An effort is underway to change the zoning to allow for the construction of taller buildings on a stretch of Tucson’s famous Sunshine Mile. The initiative, which has already secured the approval of the city’s Zoning Examiner’s Office, would allow for buildings topping out at 16 stories, and will include affordable-living options. The proposal still awaits the final approval of the Tucson City Council. If approved, the new zoning classification would apply to a roughly 2-mile section of the Sunshine Mile neighborhood, along Broadway Boulevard. That classification would stretch from Country Club Road on the east to Euclid Avenue on the west, and would, in some sections, include several blocks on either side of Broadway Boulevard. The new classification essentially means the creation of an urban overlay district which allows for more leeway in design and height requirements. That district, in turn, is seen as a means to both incentivize affordable housing by allowing developers to build taller buildings while also addressing public infill needs. As proposed, at least 15% of any of the units built within the new overlay district would have to be set aside for affordable housing, while ground floors in any of the buildings will be required to have retail and walk-through space opening out to the front sidewalk. The Sunshine Mile, known for its collection of handsome and modern 1930s to 1960s-era buildings, is listed on the National Register of History Places. On the website for the tax increment finance district known as Rio Nuevo, the overlay zone concept is described as one providing “more opportunities for future development and historic preservation,” while also creating more community space. By Garry Boulard
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