Tucson Standard

The City of Tucson's Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for Amazon Flats, a project aimed at transforming the former Amazon Motel into permanent supportive housing units for very low-income households. The motel, previously used as a shelter for 15 months, provided temporary housing to 140 people, with 86 individuals transitioning to permanent housing.

Located at 1135 W. Miracle Mile, the project involves the adaptive reuse of the Amazon Motel in Phase 1, creating 30 studio apartments. Phase 2 is currently in pre-development and includes plans for over 50 additional units. This initiative is part of the City's Thrive in the ’05 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero highlighted the project's significance: “The success of the Amazon Motel and the Amazon Flats shows that our Housing First program is working and how the City of Tucson is investing millions in the future of housing stability.” She also expressed gratitude to Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Housing for their support.

The Arizona Department of Housing awarded Tucson a $6.1 million Hotels to Housing grant using American Recovery Plan Act funds. These grants were allocated based on rigorous project readiness criteria. Pima County also contributed nearly $750,000 in gap funding.

Following its purchase in April 2023, the former motel was operated as a low-barrier shelter until September 2024 when site preparation began for Phase 1. This approach addresses immediate shelter needs while planning for long-term housing solutions.

Amazon Flats marks HCD’s second project developed by El Pueblo Housing Development (EPHD), its non-profit arm. In collaboration with Old Pueblo Community Services, which provides long-term support services, this development aims to meet Tucson's growing housing needs.

Situated across from the soon-to-be-completed Pima County Northwest Service Center, Amazon Flats aligns with Tucson’s Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson (HAST) plan by enhancing efforts to provide housing for vulnerable individuals.

HCD Director Ann Chanecka emphasized HCD's commitment: “With the creation of the City’s non-profit El Pueblo Housing Development, HCD and the City of Tucson have more creative tools to address our housing crisis by constructing safe, affordable, and attractive residential units.”