Tucson House now hosts 25 households in newly renovated 15th‑floor units, a first since the $50‑million HUD grant spurred a ten‑month overhaul.
The 17‑story tower, erected in 1963 as a luxury high‑rise, fell into public housing decades later, its aging infrastructure demanding a full reset.
City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department, El Pueblo Housing Development and Gorman & Company leveraged the federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to fund the $50 million refurbishment, preserving historic elements while upgrading every mechanical system.
The project will ultimately deliver 358 affordable units for people 55 and older, with the 13th, 14th and 16th floors slated for hand‑over by the end of 2026 and final completion in summer 2028.
Donald Burrow, 62, who works on the construction crew, said the new apartments “look amazing” and that he can’t wait to move into his one‑bedroom.
Mayor Regina Romero hailed the milestone as a shift toward dignified, sustainable housing and announced that the city will continue to monitor the remaining stages of the rehabilitation.