The Downtown Tucson Partnership is projecting another big year for business development in the downtown area, according to new data from it's summer report. By the end of 2018, the organization projects 32 new businesses will open up in the downtown region.
"The Downtown we have dreamed of for years is now becoming a reality," DTP Chairwoman Randi Dorman said. "The transformation is remarkable and the impact throughout our region is profound."
Downtown Tucson Development is in full stride...a new @DowntownTucson Partnership report projects 32 new businesses opening up in the area for the year. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/iuYIKrRtif
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) July 6, 2018
The breakdown of the different categories of businesses projected to open up goes as follows:
- 13 Dining & Alcohol
- 13 Retail & Services
- 3 Entertainment & Recreation
- 3 Office
14 of the new businesses are in the new Mercado San Agustin Annex, in the shipping containers. Among those new spots is Isabella's Ice Cream. Owner Kristel Johnson says this new spot gives Downtown Tucson a new feel, and a quieter place to explore.
"I love all of the development downtown," Johnson said. "I think it's fantastic for just Tucson, for the vibe of Tucson, of course for the economy. We're a small business, Tucson has grown us."
It's that small business mentality that has Ward 6 City Council Member Steve Kozachik excited about the future of Downtown.
"We're the kinds of businesses that give Tucson it's own identity, and that's what's great about the revitalization that we're seeing," he said.
Millions of dollars are going towards these projects, and the endeavor to revitalize the downtown sector. But a lot of that money is coming from the people who are helping give Tucson its unique identity, according to Kozachik.
"These are private dollars," Kozachik said. "People are risking their private capital and that's what makes this such a unique experience. Tucsonans are believing in Tucson, and they're risking their dollars to make us a greater city."
Having a strong downtown is crucial for the city's economic success, he says.
"You don't have a successful city, without a successful downtown core," Kozachik said. "That's true anywhere in the world. Tucson right now is on that map, and it's a great thing."
