by Shannon Murphy
Recently, an update was provided to the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce on the various projects that Diamond Ventures, Inc. owns in Southeast Tucson. Below is a brief summary of the information that was provided on some of the more notable developments and the current status of each.
Rocking K Ranch, located along Old Spanish Trail, east of Camino Loma Alta, is comprised of approximately 4,800 acres and is planned for 6,100 homes. The project will include such amenities as a Town Village Center (shopping), parks, a non-motorized, multi-use trail system, abundant open space and enhanced riparian areas along Rincon Creek. Diamond Ventures, Inc. is currently working on the entitlements for the southern portion of the development and the first 1,000 lots. An agreement is now in place to allow for the Valencia Road extension and bridge and while this is great progress, we are likely at least two years away from seeing homes constructed.
Mountain Vail is a 155 acre residential development located along Mary Ann Cleveland Way nearby Empire High School. The project is home to Vail School District’s Esmond Station K-8 School and will have about 575 homes at buildout. The builders include KB Home, Lennar Homes and Richmond American Homes.
Houghton Town Center, located at SWC Houghton & Old Vail Roads, is a 60 acre retail community center, the first of its kind to serve Southeast Tucson. Currently, there are 10 businesses open, including Super Walmart, Northwest Medical Emergency Center @ Vail, AutoZone, Dunkin Donuts, Panda Express, Verizon Wireless, Champion Pool & Spa Supply, Houghton Family Dental Care, Nationwide Vision and Supercuts. Combined, these businesses have brought more than 350 jobs to the community. Brakemasters is under construction and will open later this year and negotiations are almost complete with two junior anchor retailers who will locate just east of Walmart. They will be a great addition to the project.
Rita Tech Park is a 25 acre freeway commercial/industrial development at Rita Road & Interstate 10. A new Shell/Subway gas station and convenience store will be starting construction soon and talks are underway with a hotel brand to bring this much needed amenity to the trade area. If the feasibility study comes back strong, the hotel should open in late 2017.
For additional questions or for marketing information on any of these projects, please contact Shannon Murphy at 520-577-0200.