As local broker George Larsen celebrated 50 years on the Tucson commercial real estate scene, Arizona Daily Star asked: What are some of the biggest developments of the past five decades? From new shopping malls to resorts, manufacturing plants and midtown high-rises, the landscape of Tucson has changed dramatically since 1970. This visual trip down memory lane published in the Tucson newspaper was made possible with research done by the graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 from the University of Arizona Master of Real Estate Development Program and College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, along with appraisers Baker & Associates Inc.

50 Years of Commercial Real Estate Development in Tucson, Arizona Daily Star

Community Partners and Consultants

CCIM, Southern Arizona Chapter
Arizona Daily Star
Baker & Associates, Inc.

Gallery

Images courtesy Arizona Daily Star.

Latest CAPLA News, Projects and Profiles

From left, Diane Jacobs, Nancy Pollock-Ellwand and Chuck Albanese

Alumni

Events

News & Headlines

May 23, 2025

Alumna and Architect Diane Reicher Jacobs Shares Journey and ‘Triple Dare’ with Graduates

Architect and alumna Diane Reicher Jacobs, FAIA '88 shared during her convocation address her unconventional path into architecture and the core values that have guided her work: truth, beauty, and love. She encouraged graduates to embrace the uncertainty ahead with curiosity and care, ending with a heartfelt “triple dare” to go forth and build better places.

People gathered together and posing for a photo.

Community Initiatives

School of Architecture

School of Landscape Architecture and Planning

May 23, 2025

Drachman Institute celebrates community partners, impact

The Drachman Institute recognized 28 community leaders nominated by CAPLA faculty for their outstanding collaboration and leadership across diverse organizations. These awardees represent a wide range of sectors, including local government, nonprofits, and tribal communities, highlighting the strong partnerships fostered through the Drachman Institute.

Group of students at the BuildingsNEXT Competition

May 22, 2025

Architecture students earn top honors in BuildingsNEXT Student Design Competition

Three student teams from the University of Arizona’s College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture competed in the 2025 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) BuildingsNEXT Student Design Competition, with two teams earning Honorable Mention—the highest recognition awarded in this year’s competition.