The University of Arizona unveiled plans for The Village, a 175-acre mixed-use urban development at the UA Tech Park on Rita Road. Construction has also commenced on the office buildings at the UA Tech Park on Tucson’s south side, according to the Arizona Daily Star.

The new “Technology Precinct,” which will be at The Bridges at South Kino Parkway and East 36th Street, will include the Innovation and Technology Complex anchored by the four-story office building for Tech Launch Arizona,  UA’s technology-commercialization operation.

Thanks to the city’s economy picking up, expansion of the UA Tech Park will include a hotel and conference center, as well as plans for the new urban village development. The Village will include commercial, residential, and hotel components built by Tucson-based master developer Bourn Cos. The UA Tech Park expansion plans have been in the works for about a decade.

'The Bridges' rendering courtesy of UA Tech Park

“The economy in Tucson has taken off, and Tech Park here on Rita Road has seen some significant growth,” said Bruce Wright, UA assistant vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, per the Arizona Daily Star report.

In Tucson, there aren’t many places with a high concentration of technology-oriented workers, but the developer believes the area is prime real estate for millennials who make up a large portion of those employed at the Tech Park. Just 15 minutes from downtown, and with potential to be a central “node” for activity, the Tech Park and its addition could be a “vibrant tech hub that has the potential to grow and attract new companies and residents,” according to Don Bourne, partner of Bourne Cos

There are already about 6,000 millennial employees working in the Tech Park, according to the Arizona Daily Star, and The Village has the potential to attract more millennials working in this area.

Per Arizona Public Media, the addition could add 10,000-12,000 additional employees. The expansion could also account for two to four million square feet of real estate, resulting in a potential $400 million construction impact added to the Tucson economy. Wright adds, “making this site much more attractive for millennial employees makes it more attractive for technology companies and therefore the success off the park moves forward.” He also hopes The Bridges will incorporate the entire community by striking a balance between providing jobs and making improvements to the neighborhood.

Already the Tech park has eight completed residential communities within five miles of the UA Tech Park. These communities offer a range of convenience, such as being able to walk or bike to work which is an important amenity to millennials. Tucson’s nearby communities like Civano, Mesquite Ranch, Rita Ranch, Sycamore Park Village, Vista Montana Estates, and Desert Stone all provide a wide range of architectural designs, floor plans, and pricing options, which could also entice millennial homebuyers to the area.