon signs that obviously should light up at night. These are large arches 28-38 ft high on top of 6ft pedestals, so I imagine they are more impressive in person.

https://www.kold.com/2020/10/29/five-points-intersection-art-project-close-completion/

http://tiboaz.biz/2020/01/19/a-look-at-the-five-points-intersection-beautification-project/

[AZ71]

The prices and some pics for THE FLIN downtown have hit Apartments.com. I dont know...$1000 for a studio seems excessive. But this seems to be the new norm.

https://www.apartments.com/the-flin-tucson-az/5kjsbrp/

[omarainza]

These are large arches 28-38 ft high on top of 6ft pedestals, so I imagine they are more impressive in person.

i drove thru here today and lemme tell ya, they are not. kinda ugly, actually. they really do look a hot mess with all the wires and the traffic signals. woulda looked better if they just hung the traffic lights below them imo.

also, this is such an ugly corner anyway. only building of importance is the cafe. everything else is a dump

[Ted Lyons]

Hub V rendering:

https://i.imgur.com/W06FA2H.png

These finishes are much nicer than the other Hub projects, which leads me to believe they'll be dumbed down.

EDIT - Imgur is being glitchy so I can't resize. Sorry.

[kmiller5]

Hub V rendering:


These finishes are much nicer than the other Hub projects, which leads me to believe they'll be dumbed down.

EDIT - Imgur is being glitchy so I can't resize. Sorry.

Where is Hub V going to be? Just east of the Islamic Center?

[Ted Lyons]

Where is Hub V going to be? Just east of the Islamic Center?

Yeah.

And thanks to whoever helped with the image.

[AZ71]

Hub V rendering:

https://i.imgur.com/W06FA2H.png

These finishes are much nicer than the other Hub projects, which leads me to believe they'll be dumbed down.

EDIT - Imgur is being glitchy so I can't resize. Sorry.


Somehow these drawings always look prettier and nicer than the finished product. Hopefully they can stick closely to the design. I like it.

And just curious...is that how you add images on this thread? You uplaod an image to Imgur and then link to that? Ive been trying to figure out how to add pics to a post.

[Ted Lyons]

Somehow these drawings always look prettier and nicer than the finished product. Hopefully they can stick closely to the design. I like it.

And just curious...is that how you add images on this thread? You uplaod an image to Imgur and then link to that? Ive been trying to figure out how to add pics to a post.

Yeah, when it's cooperating, I use Imgur as a host and downsize images to 800 pixels on their longest side.

[Ted Lyons]

City Council will be voting today whether to vacate their right of way to the alley between Broadway and Congress for 75 E Broadway.

https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/MAYOR%20AND%20COUNCIL%20COMMUNICATION%20JAN05-21-9.pdf?meetingId=1485&documentType=Agenda&itemId=59972&publishId=68295&isSection=false

Present Consideration(s) – The County has entered into an agreement to construct the project known as 75 East Broadway, a 19-story mixed use development, in partnership with Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District (Rio Nuevo) and joint venture partners. The project will integrate with balance of the structures on the block which front of Congress Street. City Departments and agencies have approved the vacation, easements are being retained for existing utilities and ground level public access. The City entered into a tax incentive agreement with the County and its joint developers for this project on November 4, 2020, by Resolution No. 23262.

[kaneui]

The big development news of 2020 was COVID-19, which slowed down and delayed numerous construction projects, and it continues to impact retail businesses and slow commercial office growth as we begin the new year.

Commercial office
No major office buildings were completed in 2020, although it looks like construction will begin by mid-2021 on downtown’s fourth major skyscraper--the 19-story, 75 Broadway mixed-use tower-- although only five floors of the building are designated for commercial office use.

Multi-family residential
Downtown is now starting to see larger market-rate apartment projects completed, with the mid-2020 opening of the 104-unit RendezVous Urban Flats. 2021 will see the opening of The Flin (244 units), The Monier (132 units), 127 S. 5th Ave. (96 units), Union on 6th (255 units), and The Flash (52 units), as well as the Benedictine apartments (255 units) in the Miramonte neighborhood.

