How did the Town of Marana select a developer to partner on the Downtown Marana project?
On May 17, 2024, the Town released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Lease and Development of Town-Owned Property Located at Marana Main Street and Civic Center Drive.
The Town sought proposals from developers to lease and develop approximately 20 acres of Town-owned land as part of a vibrant Downtown Marana. The Town received one proposal in response to the RFP, from Marana Urban LLC.
An evaluation committee consisting of Town staff from Development Services, Economic Development, Town Manager's Office, Water, and Legal evaluated the initial response and submitted additional clarifying questions to the proposer. Marana Urban responded to those additional questions and provided a preliminary infrastructure cost estimate for the Downtown Marana development.
On November 19, 2024, at a public meeting, the evaluation committee recommended that the Marana Town Council direct Town staff to commence negotiations with Marana Urban LLC on a final form of lease agreement for the Town-owned property subject to the provisions of the RFP. That direction was provided by Council and negotiations on the agreement are ongoing.
How much will it cost the Town to do this?
The Town will be responsible for funding public infrastructure such as utilities, parking, the brick road, and the archways. The total cost to the Town will be determined once contract negotiations are finalized and the project design phase is complete.
The Town’s responsibility will be primarily funded using the bed tax fund (which can only be utilized for tourism related projects) and the Downtown Reinvestment Fund (which can only be used for the Downtown District).
When will the Downtown be completed?
Currently, there is not a set completion date for the Downtown project. After the contract is finalized, the design phase will take approximately 12 to 18 months. Phase One of the Downtown Marana development will begin once the design phase concludes, with Phase Two following.
Who is Scott Stitler and his team?
Scott Stitler is the principal owner of Marana Urban LLC, Tucson Urban LLC, and several related entities. In 1990 Mr. Stiteler formed Stellar Homes, Inc. to build urban, infill, residential projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1994, he expanded development activities to Tucson, AZ. He has developed approximately 25 projects in the Tucson area.
The Marana project team is made up of:
- Rudy Dabdoub who has had a long-standing career in real estate development and hospitality management.
- Regan Jasper who was a founding partner of Fox Restaurant Concepts.
- Cory Creath the president and CEO of AXIS Architecture + Design.
- Ruiairi O’Connell Design Director at AXIS Architecture + Design.
What other projects has Scott Stiteler completed?
- Mercado District in Tucson
- Renovated the historic Rialto building in Downtown Tucson
- The Hub Restaurant
- Hub Ice Cream Factory
- Playground
- Good Oak Bar
- Love Burger
- AC by Marriott Hotel in Downtown Tucson
- Corbett building on 6th Avenue
- Sky Ranch in Marana