Navigating Rio Nuevo
By Karen Thoreson
ehind the scenes” could be the Rio Nuevo theme this month. You won’t see these projects on the street for a few months, but we’re busy getting them underway. First, the Request for Proposals for the West Congress property is out and due in September. We’ve had enormous interest in this project from a number of private developers. Planning is nearly complete for the demolition of the former City Annex on Pennington and the construction of a mixed-use parking and retail facility there. Also, the planning for the University of Arizona Science Center is on track and moving forward. So even though it’s a good time to stay close to the air conditioning, Rio Nuevo is making progress. Here are some of the other goings-on Downtown:
The Main Thing
You may not recognize Main Avenue from St. Mary’s to Franklin. The Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently installed the new median and xeriscape landscaping there with assistance from the El Presidio Neighborhood Association. Joanne Rogers, Chair of the Main Avenue Improvements for the Association, says that members contributed landscaping and helped TDOT plan and design the new streetscape.
Lucy Amparano, Transportation Liaison to Rio Nuevo and Kim McKay, TDOT Project Manager, say that, in addition to adding to the charm of the neighborhood, the project has also calmed traffic on Main Avenue – which was one of the primary goals of the improvement.
Behind the Façade at the Fox…
The Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation has purchased the space adjacent to the Fox at 27 West Congress, formerly occupied by the Italian Kitchen Restaurant. The 4,800 square-foot space will be remodeled to include, on the ground floor, a ticketing center, a concessions retail store, and a handicapped restroom. More restrooms and a lobby area will be constructed on the second floor.
Herb Stratford, Executive Director of the Foundation, says the retail will likely be an “old time” candy and beverage store that will be open during normal business hours as well as during theater show times. It should be a very different and welcome addition to the Downtown retail mix.
The Fox is working with the State and City Historic Preservation offices to ensure that the historic integrity of the building is maintained and to restore the façade to its original 1930’s appearance.
Be “Part of the Heart” - Support our Downtown this Summer
Rio Nuevo and Downtown revitalization will be successful only if we all work together to make it happen. With that in mind, I’d like to encourage you to support our Downtown businesses and restaurants this summer, especially the ones that are new on the scene.
All these entrepreneurs, whether they’ve been in business for years or weeks, are making a strong commitment to Downtown by being in business here. We can thank them and contribute to the success of the City Center by making a special effort to support them during the summer.
Ponies Plentiful in the Pueblo – And Especially Downtown
Take a lunch hour and visit the Ponies del Pueblo. The ponies are the centerpiece of a Tucson/Pima Arts Council (TPAC) community fundraiser benefiting a number of other Tucson non-profit organizations. The ponies, exhibited at more than 20 locations across the City, were created by local artists and will be sold in an auction this November. There’s a whole herd of ponies in the Downtown – Narcisco by Tom Philabaum at the Tucson Convention Center, Arizona Prince by Diana Madaras at La Placita, Sanctus Mannus by Daniel Martin Diaz at the Tucson Museum of Art, Essence of the American Heart by David Tineo with Issa Mirazo at the UniSource Energy Tower, and Volando En Las Nubas by Cristina Cardenas at the City/County Public Works Building.
To see all the ponies, pick up a map guide to all their locations at TPAC or almost any public building Downtown.
Learn More About Rio Nuevo
I want to remind you of two ways you can learn more about the progress, goals, and plans of Rio Nuevo. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your group or organization, call Virginia at 791-5580. If you haven’t seen a copy of Notes from the Heart of the City, our Rio Nuevo Update, call the same number and we’ll drop one in the mail and put you on our mailing list.
Karen Thoreson is a Downtown enthusiast and City of Tucson Assistant City Manager. Her primary responsibility is the Rio Nuevo Project and Downtown. If you have questions about Rio Nuevo or suggestions on topics for this column, please contact Ms. Thoreson at kthores1@ci.tucson.az.us.