Hospitality
Although 2020 saw just one new hotel finished--the 164-key Graduate Hotel near the UofA-- 2021 should see the completion of three downtown projects: the 175-key Doubletree Hotel at the TCC, the dual hotel project at Cathedral Square, featuring a 123-key Home2 Suites and a 75-key Hampton Inn; as well as The Citizen Hotel, a small boutique hotel at 82 S. Stone Ave. New projects to start construction in 2021 include the conversion of eight floors of the One South Church tower into a 150-key upscale hotel, and possibly the planned conversion of the former Hotel Arizona into a 296-key Hyatt Regency hotel.

Tucson Convention Center
Rio Nuevo took advantage of the event cancellations in 2020 due to COVID to accelerate its renovation projects at the TCC, including the completion of improvements to the meeting rooms, ballroom, and exhibition hall, as well as the completion of the 300-stall Lot A Parking Garage and the restoration of the upper plaza of the historic Eckbo landscape. Funds have been allocated in 2021 for the construction of nearly 20k s.f. of additional meeting rooms and the design of a 500-stall parking garage on Lot C behind the Music Hall.

University of Arizona
Three projects that were delayed in 2020 are slated to begin this summer: the $20M, three-story Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine will start construction in June, while the $99M, seven-story Grand Challenges Research Building and the $85M Applied Research Building will break ground in July. Off-campus student housing in 2020 saw the completion of the oLiv Residences (238 units), and 2021 will see the Hub on Campus - Park Avenue (152 units/485 beds) and The Parker (130 units/482 beds) ready for occupancy.

[crzyabe]

It appears the Baffert at 5 Points has begun construction. There is also a 1 page website with leasing info up as well. I spent some time this morning walking around the 5 points area. Lots or renovations are occurring throughout the neighborhood.

https://bafferttucson.info/

[Azstar]

New downtown boutique hotel coming.

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/integrated-planning/RNA-DRB-20-08_Citizen_Hotel_Sandreckoner_Tasting_Rm_REVISED_Application_11-24-20_0.pdf

[andrewsaturn]

Listened in on the RN meeting today. Didn't take much away from it since most of the meeting was about the financial state in which they are doing better than expected and more than 30 min was spent on a presentation about the Sunshine Mile overlay zone which was nothing really new except a couple of minor changes.

The Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone which has gone through numerous meetings with nearby neighborhoods for the past 3 years is going to go before the mayor and city council in the 2nd quarter of 2021 for considerations.

75 E Broadway is going through its final documentation process and Fletcher McCusker says the developer is on the phone with the lender at least 3 times a week.

Swaim and Sundt Construction working on TCC improvements say funds have been allocated for the West end of the TCC for additional meeting space, Eckbo Plaza renovation, and TCC Music hall seating replacements.

The owners of the Julian Drew block says they have a well known popular local restaurant that has signed a lease in the former Downtown Kitchens restaurant and plan on adding additional outside seating and space.

Fox theater is hoping a new legislation to help independent live venues will pass but we won't know until April/May. They hope for a reopening for Fall 2021.

The meeting was kind of rushed near the end and there were a few items on the agenda they didn't have time for including the Volvo building site I believe. We would have to wait until next meeting.

[crzyabe]

Listened in on the RN meeting today. Didn't take much away from it since most of the meeting was about the financial state in which they are doing better than expected and more than 30 min was spent on a presentation about the Sunshine Mile overlay zone which was nothing really new except a couple of minor changes.

The Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone which has gone through numerous meetings with nearby neighborhoods for the past 3 years is going to go before the mayor and city council in the 2nd quarter of 2021 for considerations.

75 E Broadway is going through its final documentation process and Fletcher McCusker says the developer is on the phone with the lender at least 3 times a week.

Swaim and Sundt Construction working on TCC improvements say funds have been allocated for the West end of the TCC for additional meeting space, Eckbo Plaza renovation, and TCC Music hall seating replacements.

The owners of the Julian Drew block says they have a well known popular local restaurant that has signed a lease in the former Downtown Kitchens restaurant and plan on adding additional outside seating and space.

Fox theater is hoping a new legislation to help independent live venues will pass but we won't know until April/May. They hope for a reopening for Fall 2021.

The meeting was kind of rushed near the end and there were a few items on the agenda they didn't have time for including the Volvo building site I believe. We would have to wait until next meeting.

Thanks for the update on the RN meeting. I guess it is good news their revenue is better than expected. I am surprised we don't hear more about the NorGen site. I know they discuss it in Executive session, but what is the plan there? That lot has sat empty for 6 years since the the bid was won.

