Rio Nuevo and the City of Tucson completed the Activate El Presidio project this summer, giving the city’s oldest neighborhood new life.
The streetscape and placemaking initiative permanently closed Washington Street to cars, adding three new “streateries” with 50 shaded seats, plus 40 more picnic table seats. Restaurants like JoJo’s and Ceres, which endured months of construction, now benefit from the pedestrian-friendly design.
Award-Winning Community Effort
On Thursday, the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association honored the project with its inaugural Community-Led Development Award.
“This project is proof of what can happen when a community refuses to give up on a vision,” said Jannie Cox, the Rio Nuevo board member who led the effort. “Over six years, through countless meetings, challenges and even a pandemic, we never lost sight of what this space could mean for Tucson.”
“If it weren’t for Jannie’s vision and determination, this project wouldn’t exist,” said Rio Nuevo District Chairman Fletcher McCusker. “By investing in historic neighborhoods and creating spaces where people can connect, we not only preserve our past but also strengthen our downtown for the future.”
“This is the first time we’ve given out this award,” said Thomas Lampo, director of the southern section of the APA “We received many nominations, but this campaign received the highest scores.”
The southern section of the APA stretches from Yuma west to Greenlee County, and from Pinal County south to the border.
From Vision to Reality
Planning for the $900,000 project began in 2019 with a community visioning process led by Project for Public Spaces. Work paused during the pandemic, delaying progress more than two years.
Despite setbacks, the project included new landscaping, murals, and public seating. Arizona’s tallest mural, Joe Pagaz’s 11-story “Desert Colossus,” now towers above Church Avenue.
Celebrate at the Open House
The community can see the project firsthand at a pop-up open house from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at 196 N. Court Ave.
Guests can join a 10-minute guided tour of the new amenities, then enjoy dinner specials at nearby restaurants. El Charro Café will offer a free dessert with dinner, JoJo’s will serve half-price drinks from 5:30-6:30 p.m., De Novo Market & Tap will give a 10% discount, and Dandelion Café will provide free cookies. A no-host martini bar will pop up under the Desert Colossus mural, with proceeds benefiting the Presidio Museum.
The first 100 guests to RSVP for the event via janniecox46@gmail.com will be entered into a raffle for one of the gift cards to JoJo’s, El Charro Café, Ceres, De Novo Market & Tap, and Dandelion Café. The drawing will be held at 6 p.m. in front of the Presidio Museum.
A Boost for Local Dining
JoJo’s recently introduced a new format with lower prices to welcome diners back. Ceres, another staple, also benefits from the improved streetscape.
Looking Ahead
The El Presidio project was unveiled during Tucson’s 250th birthday celebration on August 23, 2025. Organizers hope the open house will spark fresh energy for the neighborhood and its businesses.
To watch a video on the project, click here.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
