There’s a lot of buzz goin’ on downtown and the Rio Nuevo Board is behind a good handful of it. For instance, in a recent meeting, the Board — unanimous on every agenda item — approved projects like a new highrise hotel and residential complex, a new bar and restaurant on Congress, and a few other concepts.
Corbett Lane’s food, beer & games
First, there’s something rather exciting in the works inside the historic building on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street. Developer Scott Stiteler and his team at Phase One are planning to renovate the Corbett Building, naming it Corbett Lane.
It’ll shape up to be an “old school” burger joint, a beer garden, five pickleball courts, and 188 parking spots. Simply reading the words “188 parking spots” is enough to make anyone jolly, right?
More than likely, you’re familiar with the empty building, which is near EXO Roast Co., Tap & Bottle, and other wonderful local businesses in the area. Additionally, the team behind the constuction has a goal to beautify the corner by installing better lighting, planters, and more.
TABU — a Latin fusion restaurant
Oh, but there’s more happening just through the underpass and farther south.
There’s a new downtown restaurant called TABU by developers Zeus Sainz, Jesus Mario Ramirez, and Paul Mendoza is moving in at 128 E. Congress. This is the space found butted up against the former Chicago Store location and near the whiskey bar Batch.
“They have developed a menu unique to downtown and are wanting to invest in the people of Tucson,” Rio Nuevo released in a statement about the Latin fusion venue.
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink’s rooftop dining area
Finally, the Rio Nuevo Board ended the meeting by authorizing an additional chunk of change toward the construction of a rooftop bar at Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink.
The project was announced and approved almost a year ago but hit a snag due to rising construction costs. Although, construction should be getting a move on very soon up on the rooftop.
For more information about the Rio Nuevo Board’s upcoming projects and any updates on completion dates, visit rionuevo.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
