BizTucsonSummer2026_Rancho Sahuarita

SPECIAL REPORT 2026

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

RANCHO SAHUARITA

BUILDING BETTER LIVES F O R 25 Y E A R S

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PHOTOS COURTESY RANCHO SAHUARITA

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BizCOMMUNITY

Building Better Lives for 25 Years How Rancho Sahuarita Became One of Southern Arizona’s Most Successful Master-planned Communities

By Loni Nannini In the mid 1990’s, 3,000-acres of vacant land just south of Tucson began an epic transformation into Rancho Sahuarita, a master-planned community with a simple but ambitious vision: Create a community where families can build better lives.

That vision is being realized by more than 25,000 residents who currently live, work, learn, gather and build lasting connections in the Southern Arizona oasis.

“The dream has always been to create a place where people can thrive,” said Jeremy Sharpe, managing partner of Rancho Sahuarita. “That means more than building homes. It means creating experiences, connections and opportunities that genuinely improve people’s lives.”

Twice-ranked among the Top 10 selling master-planned communities in the U.S. by Robert Charles Lesser & Co., a prominent real estate consulting and advisory firm, Rancho Sahuarita has garnered numerous local, regional and

national accolades over the past quartercentury. With 7,500+ households and counting, the unique project continues to evolve as a model for intentional growth, community engagement and long-term stewardship in Southern Arizona.

As Rancho Sahuarita celebrates a milestone 25th anniversary, its leaders are reflecting not only on what has been built, but on the relationships, experiences and opportunities that have shaped the community generations in the making.

A Vision Beyond Housing From the beginning, Rancho Sahuarita was envisioned as much more than a residential development.

Sharpe said the community was designed around the idea that “quality of life is shaped by the spaces and experiences that bring people together,” including parks, trails, schools, gathering places, recreational amenities and a vibrant town center. continued on page 72 >>>

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Robert Sharpe with son Jeremy Sharpe

Building a Foundation of Community While amenities contribute to quality of life, Sharpe said that Rancho Sahuarita’s long-term success has been built around a foundation that includes schools, infrastructure, public safety and economic opportunity.

Michael Bowman, VP of development for Rancho Sahuarita, said the original vision centered on delivering value across multiple generations of homeowners.

“Rancho Sahuarita was conceived around the idea that an attainable master-planned community could provide an exceptional lifestyle and long-term value that simply didn’t exist elsewhere in the market,” Bowman said.

That concept required substantial investment in infrastructure and public-private partnerships. Sharpe said that Rancho Sahuarita worked with the Town of Sahuarita to build the necessary infrastructure from scratch; this includes programmatic support and donation of more than 150 acres for new schools to the Sahuarita Unified School District (SUSD) since the 1990s.

Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy credits those investments with helping establish the foundation for what he believes is one of Southern Arizona’s most desirable communities.

“Strong schools, public safety and quality infrastructure are critical to a community’s success,” Murphy said.

“Those priorities have remained central to Rancho Sahuarita’s growth from the beginning.”

Education as a Community Cornerstone SUSD offers residents comprehensive options in pre-K through grade 12 along with the Sahuarita Early Childhood Center, after-school programming, and Sahuarita Digital Pathways Academy, a fully online school. continued on page 74 >>>

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PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS & COURTESY RANCHO SAHUARITA

Residents can access more than 15 parks, a 15-acre lake park, and an extensive trail system; multiple recreation and fitness facilities; a splash park and multiple pools; and more than 350 community events and programs each year.

The belief that the true value of the amenities extends beyond recreation has guided every stage of community growth.

“The goal isn’t simply to provide amenities,” said Courtney Leon, VP of marketing for Rancho Sahuarita.

“It’s to create opportunities for people to connect. We want our community spaces to become the backdrop for meaningful experiences, friendships and memories that last a lifetime.”

Neighborhoods are intentionally connected through greenbelts, trails and gathering spaces designed to encourage interaction and strengthen community bonds. These are anchored by Sahuarita Town Center, a commercial, retail and civic hub.

“As soon as someone gets the keys to their new home, they become part of something larger,” Sharpe said.

“One of the things that makes Rancho Sahuarita special is the way neighbors genuinely engage with one another and invest in the community around them.”

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BizCOMMUNITY continued from page 72

Murphy credits innovative collaborations forged between schools, local businesses, higher education institutions and community organizations with facilitating long-term goals of strengthening workforce development and expanding educational pathways.