[AZ71]

Thanks for the update on the RN meeting. I guess it is good news their revenue is better than expected. I am surprised we don't hear more about the NorGen site. I know they discuss it in Executive session, but what is the plan there? That lot has sat empty for 6 years since the the bid was won.

Agree with this. Fletcher needs to put out a formal statement explaining where things are. Is there any way to contact him or Rio Nuevo to do so?

[crzyabe]

Has anyone heard an update on the 20 story building proposed at Speedway and Campbell? it seemed to be making good progress a few years ago, but the website has not been updated in 3 years.

https://www.speedwaycampbellgateway.com/

[andrewsaturn]

Updated brochure for 75 E Broadway, Tucson's newest high rise in downtown. It is officially 19 Stories ( Height in feet not indicated) with expected completion in late 2022.

https://properties.cbre.us/75-broadway/assets/75-broadway_brochure.pdf

ICYMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWROrbGwghQ

[andrewsaturn]

The Refinery at the Bridges Tucson Marketplace progress:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiJDSt8T9r4&feature=youtu.be

https://i.imgur.com/WcLX9fJ.png

https://i.imgur.com/9aMxzt2.png

https://biztucson.com/2021/02/08/final-steel-beam-in-place-on-the-refinery-building/

[AZ71]

Updated brochure for 75 E Broadway, Tucson's newest high rise in downtown. It is officially 19 Stories ( Height in feet not indicated) with expected completion in late 2022.

https://properties.cbre.us/75-broadway/assets/75-broadway_brochure.pdf

ICYMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWROrbGwghQ

At least it seems like its finally moving forward. I wish they'd give some height information about it. But it seems like One South Church will remain the tallest building in downtown Tucson at 23 stories (330ft). Even with 75B being 19 stories...they'd have to do a lot of height to beat a 4 stories difference. Unless they can gain some height with the parking garage being part of the building. But still..if it were Tucson's tallest you'd think they'd market it as such. That would be a huge selling point. Wasted opportunity.

[combusean]

I read somewhere that 75 Broadway was designed to the maximum height limit which is 300'. That sounds about right looking at it.

[andrewsaturn]

At least it seems like its finally moving forward. I wish they'd give some height information about it. But it seems like One South Church will remain the tallest building in downtown Tucson at 23 stories (330ft). Even with 75B being 19 stories...they'd have to do a lot of height to beat a 4 stories difference. Unless they can gain some height with the parking garage being part of the building. But still..if it were Tucson's tallest you'd think they'd market it as such. That would be a huge selling point. Wasted opportunity.

It's been verbally stated by some insiders as Tucson's second tallest so somewhere between 262-330' :haha: I heard 300' as well but time will tell. I'm one of those Tucsonans that won't believe it until I see dirt flying. But they should be starting soon if they expect to be completed by late 2022.

[andrewsaturn]

I don't remember this being posted but a new dog park concept is being introduced to Tucson hopefully by the end of this year. . The dog park will combine food and drinks service with an off leash dog park area. I think The Bridges at Tucson Marketplace is a great spot for this.

The new venture is called Mutts canine and cantina, a Dallas based company that expects to open another one in El Paso.

It looks like it is mainly outdoors and hopefully it will include tons of shade for the sake of our hot summers:

https://i.imgur.com/9nsmTPn.png

Courtesy of ADS:

"A Texas-based restaurant concept pairing craft-casual food and drink with a large, open, off-leash play area for dogs is looking to set up shop in Tucson by late 2021.

Las Cruces, New Mexico, resident April Mendoza recently signed a franchise agreement with MUTTS Canine Cantina with plans to open locations in El Paso and Tucson by the end of next year.

The restaurant’s claim to fame is its off-leash dog parks, where owners can let their pets run free while having a drink or getting a bite to eat on-site.

The parks are maintained by staff members known as “bark rangers,” who clean up after the pets and de-escalate any situation where the dogs might “get too rowdy,” MUTTS managing partner Michelle Boggs said.

“Dogs can run free without a leash,” Boggs said. “Their owners can walk up to the bar and grab a margarita.”

Patrons can pay for day passes ($8.95 for one dog, according to the MUTTS website), monthly passes ($16.95) or annual passes ($169.50) and are given access to the parks through barcodes sent to their phones.

Mendoza first heard of MUTTS while living in Dallas. She would take her two Shih Tzus to “yappy hour,” the restaurant’s weekday version of happy hour.

