Take Back Oro Valley
Our Mission: to apprise our residents of the key issues impacting the quality of life in Oro Valley
Take Back Oro Valley

Reimagining Oro Valley Marketplace

Concept Plan Presented at Neighborhood Meeting

Approximately 115 residents and interested parties attended the 1st Neighborhood meeting for the project on March 10, 2020.  The project request includes an increase in building height and reduced buffer yard standards along scenic Tangerine and Oracle Roads.

ATTRACTING RETAIL TO ORO VALLEY

The Town’s FY19/20 to 20/21 Strategic Leadership Plan shifted the focus from a Main Streets concept to one that focuses on attracting retail and restaurant investment and expansion in primary commercial centers within the community.

The 114 acre Oro Valley Marketplace, located on the southwest corner of Tangerine Road and Oracle Road, was sold in 2019 to Town West Realty and will be renamed Oro Valley Village Center. Town West has proposed to reimage the center to accommodate a mixed-use development comprised of two hotels and two apartment complexes, retail and a central public gathering space for entertainment and dining.

Approximately 115 residents and interested parties attended the 1st Neighborhood meeting for the project on March 10, 2020.  The project request includes an increase in building height and reduced buffer yard standards along scenic Tangerine and Oracle Roads.

After presentations by Town Staff and the Applicant, the public asked their questions and provided comments as follows.  Unfortunately, the Town did not provide answers for those who were unable to attend the meeting.  

Filling existing vacancies

  1. What is the current occupancy rate for the site?
  2. Are you working with local business and/or nonprofits to attract and understand their needs for locating in the Marketplace?
  3. Is there a plan for the vacant building pad site next to Walmart?
  4. Have the rents been raised pricing current tenants out?

Proposed Apartments and hotels

  1. Is there a study to identify the need for more apartments or hotels in Oro Valley? Will the data be shared?
  2. Do the apartments need to be “luxury” or can they be affordable for all income levels?
  3. How many housing units are proposed over the retail space, near the entertainment district?
  4. How will the apartments and hotels be maintained?
  5. Who are the employers supporting the hotels and apartments?
  6. What is the proposed height?
  7. How will this impact views? Will they be blocked?

Parking and Traffic

  1. Is there enough parking to support the proposed developments?
  2. Will the added parking be solar covered?
  3. What does a traffic study include? A traffic light is currently needed for residents in Rams Pass and Rams Canyon.
  4. Foot traffic needs to increase to support businesses. Will there be a shuttle to help get people to and from the entertainment district.

Lighting and Noise

  1. How will noise be addressed? Specifically to keep it from impacting Catalina State Park.
  2. How much lighting will be added? How will light pollution be addressed?
  3. Will the entertainment district have outdoor entertainment (i.e. bands) that use speakers?

Entertainment District and Project Phasing

  1. Will the splash pad be free to the public?
  2. Will safety barriers be in place between the amenities and parking areas?
  3. What is the proposed order of the development? When will the entertainment district be built so we do not end up with just apartments and hotels?
  4. What is the overall timing for completing the proposed development?

Other comments:

  1. How much water is needed to support the proposed uses and entertainment district? Where is the water coming from?
  2. What other projects have the owners developed? Are they successful?
  3. What will the impact be on Catalina State Park? Have they been contacted?
  4. Excitement for mixed-use and oasis/ entertainment district.
  5. Will the applicant be working with surrounding homeowners associations?
  6. Will the Town need to pay for anything (i.e. through a private-public partnership)?
  7. View impacts, noise and lighting exist with current development. Appreciation for the project moving forward.
  8. Success of the Oro Valley Marketplace is needed to grow tax base and provide necessary services to the public.
  9. What is the anticipated tax revenue generated from the proposed project?