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.
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, 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’.
Overlay Zone
An overlay zone will provide more opportunities for future development, historic preservation, and overall increase the possibilities to create unique, inviting and activated space for the community. Rio Nuevo has successfully drafted 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.
View the Sunshine Mile/Overlay Zone Informational Meeting presented on February 2, 2022.
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
- Overlay Zone Revised Submittal to City of Tucson – June 2021
- 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.
Sunshine Mile Merchants Association
Visit the Sunshine Mile Merchants Association for information on retail, restaurants, events, and more!
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.
Related News
- January 12, 2022
- This UNESCO City Of Gastronomy Is Developing A Culinary Heritage Collective
- November 17, 2021
- Rio Nuevo Invests in Downtown Events & Furthers Local Development
- September 22, 2021
- Rio Nuevo Shares Sunshine Mile Overlay Approval & Announces the Solicitation of Private Developers for Two Full Blocks
- September 20, 2021
- City adopts building rules in new sections of Sunshine Mile revitalization area
- July 29, 2021
- Rio Nuevo Continues to See Requests to Grow Local Businesses
- May 20, 2021
- New development to shine spotlight on Tucson’s City of Gastronomy designation
- May 20, 2021
- Historic bungalows to serve unique Tucson cuisine
- February 24, 2021
- Zoning Examiner Advances Rio Nuevo’s Urban Overlay for the Sunshine Mile
- February 21, 2021
- High-rises and affordable housing proposed for Tucson’s Sunshine Mile
- January 28, 2021
- Rio Nuevo Approves Incentive Package to Bring New Restaurant to former Janos Wilder Space
- August 26, 2020
- Rio Nuevo Moves Forward with Development at Downtown Gateway Intersection
- July 30, 2020
- Rio Nuevo Moves Forward with Sunshine Mile Projects and TCC Music Hall Lot
- November 22, 2019
- Broadway Widening and the Sunshine Mile
- November 14, 2019
- Demion Clinco: Rio Nuevo’s Vision for Broadway Boulevard and Beyond
- November 8, 2019
- Tucson City Council Approves Rezoning Effort on Broadway Boulevard
- October 22, 2019
- Historic Broadway bungalows to be moved back before road widening begins
- October 22, 2019
- 7 Bungalows on Broadway to be Moved Back as Widening Work Inches Along
- October 3, 2019
- Exploring the future through the past: Tucson’s Sunshine Mile.
- September 18, 2019
- Rio Nuevo Plans to Clean Up Broadway Properties for Redevelopment
- July 30, 2019
- What’s the Future for the Sunshine Mile?
- May 11, 2019
- Ideas sought to make Broadway walkable near downtown Tucson
- March 28, 2019
- Mystery Employer to Bring 350 Jobs
- January 29, 2019
- Broadway Widening: When Will Work Begin?
- December 12, 2018
- Rio Nuevo Board Decided to Move Forward with Sunshine Mile Project
- November 14, 2018
- Change on the Way for Tucson’s Sunshine Mile
- September 25, 2018
- September Rio Nuevo Update
- March 26, 2018
- Rio Nuevo Board Tallies Economic Impact, Advances Three Projects
- March 8, 2018
- Rio Nuevo and the Sunshine Mile- Trend Report
- March 5, 2018
- Rio Nuevo May Save Buildings from Broadway Widening
- March 4, 2018
- Plan Could Save Many Structures Up for Demolition along Tucson’s Sunshine Mile
- February 28, 2018
- Rio Nuevo Board Advances Plan to Assist Businesses Affected by Broadway Widening
- November 6, 2017
- Rio Nuevo Board Advances Caterpillar’s Tucson Mining Center, Supports New Restaurant on Toole Avenue
- April 3, 2017
- Rio Nuevo Program Would Revitalize Tucson’s “Sunshine Mile”
Related Documents
RFQs, RFPs, IFBs
- May 12, 2022
- Guided Tours for Sunshine Mile RFQ’s
- May 9, 2022
- Corrected Friedman Block RFQ for Development
- May 9, 2022
- Solot Block RFQ for Development
- May 6, 2022
- Friedman Block RFQ for Development
- March 16, 2021
- Sunshine Mile RFQ for Bungalow Development
- April 15, 2019
- Request for Statements of Qualifications for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- September 17, 2018
- Addendum #2- Bungalow Block
- September 17, 2018
- Addendum #2- Donut Hole Block
- September 17, 2018
- Addendum #2- Solot Block
- September 11, 2018
- Rio Nuevo Sunshine Mile RFQ Recording of Submittals
- August 9, 2018
- Addendum- Bungalo Block
- August 9, 2018
- Addendum- Solot Block
- August 9, 2018
- Addendum- Donut Hole Block
- July 10, 2018
- Sunshine Mile Solot Block RFQ for Design
- July 10, 2018
- Sunshine Mile Donut Hole Block RFQ for Design
- July 10, 2018
- Sunshine Mile Bungalow Block RFQ for Design
Rio Nuevo Documents
- February 22, 2021
- Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone Document
- October 13, 2020
- Supplemental Neighborhood Presentation – October 2020
- August 5, 2020
- Sunshine Mile Overlay Zone Update
- July 27, 2020
- Sunshine Mile District Vision Document
- July 17, 2020
- Sunshine Mile District Map
- July 17, 2020
- Sunshine Mile Overlay District Draft 2020
- July 17, 2020
- Sunshine Mile Neighborhood Meeting Notice, July 2020