50 Years of Commercial Real Estate Development in Tucson

April 10, 2022

Social Equity, Environmental Resilience and Identity + Community

Overview
MRED students provided research for the Arizona Daily Star special on 50 years of commercial development in Tucson. $5,000 Funded by CCIM.
Who
James Marian, Lecturer in Real Estate Development, and Class of 2021 and 2022 Master of Real Estate Development Students
Where
Metropolitan Tucson, Arizona
When
January - June 2022
Categories
Sheraton El Conquistador Hotel, 1982

The Sheraton El Conquistador Hotel and Resort in Oro Valley under construction in 1982. Photo courtesy Tucson Citizen.

Project Overview

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.

Community Partners and Consultants

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

Gallery

50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson
50 Years of Commercial Development in Tucson

Images courtesy Arizona Daily Star.

Latest CAPLA News, Projects and Profiles

Teresa Rosano AIAS Award

Teresa Rosano receives AIAS Faculty Advisor Honor Award

Teresa Rosano, associate professor at the School of Architecture, earned the 2025 AIAS Faculty Advisor Honor Award for her mentorship, inclusive teaching, and leadership. She inspires students through community-focused, real-world architectural education and over 25 years of professional experience.

Francisco Zazueta

A Force to be Reckoned With: Francisco Zazueta ‘26 B.Arch

Francisco Zazueta, a fifth-year Bachelor of Architecture student at CAPLA, was awarded the 2025 Presidential Citation by the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter for his leadership as president of the AIA Student Chapter. Recognized for his optimism and dedication to strengthening connections between students and professionals, his work focuses on mentorship, community engagement, and expanding opportunities for architecture students. Through initiatives with NOMAS and AIAS, Zazueta uses leadership and design to support a more connected, just, and resilient architectural community.

See More