Tucson Kent's World

In Episode 3, THE Tucson Real Estate Show takes a break from the business side of things to ride the Historic Tucson Trolley and learn about its history from Karen Rodack, who is a volunteer conductor for the Old Pueblo Trolley organization.

Currently, the trolley runs along University Blvd. from Main Gate Square at the University of Arizona, and down 4th Avenue where it stops before going down Congress Street in downtown Tucson. This nostalgic attraction is completely volunteer operated & funded by donations. It generally runs on weekends - weather & maintenance permitting.

Work is beginning soon on a new, Modern Streetcar for Tucson, which will expand the route significantly and be more useful as a practical mode of transportation.  There has been quite a bit of new activity in the downtown Tucson area as businesses open up as part of the downtown revitalization effort - and in anticipation of the Modern Streetcar's debut in 2013.  Yes, Mr. An has started construction on his new restaurant, An Congress, right by the Rialto Theater and Hotel Congress.  Can anyone get us an interview with him?

In its never-ending quest to provide better services for both agents and the public, the Tucson MLS has decided to change its MLS software to FlexMLS by FBS of North Dakota!

I, for one, am extremely happy with the decision - and I hope you will be too.  To take a quick peek at what it looks like from a consumer perspective, check out this search for property in the Sam Hughes area of Tucson:

Check it out - see what it is like & please feel free to leave your comments below!  The more feedback, the better...and if one of these catches your eye, I'm available to answer questions.

This morning, at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Tucson, the official announcement of the TIGER Grant that will allow the Modern Streetcar project to go from dream to tracks & trolleys was attended by hundreds of people.

Here is a video montage of some of the speeches:

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, University of Arizona President Robert Shelton, RTA Chairperson Lynn Skelton (also Mayor of Sahuarita), Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are featured in this collection.

Having the Modern Streetcar project move forward in Tucson is a real "game changer" for downtown, as it links the University of Arizona through Main Gate Square, down 4th Avenue along Congress Street to the Convention Center and across to the Mercado District on the west side of I-10.

There has been a lot of work to revitalize downtown Tucson - the trolley will link it all together and be a focal point that draws a lot more attention & investment to the area.  The downtown you know today will be incredibly improved over the next 5 years...if you haven't seen what we've done so far, you'll be amazed at what will be happening soon!

IT'S OFFICIAL!  Tucson's Modern Streetcar in Downtown is a GO!  This morning, the City of Tucson found out that it will receive the $63M from the Federal Government to make the proposed Trolley/Modern Streetcar project a reality. 

The $150M project is being funded through local funds that have been generated for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) via a sales tax increment approved by voters in 2006, with the U.S. Government putting up their portion through a TIGER Grant.

What this means for Tucson is a real boost to efforts in revitalizing the Downtown Core.  There has been a lot of work going on already - now the Trolley will both serve to enhance and tie-in the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue, Congress Street and the Mercado District.

While there will always be naysayers, my bet is that the same people sniveling right now will be asking for expansion of the routes in 5 years!

Future plans include expansion of the streetcar down Broadway Boulevard - the Downtown Trolley will showcase the core of Tucson & help redefine the heart of our city.  It won't happen overnight, but just hide & watch as it becomes another thing to be proud about "The Old Pueblo" for.

If you want to take advantage of the opportunity, now's the time to jump on - the fare won't be decreasing in future years for real estate along the route!

If you're looking for a home in Tucson - one thing on almost everyone's shopping list is a view.  In the gated home community of Sabino Mountain in Northeast Tucson, the views are simply amazing!  Located atop a ridge on the east side of the Sabino Canyon area, whether you want mountain or city views...or even 360-degree views, this neighborhood should be on your list.

The Catalina Mountains to the north, Rincon Mountains to the east, Santa Rita Mountains to the south, city views, sunrise views & sunset views...gee, am I gushing?  Wellll...lets just say I'm a real fan of beautiful views in Tucson.

To give you a little idea of where and how Sabino Mountain is laid out, here's a map & a satellite photo from Google Maps to show you where the homes are:

This gated community of luxury homes is less than a decade old - with a few building lots still available.  Available homes are generally priced in the high $300's ranging into the $2 millions.  As of this post, there are 15 homes for sale from $299,000 to $1.695 million.  2 lots of .5 acre and .7 acre with incredible views are on the market for just under $600,000 and $700,000 respectively.

See What's Available In Sabino Mountain Right Now

The Sabino Canyon area of Tucson is one of the most beautiful corners of the whole Tucson Metro area.  There is the stunning beauty of the Catalina mountains in the northeast part of the foothills, a wide variety of homes and land for sale (even commercial property too).  Perhaps I'm a little biased (of course I am - I live in the Sabino Canyon area!), but living right next to a National Park has its charms.

