The Tucson City Council approved a $200 million renovation of the historic Tucson House high-rise on Miracle Mile, transforming it into affordable housing for residents 55 and older, with completion targeted for summer 2028. Officials said the project aims to address the city’s housing emergency by providing 358 units for low-income seniors earning up to 60% of the area median income.
The project will convert the 17-story Tucson House, originally completed in 1963 as a luxury apartment complex, into 358 affordable housing units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, officials said. Completion is targeted for summer 2028, according to city records.
The renovation will transform the aging building on Miracle Mile, reducing the original 407 units to better accommodate low-income seniors aged 55 and older.
Residents must earn up to 60% of the area median income to qualify for housing, city officials confirmed. The project aims to provide one of the few affordable housing options for low-income seniors in the region, addressing a significant demand as the public housing waitlist in Tucson has grown to 40,000 applicants, according to Tucson Housing Department data. The city declared a housing and homelessness emergency in February, underscoring the urgency of expanding affordable housing options.
The renovation plan includes a range of amenities designed to support resident well-being. Officials said the building will feature indoor common spaces, community rooms, and outdoor areas for yard games and a pool facility. On-site caseworkers will provide support services to residents, according to project documents. The city secured a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to assist with resident relocation options during the renovation, providing funding for those who choose to permanently relocate or remain in the building during construction.
The funding structure for the project involves transitioning from traditional public housing to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, according to Tucson Housing officials. This shift is intended to maintain affordability while addressing the long-term maintenance and operational needs of the building. Pima County Supervisor Andrés Cano contributed $1 million from county funds to support the project, reflecting regional collaboration on housing solutions.
City officials emphasized that resident input was central to planning the transition. The $50 million grant allows the city to offer relocation assistance to current residents, minimizing displacement impacts. Residents have the option to remain in the Tucson House during renovation or relocate permanently with financial support, according to city sources. The plan aims to balance the preservation of community ties with the need for extensive building upgrades.
The Tucson House has a notable history as a luxury high-rise that once attracted celebrities such as John Wayne and Lee Marvin. It was featured in national publications including TIME Magazine and TV Guide, records show. The project represents a significant transformation from its original premium residential use to a focus on affordable housing, reflecting changing community needs over the decades.
The Tucson City Council’s approval of the $200 million renovation marks one of the most ambitious affordable housing initiatives in the city in decades, according to council statements. The project is part of a broader response to the acute housing shortage in Tucson and Pima County, where officials have declared a housing emergency and closed the public housing waitlist due to overwhelming demand. Pima County and the city continue to collaborate on regional strategies to expand affordable housing and address homelessness.
Groundbreaking for the renovation is expected to occur soon, with city officials monitoring progress closely to meet the 2028 completion target. The project’s success will be measured by its ability to provide stable, affordable housing for low-income seniors while preserving the historic structure and minimizing disruption to current residents.
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