One example is Sahuarita WINS! The community-wide initiative is spearheaded by Murphy, Sharpe, SUSD Superintendent Manuel Valenzuela, and other community leaders in conjunction with Pima Community College, the University of Arizona, local businesses, nonprofits and faith communities.

Valenzuela said the goal is to bring together educators, employers, nonprofits and civic leaders to support student achievement and career readiness.

“We thought about how wonderful it would be if we could find commonality in purpose and share our expertise and resources to move the community forward in a coherent and aligned way with a focus centered on business, education and overall community,” Valenzuela said.

The initiative has resulted in increased offerings of Advanced Placement courses; field-based internships; mentorship and support from University of Arizona faculty and local businesses leaders; and programming and scholarships that help eligible students transition to higher education.

“It all starts with the heartfelt belief that, together, we can truly do more than if we try to do it on our own. We are better together,” said Valenzuela.

A Legacy of Stewardship The principles of collaboration and stewardship were embraced by Sharpe’s late father, Bob, who founded Rancho Sahuarita with the intent of providing opportunities and experiences for young families.

“My dad believed everyone deserved access to quality neighborhoods, parks, schools and community amenities,” Sharpe said. “He wanted to create places where families could build better futures.”

That philosophy continues to guide the organization today, and Sharpe’s team approaches development with a long-term perspective as opposed to fo74 BizTucson < < < Summer 2026

cusing on short-term outcomes.

“It is uncommon for one family to remain involved in a community for 25 years and continue carrying forward the same vision and values,” Sharpe said. “We view ourselves as stewards of something much bigger than any single project.”

Better Together Collaboration has been central to Rancho Sahuarita’s success from the beginning.

Over the years, the community has worked alongside homebuilders, engineers, planners, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and local governments to create opportunities for residents and strengthen the region.

That spirit of collaboration carries over into philanthropy and community service.

Residents and team members regularly support organizations such as the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center, Tucson Toys for Tots, the Arizona Diaper Bank, Banner Children-Diamond Children’s Medical Center programs and numerous local, regional and national causes.

Carlos Valles, executive director for the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center shared, “Rancho Sahuarita is an amazing supporter not only for our food bank, but for the other resources we offer. It’s nice to have a community that cares.”

Community events and fundraising initiatives have generated millions of dollars for charitable organizations while reinforcing a culture of service and giving back.

“Our mission is about creating better lives,” Leon said. “That extends beyond the people who live here. It means finding ways to make a positive impact throughout the broader community as well.”

An Economic Driver for Southern Arizona Rancho Sahuarita is also a growing economic asset regionally on multiple levels.

“Master-planned communities like Rancho Sahuarita are critical to attract talent in Southern Arizona. Jeremy and his team have done an outstanding job in offering amenities for young families

who are looking for great places to live, work, and play,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of The Chamber of Southern Arizona.

Sharpe attributes the combination of attainable housing, quality schools, amenities and lifestyle offerings with providing a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining talent with Raytheon, Caterpillar, regional mining operations and other major Southern Arizona employers. Rancho Sahuarita also attracts many active-duty and retired members of the military from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and their families.

The impact extends beyond housing. Rancho Sahuarita residents − and Sharpe’s burgeoning commercial enterprises − significantly influence local businesses, retail centers, healthcare providers, schools and service organizations that contribute to a growing economic ecosystem that generates jobs and investment throughout the region.

“The ripple effect in the community as a result of Rancho Sahuarita’s presence is represented by spending at local stores, businesses, gyms, professional services – anything that residents spend money on as they go about their lives.

That’s a significant number indeed,” said Snell.

Looking Ahead As Rancho Sahuarita enters its next chapter, growth remains focused on the same principles that have shaped the community over the past quarter-century: connection, opportunity, quality of life and long-term stewardship.

Future plans focus on diversified housing, commercial development, new employment opportunities and deeper community engagement throughout the region.

For Sharpe, the true measure of success remains the people who call Rancho Sahuarita home.

“What makes me proud isn’t the infrastructure or the buildings. It’s seeing families who have built their lives here, neighbors who have become lifelong friends and a community that continues to grow stronger over time,” he said.

“That has always been the vision.

Twenty-five years later, we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue building on it.”