See what you think:

Whether you are looking for a condo, townhome, single family home or luxury gated estate - all of these can be found in Sabino Canyon...starting around $175,000.  Give me a call - we'll explore & find one with your name on it!

I almost missed it, but glad I didn't.

I saw the most spectacular "rear" today while driving home from my office!

A Spectacular Rear - Tucson Style!

I know some of you may be scratching your head, wondering
"What in the world is he talking about?"

I'm talking about one of those "Wow - I'm Truly Astonished,
I've got to get another look at THAT !" kind of views.

In fact, I took the very next turn so that I could to get safely oriented just so I COULD
get another glimpse at this incredible sight and just STARE.

Yeah, yeah, yeah - seen one rear you've seen 'em all, huh?
All the jaded people are missing out on stuff like this!

Want to see what I saw?

Do you DARE?

Should you do this on a work computer?

C'mon - be brave...

Here it is:

This is the view I saw in my rear view mirror coming home from my office this evening.

While some may think this typical, or even boring - the real beauty of this is the fact
that this type of sunset is pretty common in the Tucson Metro Area!

Should you think you might be able to tolerate a view like this on a regular basis -
finding you a home in Tucson is what I love to do when I'm not looking at sunsets...

I just so happen to know of quite a few homes in Tucson where you could have a view
similar to this one right from the house!

Are you ready?  It actually can get better than this upon occasion!

Call me and lets work together to see what kind of spectacular suits you.

European style loft with "old brick warehouse" look in Downtown Tucson's award-winning Mercado District.  Lofts in the Tucson Metro Area are rare - and ones as smartly executed as this one are nearly impossible to find.  This townhouse also boasts a 2-car garage with a guest apartment above.

The magic of living in Mercado San Augustin community is truly something special.

In Tucson, if you're going to a special luncheon or banquet - chances are that it will be held at the Manning House in Downtown Tucson.  The grounds are over 5 acres - with lush gardens that withstand the heat of summer while providing color year-round.

Designed and built by reknowned architect Henry C. Trost in 1907 for Tucson's Mayor, Levi Howell Manning, the home was originally 12,000 square feet.  Over the years, the mansion grew to 36,000 square feet - which makes it possible to host several events at one time.  The mansion is fully restored, but requires continual upkeep...sort of like painting the Golden Gate Bridge (once you're finished, you've got to start at the other end again).

On the front lawn, by the circular driveway leading to the house, there is a bronze sculpture of Hugo O'Conor, the Founder of Tucson (whom the current owners, the Concannon Family, is related to). 

Should you be interested in learning more about the history or having an event hosted at the Manning House, visit their website.

If owning an historic home in Tucson strikes your fancy, give me a call & lets talk about it.  There are several prime examples of Trost architecture in the area.

When you think of Tucson - you might have a few things come to mind right away...saguaro cactus, warm winters, golf galore...maybe even a couple of our famous world-class spas might jump right out at you.

Did you ever think of Tucson when manufacturing & technology are being discussed? Maybe you should - recent estimates show that technology employs about 50,000 people in the area...generating $4 Billion in revenues!

• Companies like Raytheon Missile Systems, IBM, Intuit, Allied Signal, Weiser Lock, 3M, Burr-Brown, Environmental Air Products, Krueger Industries, Texas Instruments, Honeywell and more have established a major presence in the Tucson Metro area.
• Nearly 1,200 companies with a component based in IT are in the region
• Over 300 local companies are directly involved in IT
• The Milken Institute ranked Tucson 17th on its 2008 State Technology and Science Index - a comparison of state's ability to attract employees and the "dollar volume entrepreneurs are willing to risk spending."
• The University of Arizona's BIO5 Institute was created specifically to enhance the relationship between research and entrepreneurship in various disciplines encompassing biological engineering sciences
• Expansion Management Magazine named the Tucson region as the "top mid-sized county in the country for business recruitment and attraction" - and many firms are relocating to Tucson.
  
• Expansion Management also named Tucson #1 as the "City Where Business Opportunity is Greatest for Growing Companies"
• U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy gives Tucson kudos by ranking it 3rd among mid-sized metropolitan areas for "high-impact firms - those that have at least doubled their sales and employment in the past 4 years."
• Paragon Space Development Corporation - started by Biosphere & space scientists - is listed in Inc. Magazine's 5000 fastest growing private companies with a 3-year growth of 326%

Hmmm...maybe there's more to this Tucson place than meets the eye, huh?  By the way...did I mention the warm winters & golf?