“It is difficult as a dog owner to bring two dogs to a restaurant’s patio and try to eat,” Mendoza said. “MUTTS gives you this big open area where you feel more comfortable doing that. That idea always resonated with me.”



MUTTS currently has two locations, one in Dallas that opened in 2014 and a second in Fort Worth that opened in 2018. Boggs and concept founders Kyle Noonan and Joshua Sepkowitz started franchising last year, Boggs said.

The restaurant offers a menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, chicken dishes and snack plates, with craft beer and mixed drink options to wash them down.

Pets can munch on mini-beef franks, known as “doggie dogs,” and pupsicles, dog-friendly popsicles made from beef broth and peanut butter on edible sticks.

Boggs said membership at both of its current spots has risen since the pandemic started. Its Dallas location went from 985 paying members per month at the beginning of the year to about 2,000 today. Its Fort Worth location jumped from 825 to 1,160.

Mendoza said that they are currently looking for the perfect location in Tucson.

She said she chose Tucson because of its dog-friendly reputation and its long stretches of sunny weather.

“It seemed like a no-brainer to me,” Mendoza said."

[AZ71]

It's been verbally stated by some insiders as Tucson's second tallest so somewhere between 262-330' :haha: I heard 300' as well but time will tell. I'm one of those Tucsonans that won't believe it until I see dirt flying. But they should be starting soon if they expect to be completed by late 2022.

I'd say 300ft is about right. I think I read somewhere when One South Church was built in 1986 at 330ft it outraged local residents. Saying the height destroyed the mountain views or something. So the city lowered the maximum height limits. So its probably 300 now. Someone needs to challenge that old ordinance. Not sure how you can do that...but its old and outdated. 300 is nothing.

[Locofresh55]

I'd say 300ft is about right. I think I read somewhere when One South Church was built in 1986 at 330ft it outraged local residents. Saying the height destroyed the mountain views or something. So the city lowered the maximum height limits. So its probably 300 now. Someone needs to challenge that old ordinance. Not sure how you can do that...but its old and outdated. 300 is nothing.

Tucson has a NIMBY problem?!? Who'da thunk it. :shrug:

And yes AZ71, looks like the max height is 300FT.

https://www.tucsonhomesandlots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Tucson_Zoning_Codes_Classifications.pdf

[Patrick S]

New hotel announced near the new JTED at the Bridges

WaterWalk Hotel Apartments Buys 2.18 acres at the Bridges in Tucson for $1.83 Million (https://realestatedaily-news.com/waterwalk-hotel-apartments-buys-2-18-acres-at-the-bridges-in-tucson-for-1-83-million/)

The Bridges in Tucson is a cohesive 350-acre master-planned collection of districts having three separate ownership entities: Bourn Companies, University of Arizona’s Tech Parks Arizona and Retail West.

Bourn Companies sold 2.18-acres recently to WaterWalk, a developer of upscale extended stay hotels. WaterWalk bought the development site located at Tucson Marketplace and Park Ave., near the JTED Innovative Learning Center at The Bridges, for $1.825 million.

WaterWalk plans to construct an upscale extended stay hotel. This will be its 11th location, with WaterWalk Phoenix scheduled to open Summer 2021. The Tucson site is its second in Arizona with +/- 120 furnished and unfurnished rooms. The average length of stay at WaterWalk is 89 days.

WaterWalk combines the most appealing features of an upscale hotel with the space and amenities travelers enjoy while away from home. By design, the innovative prototype efficiently penetrates target market segments such as relocations and corporate projects/trainings. A marquee brand innovation created by an accomplished leadership team with extensive experience across various lodging sectors, WaterWalk is the fifth national brand started by Jack DeBoer, including Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Value Place/WoodSpring.

WaterWalk plans to have 50 locations open by year-end 2024. This is the second hotel announced for the Bridges since Woodspring Suites announced in September.

Bourn Companies controls 112 acres and is developing multiple districts of The Bridges. These include: a corporate office district, home to GEICO’s regional headquarters; Mosaic, a creative office and educational district featuring JTED’s newest technical education campus; and Brioso, an eclectic, Spanish-inspired residential community centered around a vibrant Main Street scene with 128 modern homes, creative office and live/workspaces and an innovative urban-style resort.

GEICO has taken possession of their 200,000-square-foot regional headquarters, construction is underway on Mosaic and Brioso.