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Managing Partner Rancho Sahuarita

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PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

Jeremy Sharpe

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BizLEADERSHIP

Building Community Across Generations Sharpe Family Uses Purpose-Driven Development to Shape Southern Arizona’s Future

By Loni Nannini For 25 years, the Sharpe family has harnessed the power of purpose-driven development to create Rancho Sahuarita. Today, this defining Southern Arizona master-planned community serves as a model for intentional, long-term development where all stakeholders prosper.

“We believe the built environment has the power to improve people’s lives,” said Jeremy Sharpe, managing partner of Rancho Sahuarita.

“We love creating places that bring people together and strengthen a sense of belonging. Every project we undertake is evaluated through the lens of how it contributes to the broader community and its long-term success.”

That philosophy has guided Rancho Sahuarita’s evolution over the past quarter-century and continues to shape the company’s approach to development, community building and regional investment.

A Legacy of Community Building The 3,000-acre master-planned community was established in 2001

by Sharpe’s late father, Bob, who built upon a multigenerational family legacy in real estate investment, development and community management.

Growing up, Sharpe was immersed in the family business. He worked in a variety of roles, from administrative www.BizTucson.com

support and lifeguarding at Rancho Sahuarita to assisting in land acquisition and development activities throughout college. Those early experiences provided more than an education in real estate: They offered lessons in leadership, stewardship and service.

Bob, who passed away in 2019 after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, remains a profound influence on the company’s culture and values.

“When I was 12, my father gave me a copy of ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’” Sharpe recalled. “I still have it on my shelf today. My philosophy, which is just like my father’s and grandfather’s, is centered on connecting with people, treating people well, believing in the goodness of others and rallying around a shared vision.”

Among Bob’s lasting contributions was a simple but powerful phrase: “Today is a good day.”

“When my dad was diagnosed, that phrase became something of a fight song for him,” said Sharpe. “It reflected his optimism and belief that every day presents an opportunity. That mindset remains central to how we lead our company and how we serve our community.”

Stewardship Through Leadership Today, Sharpe oversees a diversified organization of roughly 200 employ-

ees spanning residential development, commercial real estate, construction, community management and the Sahuarita Water Company. The company also specializes in land entitlement and economic development initiatives that support long-term regional growth.

Throughout its evolution, Rancho Sahuarita has remained committed to a people-first culture.

Recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as a Best Place to Work, the company has developed a reputation for fostering long-term employee engagement and retention. Many team members have been with the organization for more than a decade, and several have helped shape the community since its earliest days.

“Every role contributes to the resident and tenant experience,” said Sharpe.

“Whether someone works in events, maintenance, administration, community management or development, they are helping improve quality of life for the people who call Rancho Sahuarita home.”

As a husband and father of two, Sharpe believes strong organizations recognize that employees have meaningful lives beyond the workplace. Flexibility, family and work-life integration are core tenets influencing how the company supports its team members. continued on page 78 >>> Summer 2026 > > > BizTucson 77

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“It’s more than something we put on a wall,” he said. “People perform at their best when they have the support they need to be successful both professionally and personally.”

Michael Bowman, VP of development, has witnessed the community’s transformation firsthand over the last 26 years.

“Something special comes from the continuity of long-term employees who have watched the community grow from open desert into a thriving town,” Bowman said. “That history and shared experience are part of our culture in a way that can’t be manufactured.”

Investing in Southern Arizona For Sharpe, community building extends well beyond Rancho Sahuarita’s boundaries.

He believes that private-sector leaders have a responsibility to contribute to the long-term success of Southern Arizona through board service, philanthropy and civic leadership.

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“We view our relationships with residents, nonprofits and partner organizations as opportunities to create value and strengthen the community,” Sharpe said. “Our responsibility is to engage, collaborate and find ways to help others succeed.”

That philosophy also drives his involvement with organizations such as the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, the Chamber of Southern Arizona, Urban Land Institute, Banner Health Foundation and Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.

Shaping the Future of the Region Sharpe believes Southern Arizona is positioned for tremendous long-term growth if public and private leaders work together to address challenges and seize opportunities.

“Southern Arizona is an extraordinary place − geographically, culturally and economically—and it is genuinely full of opportunity,” he said.

“Growth, if executed intentionally, raises quality of life. It creates jobs, expands housing opportunities, strength-

ens the tax base that supports schools and public services, and attracts investment that compounds over time. But it requires leadership, collaboration and a shared belief that growth can benefit everyone.”

