Tucson Kent's World

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!

Well, folks - Tucson was born 234 years ago this week, being formed in 1775.  Captain Hugh O'Connor chose the site (what is now Downtown Tucson) for the Presidio San Augustin del Tucson (Contrary to thought in some regions of the country, not everything that took place back then was related to the American Revolution! LOL).

Click on the banner above to go to the official Birthday website & see what events are coming up.  There is an interactive calendar which shows the various events for each day - and contact information for further details.

My favorite event is happening on Thursday, the 20th - when the 4th Avenue Underpass is officially opened!  This is going to link the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue District & Downtown.  Track has been laid in anticipation of the Modern Streetcar project, which will run along this route.

To learn more about these areas, visit:  TheTrolleyBell website - & follow us on Twitter

Okay, I admit it - it isn't easy to come out & say that our city government has done something right...but they have:

On the top of the Pennington Street Garage in Downtown Tucson, they put photovoltaic solar panels on the roof to generate electricity.  It not only provides shade for the cars on the top level (gasp! - no more oven-like conditions if you're late to work?), but the power generated is equivalent to the power requirements of over 7,900 homes.

Kudos to the planning & transportation departments for getting this done - and extra kudos for the cool web page that shows what is being generated right now, the past week, past month, etc.  Check it out

Its cool to live in a hot place sometimes!

Hopefully this is the beginning of a trend and not just a symbolic instance.

Tucson, Arizona...one of America's oldest continuously inhabited cities.  We like to celebrate the new, the modern and thrive on the cutting edge of aerospace.  One of the world's best equipped optics labs is the newest jewel of the campus at University of Arizona.  The stunning achievement of a city at the center of space exploration is highlighted by the latest NASA Mars expedition...yet it is the ancient history that gives Tucson its soul.

Surrounded by tall buildings to the south and east, these soaring monuments to the modern downtown, banks, government offices, stylish downtown lofts, eateries, cafes and nightspots, the ruins of the Presidio de Tucson are preserved and cherished as a reminder of those who came before us.  An ancient Hohokam Tribe dwelling discovered beneath the old fort gives time-honored proof that this very spot is a good one for living.

One of the blessings of life in Tucson is the blending of cultures, a celebration of life that is enhanced by recognizing and including the best of what others have to offer...melding them into something unique and special.  This site seems to showcase that blend, the assimilation of variety into a harmonic coexistence that softly speaks to those who will listen:  "Welcome to Tucson, see what we have to offer, and feel free to contribute."

To the north and west of the Old Presidio, old adobe buildings are well maintained and their character intact.  Perhaps a law office, maybe still a family home.  An 80-year old restaurant or an engineering firm.  As this city evolves, pride is evident is remembering where it sprang from, and that a lot of what came from yesterday is still good today.

Welcome to Tucson.  You might just want to stay for a lifetime or two.

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