Kidder Mathews commercial real estate brokers, Trask Switzenberg and Chuck Wells, represented WaterWalk in the transaction and Allan Tanner with Bourn Advisory Services represented the seller.

The Pima JTED Innovative Learning Center at the Bridges at 3300 S Park Ave., opened is 50,000-square-foot facility for Fall 2020. JTED has provided students the industry training programs since 2007, while Tucson Unified — Tucson’s largest school district — provides students the general education classes required for earning a high school diploma.

This new campus allows Pima JTED (Joint Technological Education District) to expand their program offering simultaneous high school education and industry certifications in a variety of fields including Culinary Arts, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aviation, Health Care, and 3-D Animaton.

An additional 2.66-acres transferred to the JTED developers, JTED Bridges II (Gary Brav and Don Bourn, managers) on December 30, 2020 for $1.858 million to hold for future expansion.

Adjacent to the Bourn-controlled districts are the planned UA Tech Park at The Bridges, a 65-acre research and innovation park on the northeast parcel of the project, and Tucson Marketplace, an 850,000-square-foot regional super center on the southern parcel that is approximately 50% complete.

[Patrick S]

Updated brochure for 75 E Broadway, Tucson's newest high rise in downtown. It is officially 19 Stories ( Height in feet not indicated) with expected completion in late 2022.

https://properties.cbre.us/75-broadway/assets/75-broadway_brochure.pdf

ICYMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWROrbGwghQ

Anyone else notice the brochure still has The Moxy Hotel listed at the Rialto site on page 5? I thought they had cancelled that hotel.

[AZ71]

Anyone else notice the brochure still has The Moxy Hotel listed at the Rialto site on page 5? I thought they had cancelled that hotel.

Yes...the Moxy was cancelled. Thats why I dont even trust the renderings of 75 Broadway are what its gonna end up looking like. There are just so many ideas that were put out there and then just forgotten. Just like the arena site too which in my opinion will always be a dirt lot and an eyesore for Tucson.

[AZ71]

Updated brochure for 75 E Broadway, Tucson's newest high rise in downtown. It is officially 19 Stories ( Height in feet not indicated) with expected completion in late 2022.

https://properties.cbre.us/75-broadway/assets/75-broadway_brochure.pdf

ICYMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWROrbGwghQ


This came out from the County Administrator. Huge 75 E Broadway contract with specs. If you look on page 42 it shows the schedule with most of the ground work being done this year and then the actual shell begins construction in Oct 2021 thru Sept 2023 with completion day on 9/5/23.

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Administration/CHHmemosFor%20Web/2021/February/75%20E.%20Broadway%20Financing.pdf

[andrewsaturn]

This came out from the County Administrator. Huge 75 E Broadway contract with specs. If you look on page 42 it shows the schedule with most of the ground work being done this year and then the actual shell begins construction in Oct 2021 thru Sept 2023 with completion day on 9/5/23.

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Administration/CHHmemosFor%20Web/2021/February/75%20E.%20Broadway%20Financing.pdf

Thought that they were further along with everything, so looking to 3rd quarter of 2023 for completion...a long time to go but it will be nice to see a high rise structure starting to form next year. :skyhighmind:

[InTheBurbs]

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Administration/CHHmemosFor%20Web/2021/February/75%20E.%20Broadway%20Financing.pdf

Notice that on the Budget Page (p.44), they have the wrong address and spelled Tucson wrong: 76 E Broadway - Tuscon Holding Group.

I wonder if Alburqerque has the same problem! :haha:

[crzyabe]

I sat in on the Rio Nuevo meeting yesterday. Nothing too exciting.

75 E Broadway
The final(?) paperwork is tentatively scheduled to be signed this Friday and the the project is a go with completion in 2023

Reilly Pizza Support Funding Request
Reilly was looking to get a little money to help them through this unique time. The Request was denied for two reasons. 1. they already received money from the initial support program administered by the YWCA. 2. They were not looking for money to expand or increase revenue. The thought was if RN gave money to Reilly, they would open the flood gates to everyone else.

Congress Hotel Expansion
Congress is looking to upgrade their patio to the north with a new stage and new bathrooms. They are also looking to convert the Copper Banquet Hall on the north side into a Mescal, Local Wine and Bistro concept. Congress is looking for funds to help support this endeavor. RN decided to think on it and wait until next meeting for a decision.

