Tucson Standard

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, alongside Arizona Department of Housing Director Joan Serviss and other city officials, celebrated the opening of Milagro on Oracle. This project is a significant part of Tucson's commitment to increasing affordable housing options. The 63-unit senior housing development is designed for residents aged 55 and older, including 19 units designated for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Located at 2445 N. Oracle Rd., within the Thrive in the 05 zone, Milagro on Oracle stands as a testament to adaptive reuse by repurposing historic structures such as the DeAnza Motel and Don Motel from the early 1940s. This project marks Tucson’s first Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) initiative in a decade.

“This Mayor and Council is getting the work done, confronting a housing crisis that has been decades in the making,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. She emphasized the importance of this development for providing affordable housing for seniors and formerly unsheltered individuals.

The project was led by El Pueblo Housing Development, Tucson’s nonprofit arm dedicated to affordable housing initiatives. Ann Chanecka, Director of Housing and Community Development, remarked on its significance: “Milagro on Oracle demonstrates that the City of Tucson, HCD, the state of Arizona and our community partners can come together to create critical housing infrastructure.”

Richard J. Monocchio from HUD praised Tucson's efforts: “The City and the Housing Authority are thoughtfully working with residents... We celebrate the success they have had here.”

Funding for Milagro on Oracle came from various sources totaling $20.6 million, including $18.1 million from Low Income Tax Credit funds. Gorman & Company will manage this development; their Arizona Market President Sally Schwenn expressed enthusiasm about contributing their expertise to this adaptive reuse project.

Future projects like Sugar Hill on Stone and Amazon Flats are also planned under Tucson's 10-point Housing Affordable Strategy for further expanding affordable housing options in the city.

Individuals interested in renting a unit at Milagro can contact (520) 771-0704 or visit www.milagroonoracle.com.