By Hunter Kerr | Arizona Sonora News Service
Look back 20 back years ago, and the primary impression of downtown Tucson is an image of boarded-up buildings and homelessness.
Today is a much different story.
Downtown has turned into a place of purpose for people to work, live and enjoy themselves. It’s a destination for entertainment and once again an active part of the city, proving revitalization is possible for any community.
“Downtown used to be a very active place where everyone would come for shopping way back when,” said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. “If a downtown core is strong, it will pump out economic strength into the region, which is why downtown is so important. I’m glad it’s doing well again.”
For the past 45 years, downtown Tucson was in a major decline. Tucson Mall and other projects coaxed development away from downtown, which gradually pulled away commercial business and other interests.
