The streets, sidewalks, utilities, and future signage already exist for the University of Arizona Tech Park north of the Marketplace at the Bridges, but when will construction begin on the 175-acre housing community, 112-acre retail development, and 65-acre technological hub? According to the Arizona Daily Star, it will likely be another decade until dirt gets moved.

Although the Marketplace at the Bridges, by Interstate 10 and Kino Parkway in South Tucson, is bustling with big box businesses such as Walmart, Costco, and Century Theaters, the adjacent 240-acres, which was intended to be a sprawling housing community developed by KB Home and Lennar, still sits vacant. The aftermath of the recession in 2009 is the most likely culprit.

Currently, Tech Parks Arizona is focusing on fulfilling the southern portion of the land called the “technology precinct.” Bruce Wright, associate vice president for Tech Parks Arizona and developer, still remains hopeful that once they secure a corporation to reside in the tech hub, construction will follow. 

Craig LeMessurier, a spokesman for KB Home, told the Star that the future of the development dubbed “5151 East” is unknown. However, Wright is optimistic that development will still take place in the next 10 years or so.

The University of Arizona’s existing Tech Park at Rita Road in Rita Ranch has had measurable success, housing more than 40 companies, including IBM, Raytheon, and Citi, as well as Vail Academy and High School.