As demand for rental units around the university and downtown continues to grow, developers are looking to upgrade or add units in small infill pockets to lure young professional tenants.
Near Euclid Avenue and Eighth Street, a dozen units are under construction. One fourplex and four duplexes, with a permit value of $1.7 million, will be built at 315 N. Park Ave.
Rents in neighborhoods around downtown have increased up to 20 percent in the past 18 months. Rental rates in the downtown area are the highest in the city with an average of more than $1,100 per month compared to an average rent of $700 citywide, making these infill developments appealing for investors.
Other construction activity around town includes:
- Casitas de Café got a $3.9 million permit to build 30 rental units — 15 duplexes — at 45 N. Brown Ave., near Broadway and Harrison Road.
- Rock Church of Sahuarita is building a 5,900-square-foot, $1.2 million facility at 3735 W. Helmet Peak Road.
- A $1.1 million permit was issued to Sundt Cos. for a new, 9,200-square-foot office building at 5326 N. La Cholla Blvd.
- The Target store at 3699 E. Broadway is getting a $1.1 million facelift.
- Temple of the Presence got a $467,000 permit to build a 4,600-square-foot worship hall at 11902 E. Irvington Road, near Saguaro National Park East.
- A Cleanfreak Car Wash is under construction at 1475 S. Alvernon Way. The $392,000 building permit is for a 5,500 square-foot shop.