His vision for development is rooted in creating communities that integrate housing, education, healthcare, employment opportunities and meaningful public spaces.

“When those elements come together, something remarkable happens,” Sharpe said. “People put down roots.

They invest in their neighborhoods.

They create generational wealth and a lasting community where people stay.”

As Rancho Sahuarita looks to the future, Sharpe sees the company’s role as both builder and steward: a family legacy while helping shape the future of Southern Arizona.

“We don’t take that responsibility lightly. The communities we build today should still be creating opportunity and improving lives decades from now. That’s the work we intend to keep doing.”

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Curating Lifestyles, Inspiring Joy Amenities Attract Rancho Sahuarita Residents With hundreds of free annual events and programs, a massive footprint of parks, trails and pools, and an abundance of resort-style recreation, Rancho Sahuarita has spent 25 years prioritizing lifestyle over standard development.

The company is writing the playbook for developers who curate lifestyle and prioritize quality of life for residents.

“One of the things that Rancho Sahuarita has done best is offer an abundance of high-quality amenities, and I think people are absolutely looking for amenities. They want to have a great sense of place, a sense of community, where residents enjoy indoor and outdoor activities with their family and neighbors,” said David Godlewski, president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.

More than 15 parks, 25-plus miles of walking trails, and extensive water features − ranging from pools to splash pads and a Tot Lagoon − serve Rancho Sahuarita’s 25,000 residents and 7,500+ homes.

The crown jewel remains Club Rancho Sahuarita, featuring a 6,000-squarefoot fitness center, meeting space and more. Club Rancho Sahuarita sits adjacent to Sahuarita Lake Park, a popular fishing spot and home to popular public events such as the community’s “Family, Friends and Freedom” Independence Day Celebration.

Longtime resident Bob Webster, who moved to Rancho Sahuarita in 2002, shared: “Twenty four years later, my wife, Melody, and I still enjoy our walks around the lake, hiking on the many trails and taking a quick dip in one of the many swimming pools.”

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Building a Way of Life Rancho Sahuarita is distinguished among master-planned communities by a slate of amenities focusing on community programming, featuring more than 350 events annually − holiday celebrations, outdoor movie nights and concerts, food truck roundups, youth camps, special needs programming and much more.

“We have homes from many of the same homebuilders that you see in other communities. However, there is something special about choosing a home in Rancho Sahuarita, as it comes with a whole lifestyle offering and experience for your family, that truly sets it apart from other options,” said Michelle Moreno, executive community director of Rancho Sahuarita.

Premium amenities are facilitated through homeowner association dues and include more than 45 weekly fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, cycling, water aerobics and boot camps.

Health and wellness lectures supported by on-site medical partners are also available, along with personal trainers; a staff nutritionist offers presentations on heart-healthy meals, eating on a budget, healthy school lunches and much more.

Parents can utilize Kids Club, an onsite supervised play center while using the amenities at Club Rancho Sahuarita. There are also summer camps for kids, pre-teen and teen events and dozens of other monthly events. Options abound for seniors as well: Active adults 50 and older who live in Rancho Sahuarita, Rancho Resort and Sonora

by Del Webb can purchase membership in the Saguaro Club. The group enjoys mixers, cooking demonstrations, movie nights and excursions to local at-

tractions and further afield to sporting events and activities in Phoenix.

Moreno emphasized that the offerings are designed to engage people at every age and phase of life.

“Our community is so diverse, from abilities to cultural and ethnic backgrounds to age, so we strive to be diverse in what we offer. It is not cookie cutter.”

She means that quite literally. From “Cookies with Characters,” in which toddlers and parents decorate cookies with Elmo, Cookie Monster and other well-known characters to annual Father-Daughter Dances with complimentary portraits, the events help families to make memories.

“We have one dad who has the pictures from every single year hanging on his office wall...we became part of his memories of good times he had with his daughter. You just can’t buy that,” said Moreno.

The abundance of opportunities also encourage people to expand their horizons, leading to new adventures for everyone in the community.

The adventures are extended to those with special needs. Since 2010, Rancho Sahuarita has offered programming for children with special needs and their families.

“We had started seeing more and more families coming into the community who were hesitant to attend activities because they had a child with a few extra hurdles or a few extra needs, and we wanted to provide something their families could comfortably attend,” said Moreno.

