United Flea Markets Acquires Tanque Verde Swap Meet in Tucson for $7 Million

The acquisition marks the company’s first property in Arizona as well as its first venue with nighttime hours

Denver, Colo. – Denver-based United Flea Markets, owner of the largest portfolio of flea markets in the country, has acquired the Tanque Verde Swap Meet at 4100 S Palo Verde in Tucson, Arizona for $7 million ($5.35 PSF)

United Flea Markets is the country’s foremost flea market ownership and management company with 12 properties in its rapidly expanding portfolio nationwide, bringing to each a valuable mix of small-company agility paired with finely tuned business acumen.  

Open year-round, the Tanque Verde Swap Meet offers selling space for approximately 750 vendors across 30 acres. Visitors find a large selection of goods and services including clothing, furniture, antiques, fresh produce, services, and other unexpected bargains. A variety of food and beverage choices including street tacos, burgers, fry bread and cotton candy, as well as rides for children, round out the offerings.

Unique to the United Flea Markets’ portfolio, Tanque Verde offers both daytime and evening swap meets, with live music and nostalgic Edison lights adding to the festive atmosphere until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Rob Sieban, president, CEO and co-owner of United Flea Markets and former chairman and president of the National Flea Market Association, said he’s thrilled to expand into Arizona with the addition of Tanque Verde.

“Tanque Verde Swap Meet boasts longevity, a large and dedicated following, and a truly unique experience that appeals to multiple generations,” he said. “During the evening hours, guests stroll and shop while enjoying live music, great food and a fresh-squeezed margarita. Add in the live music and rides for kids and there really is something for everyone. It’s a great addition to our portfolio.”

Sieban said that the decision to acquire Tanque Verde was based as much on reputation and fit as it was the departing owners’ leadership. “Founders Richard and Monica Chapin have adeptly guided the swap meet since its founding in 1975. We’re looking forward to building upon their solid foundation and further positioning the swap meet for the next 50 years of operation.”

Richard Chapin noted that while the transition marks a significant change for his family, he’s confident in United Flea Markets’ vision for the future. “It was really important to my family that the new ownership team understand the swap meet’s past while looking to the future,” he said. “United Flea Markets’ business acumen paired with its love for the industry ensures that Tanque Verde is in good hands.”

In keeping with United Flea Market’s desire to provide continuity for sellers and guests alike, most Tanque Verde Swap Meet staff, including the general manager, will be staying on. The company plans to invest in capital improvements like enhanced technology, including Wi-Fi throughout the market, and building and grounds upgrades.

Tanque Verde Swap Meet hours are Friday, 3 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 7 am to 11 pm; and Sunday, 7 am to 3 pm. Admission and parking are free.

Flea market owners interested in learning more about investments from United Flea Markets can visit https://www.unitedfleamarkets.com or call 720.592.0260.

To learn more, see RED Comp #6756.




Three Value-Add Apartments Sales in Tucson Total $4.85 Million

Palo Verde Terrace

TUCSON, ARIZONA — Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate with offices in Oregon, Washington and Arizonaclosed on three apartment buildings in Tucson for a combined total of $4.85 million for 96-units ($50,521 per unit).

Palo Verde Terrace Apartments at 3493 E Lind Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716 sold for $2.35 million ($45,192 per unit). The 52-units sold to 5330 Bellevue Investments, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona (Spencer Quale, member). Joe Boyle with Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate represented the seller, Palo Verde by Bakerson, LLC of Phoenix. Joseph Chaplik with Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate represented the buyer. This transaction closed April 26, 2019.

Bellevue Apartments

Bellevue Apartments at 5330, 5342 & 5348 E Bellevue St., Tucson, AZ 85712 sold for $1.55 million ($64,583 per unit). 5330 Bellevue Investments sold the 24-units to Bellevue One LLC & Bellevue Two LLC of Beaverton, Oregon (Kenneth Schnerch, manager). Joseph Chaplik with Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate represented both the buyer and the seller in this transaction that closed April 24, 2019.

Sherwood Terrace

Sherwood Terrace Apartments at 114 E Mohave Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705 sold for $950,000 ($47,500 per unit). The 20-units sold to Clark H. & Kathryn A. Reed of Portland, Oregon. Joseph Chaplik with Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate represented the buyers. Joe Boyle with Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate represented the seller, Sherwood Terrace Apartments, LLC of Chandler, Arizona (The Levenson Family Trust). The transaction closed on April 25, 2019.

For more information, contact Boyle and Chaplik at 480.305.5600.

To learn more, see RED Comp #6746, #6747 and #6748.




Affordable Autos of Tucson Purchases Building

TUCSON, AZ- Affordable Autos of Tucson has purchased their 720-square-foot building located at 3101 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ at the northeast corner of Ajo Way and Country Club Road. Affordable Autos of Tucson had been leasing the building for the past year.

Craig Finfrock of Commercial Retail Advisors, LLC represented the Seller, Continental Investment Properties, LLC, and George Reitz of Real Estate Marketing Professionals of Tucson, LLC, represented the Buyer. Commercial Retail Advisors, founded in 2001, specializes in the leasing and sales of shopping centers and retailer tenant representation throughout southern Arizona. For more information, please contact Craig Finfrock of Commercial Retail Advisors at (520) 290-3200 or visit their website at www.cradvisorsllc.com.