I-10 construction update… On its Web site, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) posts weekly updates on the closures and planned projects associated with the I-10 widening. Of note over the next two weeks, bridge demolitions are scheduled for Grant Road and Speedway Boulevard at the Interstate. Grant will be closed from 10 p.m. this Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday; Speedway will be closed the following weekend (July 20 to 23). Click here to view the most recent ADOT traffic alert.

Tucson Downtown Alliance (TDA) becomes Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP)… The TDA became the DTP late last month at Old Town Artisans, the historic jewel in Downtown’s El Presidio District. The celebration was to acknowledge the transformation of the Tucson Downtown Alliance (TDA) into the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP). This new private-public partnership is preparing to continue the hard work of the members of the TDA (which included the Business Development Division of the TMCC) over the last several years. Donovan Durband, the Executive Director of the TDA and Downtown Stakeholders, lead the economic and cultural revitalization of Downtown Tucson for the benefit of the entire Tucson region. The Partnership is a collaboration of downtown stakeholders (including the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce), civic and business leadership from the greater Tucson region and city and county officials at the highest level, who have come together to focus on continuing revitalization efforts. The DTP includes a new Board of Directors; the Chamber’s President Jack Camper will serve as an ex-officio member.

More Tucson downtown revitalization news… The City of Tucson has recently announced the development of a new 12,500-seat arena, a new 700-room hotel and the expansion of the Tucson Convention Center. In addition, significant dollars have been committed to new museums, a University of Arizona Science Center and new streetscapes throughout downtown. Also, downtown will be served by a modern streetcar that will connect it to the University and the west side. The Fox Theatre, the Rialto, Club Congress, a dozen of Tucson’s best restaurants, the Tucson Symphony, the Arizona Opera and the Leo Rich Theatre will all be within walking distance of the streetcar line. Finally, the Post Lofts, which has been in development, is ready to go into the ground this summer. Located on Congress Street, it will be one of the first of the downtown residences to be developed. It will contain 52 spectacular loft units ranging in size from studios to penthouses. Residents will have the benefits of secure garage parking, a top-floor club facility and shops and restaurants at the street level. The building will be a state-of-the-art “green” building with an efficient air-conditioning system and will qualify for the TEP Guarantee Program. The building will be ready for occupants in late 2008. Visit www.knowyourwaydowntown.info to receive the latest on what’s happening Downtown, including projects, parking locations, community links, events, construction updates and detour/closure information.

Seeking veteran-owned businesses looking to “Hire a Veteran”… Southern Arizona VA Health Care Services (SAVAHCS), a Chamber business partner, is reaching out to locate local veteran-owned businesses to assist with the employment of current and returning veterans. Participating companies’ information will be forwarded to the SAVAHCS Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist charged with assisting our veterans in re-employment in the Tucson community. If you are a veteran and business owner and wish to have the SAVAHCS contact you, please call Cheryll Frazier, Manager of Business Development at the Chamber, at 792-2250 ext. 133, or email her at cfrazier@tucsonchamber.org.