TUCSON, Arizona – A recent article on TIBO website is reporting Rio Nuevo is currently working on landing an Arena Football League (AFL) expansion team that would play at the Tucson Convention Center in Downtown Tucson.  At last month’s Rio Nuevo meeting, the board approved up to $400,000 in additions that would make the arena suitable to play arena football in.  These improvements are, of course, dependent on an AFL expansion team choosing Tucson.  The money would be spent on a turf field, goalposts and some additions to the locker room facilities.  The AFL plays its games during the Spring and Summer months, so there would be no scheduling conflicts with the Tucson Roadrunners Hockey team.

Future Arena Football isn’t all that Rio Nuevo is hoping for TCC’s future.

Phase one of the TCC improvements were completed in 2015 and included new restrooms, a ticket office, concession stands, seats, lighting, sound, digital signage outside and inside along with a video board.  The majority of the $7.8 million first phase of improvements to the TCC took place on the arena portion, getting the electronic infrastructure up to par with other arenas across the Country in order to draw more shows to the venue.

Now under discussion, Rio Nuevo would move on to other improvements to make the convention center more competitive with others around the U.S.  Architectural firm, Swaim Associates came up with a list of over $50 million worth of improvements that the TCC should have, although Rio Nuevo acknowledges they cannot afford all of the improvements at once.

Phase two being discussed, would include the most necessary projects totaling about $10 million.  This would include $4 million in improvements to the ballroom, $1.5 million to upgrade the rest of the center’s restrooms, $3.5 million to create a conference center with a high-tech board room and another $1 million in additional upgrades to locker rooms, green rooms and dressing rooms.

Phase three could possibly then move on to build a $6 million west side addition to the exhibition hall, $2 million on premium seating in the arena and $12 million to add meeting rooms.  Finally, phase four would include an $18 million parking garage on the west side of the TCC, on top of the existing surface parking lot near Granada Avenue and Cushing Street.  Combined with the new hotel planned for the east side of the TCC by Caliber Hospitality, Tucson should become much more competitive in the convention and events markets, helping boost tourism dollars and downtown economy significantly.  Also, Caliber Hospitality hired an architect to design the hotel a month or two ago, so we should get a look at the future hotel soon, as well.

None of this suggestions have reached final approval by the Rio Nuevo Board yet.

Rio Nuevo chairman Fletcher McCusker has stated that chances are “better than 50 percent” of landing the Arena Football League, due in part to the success Tucson has shown in supporting the Tucson Roadrunners, an American Hockey League franchise connected with the Arizona Coyotes NHL team.

TUCSON, Arizona – Tuesday evening, the Tucson City Council approved the development of a 20-story mixed use tower at the northwest corner of Speedway and Campbell Avenue to be  developed by Richard Shenkarow and partners. The building could be completed by 2022 at an estimated cost of about $300 million.

Palm Shadows and Babcock apartments, currently on the 2.5-acre site, will be razed.

Richard Shenkarow of Shenkarow Realty Advisors in Tucson is the project’s developer. His company, formed in 1999, has “built, renovated, and/or managed” properties including Casas Adobes Plaza and El Dorado Square. He explained that he purchased the Palm Shadows Apartments 20 years ago, “with the intent to make it into a gateway project” for Tucson and the University.

The development would include a major grocery store, offices, retail shops and a condominium-style mid-rise and high-rise residential component that could reach 250 feet in height. The design would “encourage the use of a variety of modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling, and the modern streetcar,” according to plans.

While parking spaces will be incorporated into the design, the project aims to discourage vehicle use. A streetcar stop on the north side, a bus stop on Speedway and bike-sharing stations as well as ride-sharing cars that could be borrowed for a few hours would be featured amenities.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said while the tall building is opposed by some residents, he has faith in the developer and architect on this project, who grew up in the Sam Hughes Neighborhood and now lives near the Arizona Inn.

To learn more go to https://www.speedwaycampbellgateway.com/

TUCSON, Arizona — The former Five Palms Steak & Seafood in the Catalina Foothills at 3500 E Sunrise Dr., Tucson sold for $1.9 million ($148 PSF) for redevelopment. The 12,800-square-foot restaurant was originally built for Café Terra Cotta restaurant that moved from St. Phillip’s Square.

Located on Sunrise east of La Encantada Mall, Five Palms opened in late 2012. Over the years, the business evolved to include culinary concepts like Oliva Mediterranean Restaurant, Dovino Wine and Cigars, and the Five Palms Fine Bar.

One of Tucson’s priciest fine-dining restaurants, where the least expensive steak on the menu would set you back $39 — the same price as the pate de foie gras appetizer.

Five Palms closed in September 10, 2017.

The buyers, Gateway 1048, LLC and WCCP Sunrise, LLC of Torrance, Calif. purchased the property for redevelopment into office use. The 12,800-square-foot, two-story building responds to a growing interest in office space along the Sunrise corridor.

Nancy McClure and Buzz Isaacson with CBRE in Tucson represented the seller, Landmark Assets of Scottsdale and Phil Skillings with NAI Horizon in Tucson handled the transaction, as a principal, for the investors.

For more information, McClure should be reached at 520.323.5117 and Isaacson can be reached at 520.323.5151. Skillings can be contacted at 520.326.2200 ext. 4002.

To learn more, see RED Comp #5520.