TCC Update
TCC renovations are going well, the meeting rooms are a much needed upgrade which should help attract more groups. The music hall and its new parking garage are next up and should be underway soon.

TCC Marketing Support
The group decided to spend some funds to help the TCC attract conventions, shows, etc. The marketing subcommittee was assigned the task of managing that.

That is about it

[crzyabe]

Here are some crappy pictures of construction progress around Downtown. I took these the morning while walking around.


The Primavera Foundation building at 17th and 6th
https://i.postimg.cc/wR96qG5D/IMG-0340.jpg (https://postimg.cc/wR96qG5D)

The Baffert at 5 Points (a big hole in the ground right now)
https://i.postimg.cc/nj4FtJmH/IMG-0341.jpg (https://postimg.cc/nj4FtJmH)

124 E Broadway (former Access Tucson building)
https://i.postimg.cc/1nhmTtfC/IMG-0342.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1nhmTtfC)

127 S 5th Apartments
https://i.postimg.cc/bG2Y3bNS/IMG-0343.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bG2Y3bNS)

Hilton at Cathedral Square (on S Stone)
https://i.postimg.cc/ykVdskn2/IMG-0344.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ykVdskn2)

The Flin apartments looking from the south
https://i.postimg.cc/87czf92H/IMG-0345.jpg (https://postimg.cc/87czf92H)

The Flin apartments looking from the corner of Broadway and Church
https://i.postimg.cc/68P5rzwN/IMG-0346.jpg (https://postimg.cc/68P5rzwN)

The finished parking garage on the East side of the TCC
https://i.postimg.cc/bd0J7Q0Q/IMG-0347.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bd0J7Q0Q)

The finished Double Tree at the TCC
https://i.postimg.cc/4mB3dsSy/IMG-0348.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4mB3dsSy)

A bad picture of the Meeting room construction at the TCC
https://i.postimg.cc/V0FkX8s7/IMG-0349.jpg (https://postimg.cc/V0FkX8s7)

Two completed townhomes at the Miramonte Barrio Viejo development
https://i.postimg.cc/JH8hyn8D/IMG-0350.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JH8hyn8D)

[andrewsaturn]

I sat in on the Rio Nuevo meeting yesterday. Nothing too exciting.

75 E Broadway
The final(?) paperwork is tentatively scheduled to be signed this Friday and the the project is a go with completion in 2023

Reilly Pizza Support Funding Request
Reilly was looking to get a little money to help them through this unique time. The Request was denied for two reasons. 1. they already received money from the initial support program administered by the YWCA. 2. They were not looking for money to expand or increase revenue. The thought was if RN gave money to Reilly, they would open the flood gates to everyone else.

Congress Hotel Expansion
Congress is looking to upgrade their patio to the north with a new stage and new bathrooms. They are also looking to convert the Copper Banquet Hall on the north side into a Mescal, Local Wine and Bistro concept. Congress is looking for funds to help support this endeavor. RN decided to think on it and wait until next meeting for a decision.

TCC Update
TCC renovations are going well, the meeting rooms are a much needed upgrade which should help attract more groups. The music hall and its new parking garage are next up and should be underway soon.

TCC Marketing Support
The group decided to spend some funds to help the TCC attract conventions, shows, etc. The marketing subcommittee was assigned the task of managing that.

That is about it

Thanks for an update! I listened in as well and wanted to add a few things.

-75 E Broadway documents needed to amend the ground lease to include "The alley" so finalization and closing of the documents should happen by this Friday. The alley would include an opening walkway from 75 E Broadway onto Congress St from the North end.

-Hotel Congress is looking to utilize the Copper Hall just West of the front lobby into a wine tasting room which will turn into a lounge at night.

-RN is no longer helping to provide investment in the Volvo site. Due to the original agreement, RN agreed to investment only within a certain time frame based upon the developer's financing. The developer financing fell through and they want to renegotiate with the city.

- A Local developer wants to buy the empty parking lot north of YMCA on Church/Council for $500k in cash but within the next 48 hours (development TBD). RN thinks the lot is worth $750k and wants to reach out to other developers for best bid. This bid will only be open for 48 hrs.

-RN will be sending a RFP for the Bungalow block or district on the Sunshine Mile.

[crzyabe]

Thanks for an update! I listened in as well and wanted to add a few things.

