Tucson Kent's World: Arizona: Tucson: Downtown

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 Episode 2 of THE Tucson Real Estate Show, Tom Heath and I visit Tucson's Historic Train Depot downtown to help illustrate how to be "On The Right Track" for getting a home mortgage.

Our mission with THE Tucson Real Estate Show is to provide consumers with information they can use about the local Tucson real estate market, while highlighting the people, places and things that make "The Old Pueblo" a special place.

Tom Heath is a mortgage professional with Sunstreet Mortgage and current President of the Southern Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association.  Kent Simpson is a REALTOR® who is awaiting trial for impersonating someone who knows how to do a real estate show.

On our next video, follow along as we ride the Historic Tucson Trolley in search of Mr. An - while Conductor Karen Rodack tells us the trolley's history.  Do we find Mr. An?  Will he invite us to the grand opening of An Congress?  Watch & see!

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Episode 1 - Introducing THE Tucson Real Estate Show

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!

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.

Tucson's Birthday Party 2009 - and Dedication Event of 4th Avenue Underpass Downtown

A week ago, Tucson celebrated its 234th birthday with a party to rededicate the underpass that links the University of Arizona & 4th Avenue with Congress Street & Downtown Tucson.  Here is a video slideshow of photos from the party!

As much as I thought there would be a good turnout, I was truly amazed at how many people actually showed up!  The Historic Tucson Trolley made its first venture into Downtown Tucson in decades - foreshadowing the route that our new modern streetcar project will take.

Stretching from Main Gate Square on the west side of the University of Arizona, down 4th Avenue and across Congress Street all the way to La Placita Village...there were a lot of different ways to enjoy the festivities.

All politics & grumbling aside, Tucsonans are excited about having the underpass open and will really embrace the streetcar...once they see some actual work beginning.  Its just around the corner, but folks are tired of promises and look for some action before getting too worked up.

I can tell you one thing...Tucson throws a pretty good party when it wants to!

Yesterday, I was at a brown-bag think session with members of the Tucson Downtown Partnership, Metropolitan Pima Alliance and Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.  What we were learning about was a draft proposal for invigorating Tucson's core that the Downtown Partnership is working on - which is very impressive & well thought-out. 

One of the beautiful things of luncheons like these are the ideas that flow from them...and this one had a beauty pop up!

Scott Greenburg had an idea that really made sense to a lot of people (myself included) that would do a lot of good in a variety of ways - private developers build apartments in downtown Tucson or the 4th Avenue area, but with no parking spaces...and lease the building to the University of Arizona for student housing.

• University of Arizona needs student housing, but is landlocked
• U of A and the City of Tucson are looking for ways to utilize Downtown together
• No parking facilities will keep the cost down & encourage use of public transportation (plus campus is a walkable or bicycle distance anyhow)...and these areas are right where the new streetcar route is going
  
• A no-car dorm is very parent-friendly
• Everything a student would need is very accessible by either walking, biking or public transport - including the entertainment venues that students already frequent

After mulling over Mr. Greenburg's idea some more, the brilliance of it really stands out.  Perhaps having the street-level as retail & restaurants could further add value to all sides.  Town/Gown relationships would have a great opportunity to grow even futher.

Now if only we can get the department of frozen molasses, I mean, the planning & zoning department to pull their heads out & look at something practical for a change, this could really work!

Anyone care to share examples from your corner of the world?

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

Well folks...I've been neglecting my friends & my blog on ActiveRain - and it isn't a smart thing.  Neither in the realm of friendship nor business-wise.

It is easy to get caught up in the excuses:  "...but I've been doing this! ...had to do that instead! ...my dog ate my computer!" ...you get the picture.

Sure, it has been easy to do some "drive-by" blogging and read a few other posts without commenting or taking some time to really digest what is going on lately - and my business has suffered a little for it.  It is true.  No excuses, it is the reality.

Just so you folks won't think I've been doing nothing all summer - here's a screenshot of my new baby:

Its my new hyper-local website!  TheTrolleyBell.com

Inspired by ActiveRainer Nick Bastian's RailLife website - I saw the opportunity to do something similar in Tucson - with the changes coming by uniting the University of Arizona's Main Gate Square, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson and the Mercado District together with a new Modern Streetcar.  This transportation oriented development project is going to have a major effect in Tucson's downtown revitalization.

Check out the site - Bookmark It - and as we grow, you'll be sure to know What's Going on in Tucson's Downtown Core.  Follow @TrolleyBell on Twitter, too!

I'll do my best not to neglect the 'Rain...just know I'm not putzing around!  ...by the way, during my absence, I've also come up with a way for nightclubs & concert halls to go completely paperless with their event ticketing.  If you know of a venue that might be interested, lets talk!

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.