Tucson — Development Benefits from Streetcar

February 2015

Tucson's new Sun Link modern streetcar is helping to boost the revitalization of downtown, according to an Arizona Public Media story (which represents University of Arizona KUAT television).

There has been a great deal of development in downtown Tucson, but more work is needed to add more housing and businesses and to find tenants for empty buildings.

Development experts including Jan Cervelli, dean of the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture say say that the streetcar has helped accelerate downtown development and attract interest from national sources. In addition to the streetcar, the growing desire for an urban, downtown lifestyle and collaboration between public and private leaders have also played major roles in the city's development.

The College is now occupying space downtown and the streetcar provides a direct link to the University's main campus, paving the way for more growth.

The streetcar is also helping to encourage businesses to relocate downtown. Food and entertainment helped start the movement, and residential uses, both for students and others, are now starting to blossom.