Affordable housing mix grows on Tucson’s west side

Location: 1135 W. Miracle Mile

Description: Amazon Flats will be a $24.4 million affordable housing complex with 59-one-bedroom apartments.

A range of amenities will be offered, including in-unit washers and dryers, free Wi-Fi and on-site services, community spaces, a public plaza, basketball halfcourt and a pet yard. The apartment complex will serve households earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income.

Amazon Flats is co-developed by the City’s nonprofit arm, El Pueblo Housing Development, and Gorman & Company, a national leader in creating and managing affordable housing developments across the country.

The apartment will be the second building on-site. The site already houses the Amazon Motel that was transformed into a 30-unit permanent supportive housing project for homeless people. It opened in September 2025.

History: The site has housed the Amazon Motel since 1964, reflecting the history of the area, which originally primarily served travelers driving across the country. The area, called Miracle Mile, was a popular rest stop as it connected Tucson to Routes 80 and 89 and Arizona State Route 84. Motels flourished in the area, as did hundreds of other businesses. The area was known for its billboards and story-high neon signs.

With the addition of Interstate 10 as the main entry to Tucson, the area began to decline. Several off-ramps allowed drivers to circumvent Miracle Mile, among other events. Eventually, many of the businesses and motels were demolished, while other buildings in the area were modified.

The city purchased the Amazon Motel in April 2023 and initially used the motel as a low-barrier shelter for 140 people during the development planning process. Of the 140 people who used the shelter, 86 found permanent housing.