-75 E Broadway documents needed to amend the ground lease to include "The alley" so finalization and closing of the documents should happen by this Friday. The alley would include an opening walkway from 75 E Broadway onto Congress St from the North end.

-Hotel Congress is looking to utilize the Copper Hall just West of the front lobby into a wine tasting room which will turn into a lounge at night.

-RN is no longer helping to provide investment in the Volvo site. Due to the original agreement, RN agreed to investment only within a certain time frame based upon the developer's financing. The developer financing fell through and they want to renegotiate with the city.

- A Local developer wants to buy the empty parking lot north of YMCA on Church/Council for $500k in cash but within the next 48 hours (development TBD). RN thinks the lot is worth $750k and wants to reach out to other developers for best bid. This bid will only be open for 48 hrs.

-RN will be sending a RFP for the Bungalow block or district on the Sunshine Mile.

Thanks for the additional detail!

I had forgot to mention that walkway for 75 E Broadway through to Congress. That is going to make the Chicago store block interesting.

Also that lot sale on church and council, I don't want to get too excited because I don't think much can be built there, but I could be wrong.

[andrewsaturn]

Downtown Links progress video update from TDOT:

https://mobile.twitter.com/Tucson_DTM/status/1362431807485050880

[Patrick S]

The Tucson City Council will vote on a proposal at their next meeting (2/23/21) for incentives for TuSimple, the self-driving truck company located on Old Vail Rd. west of Houghton. The company is proposing spending $9 million to build 25k more square feet of warehouse space and another 10k square feet of office space and increase their workforce by 50-75 employees. (#8 on the agenda below)

Also on the agenda are some plats for the Bridges (#7.i.) and a new restaurant/shopping PAD to be located just north of I-10 at Ajo Way, next to the Kino Sports Complex (#9).

https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1503&doctype=1

[Ted Lyons]

The Tucson City Council will vote on a proposal at their next meeting (2/23/21) for incentives for TuSimple, the self-driving truck company located on Old Vail Rd. west of Houghton. The company is proposing spending $9 million to build 25k more square feet of warehouse space and another 10k square feet of office space and increase their workforce by 50-75 employees. (#8 on the agenda below)

Also on the agenda are some plats for the Bridges (#7.i.) and a new restaurant/shopping PAD to be located just north of I-10 at Ajo Way, next to the Kino Sports Complex (#9).

https://tucsonaz.onbaseonline.com/1801AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1503&doctype=1

Went through the Ajo PAD documents on PRO. Pad B is going to be a Raising Canes. Pad E is going to be a Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q.

[juan.x.ito]

https://tucson.com/business/high-rises-and-affordable-housing-proposed-for-tucsons-sunshine-mile/article_fc59a4de-124a-5788-8404-11e6c1fd72d4.html

[AZ71]

https://tucson.com/business/high-rises-and-affordable-housing-proposed-for-tucsons-sunshine-mile/article_fc59a4de-124a-5788-8404-11e6c1fd72d4.html

I read this yesterday and I'm in favor of any type of building, especially if it provides housing for people. And only in Tucson does a 14-16 story building create controversy. The problem I have is they want to condense this area into living/working area...but they're not investing in the transportation aspect of it. They are literally widening that road for cars right now but NOT including the extension of the trolley or a light rail system. How does this make any sense...even for the developers? It wasn't until the city invested in the current trolley did developers start to build along it. The trolley is a way to gain security for the developers to build. The City Transportation created another big failure here.

[crzyabe]

I read this yesterday and I'm in favor of any type of building, especially if it provides housing for people. And only in Tucson does a 14-16 story building create controversy. The problem I have is they want to condense this area into living/working area...but they're not investing in the transportation aspect of it. They are literally widening that road for cars right now but NOT including the extension of the trolley or a light rail system. How does this make any sense...even for the developers? It wasn't until the city invested in the current trolley did developers start to build along it. The trolley is a way to gain security for the developers to build. The City Transportation created another big failure here.

In a few design meetings I attended early in the Broadway widening project, the outside lane on both sides was made wider to help accommodate a future expansion of the street car (if funds were found). I hope that one day the Street Car goes to Reid Park. I think that would make a lot of sense, but we (the community) would need to find the money somewhere.

[Patrick S]

Where is Hub V going to be? Just east of the Islamic Center?

