popular and busy tucson shopping square to see construction of new apartment complex and hotel

Work could begin later this year on the construction of a new 238-unit apartment complex that will go up inside the thriving four-square block walking retail space in Tucson known as the Main Gate Square.

That square, which is mostly owned by the Marshall Foundation, a local organization that uses the revenue it receives from its commercial real estate assets and gives it to a variety of educational institutions, comprises one of the most popular neighborhoods in Tucson.

Located just one block to the west of the main campus of the University of Arizona, Main Gate Square is known for its wide variety of stores, pubs, restaurants, and salons.

Now into the mix comes what is being called the Graduate Hotel & The Collective Apartments at Main Gate.

The project, which will go up on the last undeveloped parcel in Main Gate Square, will see the construction of an apartment complex featuring private courtyards, a spa, and swimming pool.

Also set for construction is a 165-room boutique hotel that will also have its own swimming pool and rooftop bar.

Combined, the project is expected to build around 6,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, as well as rooms for special events and classes.

In a statement, Jane McCollum, the general director and president of real estate for the Marshall Foundation, said the new addition to the Main Gate Square is “exciting on many levels and will create a special destination and gathering place for Tucson residents, young professionals, university staff, students and their parents, families with children, and tourists.”

The main developer of the overall project is the Chicago-based DRW Real Estate Investments, with the hotel being developed by Adventurous Journeys Capital Projects, also of Chicago.

A general construction schedule is calling for the entire new apartment complex and hotel project to be completed and open for business by the summer of 2020.

By Garry Boulard

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