Tucson has something to celebrate on the housing front: the City of Tucson has received a grant from AARP to fund a Middle Housing Design Competition, according to an announcement from the City of Tucson.

Middle housing — think duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, and similar smaller-scale residential buildings — has become an increasingly popular tool for communities looking to add more affordable, neighborhood-friendly housing options without dramatically changing the character of existing streets. By hosting a design competition, Tucson is inviting creative minds to imagine what that kind of housing could look like right here in the Old Pueblo.

The AARP grant positions Tucson to tap into fresh architectural and planning ideas while engaging the broader community in conversations about how the city grows. Design competitions of this kind often surface innovative, cost-effective concepts that can be adapted by local builders and developers, helping to expand housing choices for residents of all ages and income levels.

The announcement comes from the City of Tucson’s official channels, signaling that local leaders are actively pursuing outside funding to move housing initiatives forward. For Tucsonans who have watched housing affordability become a pressing concern, this grant represents a concrete, community-focused step in a positive direction.

Stay tuned for more details from the City of Tucson on how residents and designers can get involved in the competition.

Sources: City of Tucson (.gov)