Here's an article with some info on Hub V - https://azbex.com/core-spaces-proposes-another-hub-project-in-tucson/

[AZ71]

In a few design meetings I attended early in the Broadway widening project, the outside lane on both sides was made wider to help accommodate a future expansion of the street car (if funds were found). I hope that one day the Street Car goes to Reid Park. I think that would make a lot of sense, but we (the community) would need to find the money somewhere.

Agree with you. A trolley or light rail should go to Reid Park/El Con Mall. That entire El Con needs to be redeveloped as a mixed-used location with shopping and home/apartment/condos area. That parking lot is too huge in the back not to do this. And of course one day I'd love to see the line go to Williams Centre (another business hub) and eventually Park Mall. They have so many destination points along this route it just seems logical.

But at least they are widening the outer lanes. I hadn't read that.

[crzyabe]

It might not be anything, but there is fencing around the old Casa Vicente lot on Stone and 14th and most of the parking spaces there. This fence is new within the last week or so. I can't find anything recent on PRO about a permit, but may be they are getting ready to start.

[southtucsonboy77]

I haven't posted in ages...but just wanted to add that the proposed Overlays are a good step forward for the Broadway Corridor.

I haven't seen the entire proposed height limits for each piece, but I hope they learn their lesson from the Main Gate Square Overlay. At Main Gate, the market has made a mockery of the height restrictions. Instead of Hub V, IV, III, etc...there could have been 20+ floor structures that would have eliminated the need for all these multiple buildings of 10 floors here, 6 floors there. Same with the other developers. I'll never understand the logic that a 6, 10, 13, or 14 story building wouldn't block a so-called "view" the same as a taller structure. Blows my mind. I love the density that the Main Gate Overlay brings, but some parcels should have and could have gotten more height.

[AZ71]

I haven't posted in ages...but just wanted to add that the proposed Overlays are a good step forward for the Broadway Corridor.

I haven't seen the entire proposed height limits for each piece, but I hope they learn their lesson from the Main Gate Square Overlay. At Main Gate, the market has made a mockery of the height restrictions. Instead of Hub V, IV, III, etc...there could have been 20+ floor structures that would have eliminated the need for all these multiple buildings of 10 floors here, 6 floors there. Same with the other developers. I'll never understand the logic that a 6, 10, 13, or 14 story building wouldn't block a so-called "view" the same as a taller structure. Blows my mind. I love the density that the Main Gate Overlay brings, but some parcels should have and could have gotten more height.

I agree but until the city eliminates the 300ft height limit throughout the city (especially downtown) that will never happen. Nimby's in Tucson are so scared of the city becoming like Phx they will do anything and everything possible to stop the height. But if you ask me...Main Gate looks kind of ridiculous with a few blocks crammed together full of 16 floor and under buildings. It really looks out of place. Much moreso than a beautifully designed 20+ story tower thoughtfully designed with appropriate space and desert landscaping around it.

[crzyabe]

The new owner of the FC Tucson soccer team had a conference call with supporters last night. He and his team went through their plans over the next few years. A new stadium is in the plans, though a location was not discussed.

That reminds me, how is that litigation going with NorGen? :)

[Ted Lyons]

The new owner of the FC Tucson soccer team had a conference call with supporters last night. He and his team went through their plans over the next few years. A new stadium is in the plans, though a location was not discussed.

That reminds me, how is that litigation going with NorGen? :)

When I looked into his background earlier this week, I noticed the first line of his bio on LinkedIn reads: "Mr. Johnson is a Founder and Partner of Fortuitous Partners (www.fortuitouspartners.com), a diversified opportunity fund platform investing in professional sports anchored multi-asset developments in opportunity zones."

I'd been confused about why a Phoenix Rising founder would separately want to own FC Tucson but the above business interest potentially provides a motive.

[crzyabe]

When I looked into his background earlier this week, I noticed the first line of his bio on LinkedIn reads: "Mr. Johnson is a Founder and Partner of Fortuitous Partners (www.fortuitouspartners.com), a diversified opportunity fund platform investing in professional sports anchored multi-asset developments in opportunity zones."

I'd been confused about why a Phoenix Rising founder would separately want to own FC Tucson but the above business interest potentially provides a motive.

That makes sense. Apparently they are planning to partner up with the Sugar Skulls and Roadrunners for joint marketing opportunities. If a stadium can be built downtown (or nearby) it would really add to the "destination" goal of downtown.