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Developers outline hotel-and-retail plan for county-owned 75 E. Broadway; Rio Nuevo explains statutory limits
Summary
OB Companies and Rio Nuevo presented renderings for the Tucson Inn and Market on county land at 75 E. Broadway. OB Companies committed over $50 million; Rio Nuevo said its statute limits it to convention/entertainment-related investments and typically contributes 10–15% (up to 50% under statute) of project costs.
Developers and Rio Nuevo representatives briefed the Pima County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 about a proposed hotel-and-retail project on county-owned property at 75 East Broadway.
Fletcher McCusker, chair of Rio Nuevo, described the district's statutory role as a stadium/convention-oriented entity and said Rio Nuevo can contribute up to 50 percent toward eligible project costs under the stadium-district statute, but that most projects reflect the district acting as a gap-filler and catalyst for private capital. He described Rio Nuevo's past record — citing roughly $160 million in Rio Nuevo investments leveraged into more than $1 billion in private investment — and noted statutory constraints on affordable-housing subsidies.
OB Companies' Brian Obi and Irene Al Tucker presented initial renderings of the Tucson Inn and Market, emphasizing ground-floor retail, a protected alley for local makers and artists, rooftop amenities, and a design process that will evolve in response to neighborhood feedback and permitting. OB Companies indicated a firm commitment to the site and said they have programmed months of market, architectural and financial studies.
Supervisors asked about sustainability standards, union labor and integration with local arts and small businesses; Supervisor Allen urged LEED-level energy and water efficiency, use of trade-union labor where feasible, and local-art integration. Rio Nuevo and OB Companies said they expect to negotiate definitive architecture and permitting over the next year and hoped construction could be underway in 2027 (subject to financing and permitting timelines).