The programs have grown to include an annual Special Needs Prom and a sensory-friendly day at the Splash Park, continued on page 82 >>> www.BizTucson.com

PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS & COURTESY RANCHO SAHUARITA

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BizCOMMUNITY continued from page 80 along with other monthly activities and targeted support groups for families.

“Inclusion is important to our families...they need to know that we support them,” said Moreno. “We have had families buy at Rancho Sahuarita specifically because they were told about our special needs programs and the great deal of support our community has for parents and families who love being included.”

Ultimately, the range of programming is designed to fulfill a promise made to all residents when they choose to buy a home in Rancho Sahuarita.

“It is a promise about raising your family in a secure, safe community that offers everyone not just a place to live, but a whole sense of belonging,” said Moreno.

A New Chapter The Entrada Del Toro neighborhood, the newest addition to Rancho Sahuarita, offers that same sense of inclusion and opportunity for involvement.

The neighborhood was intentionally designed around connected open spaces, with walking trails and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, according to Diana Dessy, VP of land assets for Rancho Sahuarita.

“Whether someone is a young professional, raising a family, or enjoying retirement, Entrada Del Toro offers a lifestyle that supports every stage of life,” Dessy said.

At the center of this neighborhood sits Club Del Toro, Rancho Sahuarita’s newest multigenerational recreation amenity.

“The facility features a modern fitness center equipped for high-intensity training, pickleball courts, an expansive aquatic area with a splash pad, and an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities,” said Suzy Mason, VP of operations for Rancho Sahuarita.

“Club Del Toro is not just a new amenity; it’s a reflection of how Rancho Sahuarita thinks about growth. Every addition is designed to build on what exists, not replace or replicate it.”

Entrada Del Toro will feature nearly 1,000 homes with a variety of floor plans by six builders: Richmond American Homes, Century Complete, Lennar, Meritage Homes, D.R. Horton and KB Home.

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To meet builder demand for “padready” property, Rancho Sahuarita invested millions of dollars upfront to deliver the lots in Entrada Del Toro, and Richmond American Homes is happy to be part of the neighborhood, according to Michael Del Castillo, president of the Tucson Division of Richmond American Homes.

“

I think people are absolutely looking for amenities.

They want to have a great sense of place, a sense of community, where residents enjoy indoor and outdoor activities with their family and neighbors.

– David Godlewski

”

President & CEO Southern Arizona Home Builders Association

“Rancho Sahuarita is known for its abundance of family-friendly amenities, its proximity to great schools and its focus on design that brings neighbors together,” he said.

“Being able to offer people the home of their dreams in a community where everything truly is in their backyard is a major driving factor for our buyers.”

Amy McReynolds, president of KB Home’s Tucson division, echoed that sentiment, noting that today’s buyers are looking for more than a home.

“We do see demand for new communities that are close or within walking distance to schools, parks, shopping and dining...on-site amenities help cultivate the ‘community-mindedness’ today’s buyers are looking for,” said McReynolds.

While some homes are move-in ready, buyers also have the ability to custom-

ize homes with options that boost longterm affordability such as energy and water-efficient ENERGY STAR® certification and other features.

Meritage Homes − which holds the distinction of being the first homebuilder in Rancho Sahuarita − offers many of these options along with standard features including major appliances, window coverings, smart home automation and designer finishes.

“We have had decades of success in Rancho Sahuarita and built hundreds of homes in the community over the years,” said Jeff Grobstein, region president of Meritage Homes.

Grobstein credits the developers − the late Bob Sharpe and his son, Jeremy − with delivering on their visionary concept of creating a beautiful community for generations to enjoy.

“There is no question that Rancho Sahuarita is a one-of-a-kind community for Southern Arizona. The amenities they provide are first-class and top notch for any master-planned community in the state,” Grobstein said.

As Meritage Homes finishes up sales in its current phase, Grobstein hopes to continue to build on the mutually successful partnership.

“We are optimistic that we may have another phase upcoming...we are always interested in building in Rancho Sahuarita,” he said.

Pipeline for Future Amenities Rancho Sahuarita has a building cap of close to 12,000 homes, leaving significant room for continued growth through neighborhoods and “curated lifestyle amenities” that have become a hallmark of the community.

“Our amenities have been curated over the last 25 years to provide an experience that I don’t believe you can find anywhere else in Southern Arizona,” said Jeremy Sharpe, managing partner of Rancho Sahuarita.

