Navigating Rio Nuevo
By Karen Thoreson
alfway through 2003, Rio Nuevo is delivering on the goals promised at the first of the year. Construction projects are being completed and others are beginning as planned. Requests for proposal, feasibility studies, project plans, and real estate transactions are all occurring for the most part as we anticipated. Of course, new opportunities and unexpected challenges are arising, but we’re better prepared than ever before to deal with these. In the wake of John Jones’ retirement, I’ve moved into the Rio Nuevo office to personally direct operations while a search is conducted to find John’s replacement. John leaves us in good shape to continue moving forward, but also with much to be done. Some other staff retirements opened spots to add several excellent new project managers who will be assisting with the many tasks at hand.
More Than Just The Ticket
The first major construction project in Rio Nuevo is complete. The Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office opened to acclaim in late May when Mayor Bob Walkup flipped the switch to turn on the 54-square-foot video screen on the facade. Rich Singer, Director of the Convention Center, said the Ticket Office, with 10 ticket windows and electronic signs that provide updated event information, is just one example of the Center’s commitment to quality customer service. It’s also a wonderful first project for us, improving customer access to the largest entertainment venue in the City and one of the centerpieces of Rio Nuevo.
Congratulations, Carlotta – A Part of the Heart of the City
Mayor Walkup presented his third Heart of Downtown Award last month to Carlotta Flores. Carlotta, who is chef-operator of El Charro Cafe and, with her family, runs several other local businesses, has been actively involved in Downtown revitalization and economic development for many years. She’s given countless hours of her time to the Downtown cause and is now the first woman to be honored with this award. Mayor Walkup and Herb Stratford of the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, the previous winner, presented the award to Carlotta at a ceremony on May 27.
Get on the List to Stay Up to Date
“Heart of the City”, a Rio Nuevo Update, is now available, featuring information on Downtown revitalization goals, financial incentives for development, Tucson Origins, and more. If you want to receive these periodic updates to learn more about what’s happening with Rio Nuevo and Downtown revitalization, call 791-5580 or e-mail rionews-request@ci.tucson.az.us to have us add your name to the mailing list.
12,000 Get the T.I.C.E.T.
Tucson Inner City Express Transit (T.I.C.E.T.), the free Downtown shuttle system sponsored by the Tucson Department of Transportation’s ParkWise Division, is now carrying more than 12,000 riders a month. T.I.C.E.T. runs on three routes through Downtown, Monday through Friday. You can pick up a brochure with route details at any City of Tucson building, or call 791-5071 for information.
Banners Signal “A Whole New Way to Find Your Way Downtown”
The new banners on the streetlights along Alameda Street are the first examples of Downtown Destinations, our new signage system. The banners highlight the Tucson Museum of Art, as well as proclaiming the colors and icon of the Presidio District that includes TMA. Downtown Destinations divides Downtown into four districts – Presidio, Convention, 4th Avenue, and Congress Street. Each district has its own icon and distinctive colors. The Tucson Department of Transportation worked with the TEAM Commission, the Tucson Downtown Alliance and other Downtown stakeholders to develop the signage system. You’ll soon see other parts of it going up around Tucson.
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.
