TUCSON, ARIZ. — Scottsdale-based Sterling Real Estate Partners has acquired Hotel Tucson City Center in an off-market transaction for an undisclosed price. The company plans to convert the hotel into market-rate apartments.
Originally built in the 1960s, the 278-room hotel will be transformed into a modern, 210-unit apartment complex. The seven-building, 10-acre site is located adjacent to the historic El Presidio neighborhood in downtown Tucson.
Residences will consist of luxury studio and one-bedroom units, ranging from 300 square feet to 700 square feet. Site amenities of the converted property will include upgrades to the pool area, fitness room, clubhouse, conference room, dog park and outdoor lounge.
Upon completion, the apartments will offer low gross rents with luxury interiors finishes to support the high demand for quality affordable housing in the downtown submarket.
Sterling had the property under contract since January 2021 while it underwent the rezoning process for residential use. The company collaborated with neighbors throughout the process to receive zoning approval without opposition. Upon purchase, Sterling will become a Choice Hotel franchisee and has engaged Ledgestone Hospitality to operate the four-story building as a hotel, while the adjacent buildings are converted to apartments. Additionally, the site was approved for an additional 154 units that will be developed at a later date.