This philosophy extends to every layer of the community – from the builders and developers to residents themselves.

The collective investment is not just in property; it’s in the people who call Rancho Sahuarita home.

“These amenities reflect Rancho Sahuarita’s commitment to creating not just neighborhoods, but places where people can connect, stay active, and build meaningful community throughout their lives,” said Sharpe.

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Tom Murphy

Mayor, Town of Sahuarita

The Heart of a Growing Community Sahuarita Town Center Evolves Into Civic and Economic Hub

By Loni Nannini The Rancho Sahuarita master plan has always transcended home building, embracing the blueprint for a complete community where residents can live, work, shop, gather and build their lives close to home.

That vision is increasingly taking shape through the continued evolution of the Sahuarita Town Center.

“The Sahuarita Town Center has always been envisioned as the heart of the community,” said Jeremy Sharpe, managing partner of Rancho Sahuarita.

“It’s where commerce, community life and civic engagement come together.

The goal has never been simply to build retail. It’s to create a place where people connect.”

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planning and investment designed to support both Rancho Sahuarita and the broader Town of Sahuarita. Spanning approximately 350 acres, the mixed-use district is emerging as the community’s primary hub for employment, commerce, healthcare, hospitality, civic services and community events.

“We’ve always believed that commercial development should follow residential growth,” Sharpe said. “As the community matures, the Sahuarita Town Center becomes the economic engine that supports long-term prosperity and quality of life.”

Today, the Sahuarita Town Center includes the Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace, Village, and the Corner, featuring a growing collection of retail, dining and service businesses. The area is

also home to key civic and institutional venues, including educational facilities, healthcare providers, municipal services, places of worship and community gathering spaces.

But Sharpe believes the Sahuarita Town Center’s greatest value extends beyond physical buildings.

“We want to create a true ‘Main Street’ environment,” he said. “A place where families attend community events, small businesses thrive, residents gather with neighbors and local traditions take root. Those are the elements that transform a commercial district into the center of a community.”

That vision has been strengthened through a longstanding partnership with the Town of Sahuarita. continued on page 86 >>> www.BizTucson.com

PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS & COURTESY RANCHO SAHUARITA

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BizCOMMUNITY continued from page 84 “So often across the country, developers and municipalities operate independently,” Sharpe said. “One of the reasons Sahuarita has been successful is the collaborative relationship we’ve built with town leadership. We share a commitment to thoughtful growth and a willingness to work together to solve problems.”

Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy recognizes the benefits of deliberate, purpose-driven development and believes that collaboration and accessibility are key to the business-friendly environment in Sahuarita.

“Intentional growth, strong infrastructure and a commitment to public safety have helped create the foundation for a community where people want to live, work and invest,” Murphy said.

That investment has generated meaningful economic impact across Southern Arizona.

A significant recent addition is Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita, which brought approximately 150 high-quality jobs to the community while expand-

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ing healthcare access for residents. According to The Chamber of Southern Arizona, the hospital is expected to generate an estimated $165 million in regional economic impact during its first five years of operation.

“The cumulative impact of the Sahuarita Town Center’s growth has been substantial,” Sharpe said. “Every new business, employer and service creates opportunities that strengthen the broader economy and improve quality of life for residents.”

The Sahuarita Town Center has also evolved into a gathering place for some of the community’s signature events, including Winterfest, food truck gatherings and other celebrations that bring together residents, businesses and visitors throughout the year.

“These events create a sense of identity and belonging,” Murphy said.

“They help connect neighborhoods, support local businesses and reinforce what makes Sahuarita special.”

Looking ahead, Rancho Sahuarita plans continued expansion of the Sahuarita Town Center through addition-

al hospitality, restaurant, medical and mixed-use opportunities.

“We’ve been intentional about sequencing growth so that each new investment complements and strengthens what’s already here,” Sharpe said.

“That’s how you build a lasting community rather than simply assembling a collection of buildings.”

Sharpe said that several significant announcements are expected in the near future as the next phase of commercial growth moves forward.

Ultimately, for Sharpe and Rancho Sahuarita, the Town Center is much more than a development project. It represents the realization of a long-term vision for community building.

“When people can live near where they work, access quality healthcare, support local businesses, attend community events and build relationships with their neighbors, something powerful happens,” he said. “The Sahuarita Town Center is helping create that environment, and we’re excited about what comes next.”

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