The first development at Tucsonβs former Foothills Mall has broken ground.
Rebranded as Uptown, it is slated to become a multi-use site with shops, restaurants, hotels and housing.
First on tap is a new apartment complex with 157 units, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom models.
Construction is underway.
Amenities at the new apartment complex will include a pool deck, elevated above the ground floor public space.
It will have five studios, 75 one-bedroom units, 56 two-bedroom units and 21 three-bedroom units.
Sizes will range from 630 to 1,559 square feet.
The complex will have a speakeasy lounge, rooftop deck with views of the Santa Catalina mountains, a sports clubhouse, library and party kitchen.
Rents will be determined on market conditions when the complex is complete within two years.
Infrastructure upgrades, including internal roads, are part of this first development and will also serve the future entertainment complex.
The $500 million project, on 51 acres at Ina Road and La Cholla Boulevard, will include an entertainment stage, event lawn, splash pads and video screens.
It is being created by local developer Bourn Cos., which is drawing inspiration from places such as Santana Row in San Jose, California, and Scottsdale Quarter.
There will be a daycare so parents can visit with a safe place to leave their children.
Amenities at the new apartment complex will include a pool deck, elevated above the ground floor public space.
The new apartments under construction at Uptown will have 157 units, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom models.
The former Foothills Mall was built in 1982.
Bourn owned it from 1994-99 and took it from 12% occupancy to 95% occupancy. Bourn bought the mall again in 2016.
This will be the companyβs third large mixed-use center locally.
The Bridges, near Park Avenue and Interstate 10, is anchored by Costco and Walmart and has offices, restaurants, hotels and residential units.
Likewise, The Landing, on Irvington Road and Interstate 19, has a Sprouts grocery store and various restaurants and entertainment spots and a hotel under construction, as well as an apartment complex.
Existing tenants at the former Foothills Mall include AMC Theatres, Applebeeβs, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, a FedEx store, Game Stop, Pappouleβs, Sushi Garden, VN Nails, and Whiskey Roads.
They will remain open during construction.
Get updates on the Uptown development at headuptown.com.
Demolition started last week at the Foothills Mall at 7401 N La Cholla Blvd. Around 65% of the mall will be demolished but select stores will remain open during construction, including the AMC movie theater and Barnes & Noble. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star.
