new mixed-use project slated for older tucson downtown area

Work could begin later this year on the construction of a multi-level apartment complex that will be located some 15 blocks to the west of the Tucson campus of the University of Arizona.

What is being called the Union on Sixth will see the building of a structure, at the corner of Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue, that will be two to three stories in height on one side and up to seven stories on another.

Plans also call for some 8,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor, and parking spaces for 250 vehicles.

Under development by the Memphis-based EdR, the seven-story portion of the project would make it one of the tallest structures in a neighborhood dotted mostly with one and two-story commercial buildings built in the 1950s.

The scale of the project, which will see the building of around 250 apartment units, has in fact engendered the opposition of residents and community activists who say it will drastically alter the neighborhood feel of the area.  

EdR, which specializes in student housing nationally, has said that the project will be geared for young adults and graduate students.

Plans additionally call for one local icon, the Flycatcher, a one-story bar and music club at 340 E. 6th Street, to be demolished in order to make way for the new project.

If all goes according to the current construction schedule, work on the Union on Sixth could be completed by the fall of 2020.

By Garry Boulard

---