Plans have been announced for the building of a unique multi-use development that will include hotel and residential space, along with a park and walking trail, on some 100 acres currently dominated by a shopping center in Oro Valley.
The project comes after new owners purchased the 800,000 square foot center, which was built in 2008 but has in recent years been plagued with a number of store vacancies.
What was called the Oro Valley Marketplace at 12155 N. Oracle Road has since been rebranded as the Oro Valley Village Center, with upgrades taking place to the original structure.
But now the owner, real estate firm Town West of Tucson, says it wants to build up to two apartment structures housing a combined 220 units, as well as two hotels.
The project, which has already been the subject of one public input meeting, will also see the redesign of a central open space on the site to be reconfigured as a public gathering space.
The plan is now on its way to the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission, before a final review by the Oro Valley Town Council.
By Garry Boulard
