tucson's south complex may see extensive commercial development

A stretch of vacant desert land in Tucson, that in recent years has been used for illegal dumping, could turn out to be the home to more than 20 acres of new commercial development.

The Pima County officials are contemplating the idea of building restaurants, shops and hotels on property adjacent to the big Kino Sports Complex at 2500 East Ajo Way.

The move comes just weeks after the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved more than $9.6 million in funding for an expansion of the complex, adding some 145 acres to a complex site that already measured 155 acres.

Originally constructed for $38 million in 1997, the Kino Sports Complex has served as the home for both the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team as well as the spring training venue for the Chicago White Sox.

County officials have expressed confidence that an adjacent complex commercial project would be successful not only because of its proximity to the sports facility, but because it would be located just off of Interstate 10.

By Garry Boulard

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