DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE

Rio Nuevo Multi Facilities District is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district formed to utilize a portion of state sales tax dollars to revitalize Tucson’s downtown core.  The District mission is to partner with the private sector to build the vital components of a vibrant downtown.  Downtown Tucson is now considered one of the most successful  urban environments in the country, home to new restaurants, a remodeled arena, busy concert venues, revitalized theaters, modern light rail, and corporate headquarters like Tucson Electric Power, Madden Media, Samsung’s SmartThings, Hexagon Mining Division and Caterpillar.  New housing units are being built in downtown Tucson connected to urban living through the new Modern Streetcar. The State of Arizona recently extended the TIF to 2035 giving the Rio Nuevo Board more time and surety to make significant and critical investments in downtown.

Listen to the latest news about downtown developments from Fletcher McCusker, Chair of Rio Nuevo.

Since 2008, Downtown Tucson has experienced more than $1.2 billion in public and private investments, with an additional half billion dollars being invested in current and proposed projects. To learn the latest on doing business in Downtown, visit Downtown Tucson Partnership.

The future of office space is being driven by the aftermath of COVID 19, in which workers are demanding more flexible options including remote work. The traditional compartmentalized office layout is being augmented by coworking models that seek to promote collaboration and creativity through open floor plans, shared community space, and creative office designs. Downtown is currently home to three coworking spaces: Rail Yard, Regus Downtown Tucson, and Xerocraft Hackerspace.

Downtown is the cultural center for Tucson, with seven museums, six theaters, and a thriving art and music scene. Cultural arts venues Downtown host performances by the local symphony, ballet, theater, and opera companies. There are approximately 120 artists with studios located in historic warehouses throughout the Warehouse Arts District. The recently restored Rialto and Fox theaters attract performers from around the world. Together, the two theaters account for significant annual economic impact Downtown. Eighteen nightlife venues have opened Downtown since 2008, with each new business bringing a new level of excitement to Congress Street.

The Tucson Streetcar is a 3.9 mile route connecting major activity centers including The University of Arizona, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University Main Gate Business District, 4th Avenue Business District, Congress Street Shopping and Entertainment District, and the Mercado District. Approximately 100,000 people live and work within a half mile of the route.

To date, there has been a total of $2.4 billion invested in projects along the streetcar route, with $1.64 billion in private investment on a total of 69 projects. This total includes $480M in public projects in downtown. The top three projects completed to date include $427M Banner University Medical Center, the $165M UA Health Sciences Innovation Building and the $137M UA Honors College. (Source: TREND Report, January 2020)

Top 10 List Includes:

(Source: TREND Report, January 2020)

There are more than 50 major events held annually Downtown, attracting more than one million visitors to the area. The nation’s largest gem and mineral show, the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, has an estimated economic impact of over $200 million (FMR Associates, 2019). The majority of Downtown events reflect the unique sense of identity that defines Tucson. One example of a significant cultural event Downtown is the All Souls Procession, which attracts over 150,000 participants and spectators, while generating $27 million in economic impact (All Souls, 2019).