Sunshine Mile

Vision for the Sunshine Mile

Rio Nuevo is working with stakeholders, including Project for Public Spaces, on shaping the vision for the future of the Sunshine Mile located on Broadway Blvd between Euclid and Country Club. Improvements will strengthen the area, bring the community together and bring new life to the gateway into downtown Tucson. Public forums and focus groups have been held to ensure that the community is involved in the process and can help shape that vision.

Sunshine Mile Vision Document
Sunshine Mile Overlay Summary
Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone Document approved by the City of Tucson

Rio Nuevo acquired 39 unique properties that include Solot Plaza, Friedman Block, and the Bungalow Block. Rio Nuevo refreshed and updated the Friedman and Solot blocks by repainting, landscaping, and removing old awnings and window decals in an effort to enhance the area. In addition, Rio Nuevo preserved and moved seven historic bungalow properties from demolition. More on that below under ‘Historic Preservation’.

Solot Block

The District awarded Larsen Baker in April 2023 to develop the Solot Block. Future development plans include restaurants, retail, and services, creating an active environment for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Overlay Zone

An overlay zone will provide more opportunities for future development, and historic preservation, and increase the possibilities to create unique, inviting, and activated space for the community. Rio Nuevo has successfully submitted to the City of Tucson the Sunshine Mile Overlay District document that will lead the efforts toward building new and exciting spaces for the community to enjoy. The overlay zone document was created after many public workshops, communication with neighborhoods, the general public, the City of Tucson, Pima County, and many other constituents.

How to use the Overlay Zone

View the overlay zone boundaries by visiting City of Tucson GIS. Instructions on how to use the City of Tucson GIS is available by following this link: City of Tucson GIS Instructions.

Interested in using the overlay zone? Visit City of Tucson Special Districts.

We’re building Sunshine Mile for the community through strategic investment and planning – creating space, shops, restaurants, and more for you.

Reports, Workshop Summaries and More

Ordinance 11872 – Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone
Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone Final and Approved by City of Tucson
Overlay Zone Revised Submittal to City of Tucson – June 2021
Sunshine Mile/Overlay Zone Informational Meeting – February 2, 2022
Community Conversations – June 2021
Letter to Mayor and Council Revisions and Status – June 2021
Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone Neighborhood Meeting – December 2020
Overlay Zone Revised Submittal to City of Tucson – December 2020
Overlay Zone Document – October 2020
Stakeholder Public Comments – October 2020
Supplemental Neighborhood Presentation – October 2020
Overlay Zone Update – Neighborhood Presentation – July 2020
Sunshine Mile Overlay District – June 2020
Sunshine Mile Overlay District Map
Read the Project for Public Spaces proposal for Sunshine Mile
May 2019 Workshop Summary

Placemaking

What is placemaking and how is Rio Nuevo creating Sunshine Mile as a destination? Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reshape the public spaces at the heart of their community. It strengthens the attachment between people and the place they share and helps build stronger communities. Learn more about our efforts and the timeline – Placemaking and Overlay Zone in the Sunshine Mile.

Sunshine Mile Public Workshop

Historic Preservation

The Sunshine Mile is a treasure trove of mid-century modern architecture and is a treasured regional asset that is celebrated and preserved. Tucson Modernism Week celebrates Tucson’s mid-century architecture and design and regularly showcases the Sunshine Mile during the event. Learn about preserving historic places along the Sunshine Mile by visiting Preserve Tucson.

7 Historic Bungalows, Saved from Demolition by Rio Nuevo

As part of historic preservation, Rio Nuevo will spend up to $2,000,000 on moving seven historic bungalow buildings on Broadway between Cherry and Warren avenues. These bungalows will eventually be home to restaurants, retail, and other businesses to create a destination for the community. Density and walkability are key to creating a positive, thriving, community space for everyone to share.

For more information on the importance of walkability visit Living Streets Alliance.

Broadway Blvd Widening

The City of Tucson began construction on the Broadway widening in late 2019 and will include bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, landscaping, and more.

View the latest Broadway widening simulation

Sunshine Mile

Financial Commitments

Vision for the Sunshine Mile

Placemaking

Historic Preservation

Broadway Blvd Widening

Related News

Related Documents

Agreements

Rio Nuevo Documents

RFQs, RFPs, IFBs