Uptown, an Update
Bourn Companies Breaks Ground on First Building of New Urban Village
Uptown, the ambitious redevelopment of Foothills Mall, continues to progress.
After a strategic, year-long demolition that preserved some mall elements and paved the way for its re-imagined future, the first phase of construction is underway on Uptown’s inaugural five-story, 157-unit residential building. It’s a promising milestone for what will become Tucson’s first high-density urban village.
“We’re building it for today and tomorrow, as opposed to a half-century ago,” Don Bourn, owner of Bourn Companies, told BizTucson last year. “There is nothing like this in Tucson.” For it to succeed, “every piece has to fit together like a puzzle or a Rubik’s Cube.”
The current phase of construction focuses on creating the Uptown’s many housing options from studios to three-bedroom residences. The midrise building will feature five studios, 56 two-bedroom units and 21 three-bedroom units–in total, encompassing 209,980 square feet.
Bourn Companies is also driven in its design to offer luxury amenities in the building, including a speakeasy lounge, panoramic rooftop deck, a sports clubhouse, fully equipped party kitchen, library and curated outdoor spaces.
Also, included in this phase will be the critical infrastructure initiatives, including internal roads and utilities that are essential for the new mixed-use development, which will ultimately feature dining, fitness, retail and entertainment.
Uptown is being built “in today’s world, with the latest and greatest components,” Bourn said. “We’re being very intentional about how design impacts environment, and people’s sense of wanting to be there.”
During the construction, existing tenants like AMC, Barnes & Noble, Whiskey Roads and others continue to operate. The Saturday Foothills Community Markets, which support Tucson small businesses, also continue.
Bourn has partnered with BCS Enterprises, Inc. for its expertise in the demolition phase and Borderlands Construction for infrastructure work, PMM Architects and general contractor Chasse Building Team on the first residential building.
