🏡 Ochoa Commons – Misión Mezquite Affordable Housing Initiative
Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge 2025 | University of Arizona
Overview
Ochoa Commons is a visionary affordable housing development designed by Team Misión Mezquite in collaboration with the City of Tucson and El Pueblo Housing Development. Located in the historic Barrio Ochoa neighborhood, this 12.26-acre, 208-unit community redefines sustainable urban living through equity, cultural preservation, and long-term affordability.
Mission & Vision
The project is built around a 50-year commitment to affordability, serving residents earning an average of 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). By prioritizing “Right-to-Return” policies for displaced residents, Ochoa Commons seeks to prevent gentrification and empower multigenerational families to thrive in place.
Design & Community
The design reflects Tucson’s desert identity while fostering connection, health, and resilience. Two mid-rise buildings surround shaded courtyards, community gardens, and wellness spaces. The architectural concept integrates passive cooling, solar energy systems, and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact.
Residents enjoy:
1–4 bedroom units with full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and ADA-compliant accessibility
Fitness and wellness centers, childcare facilities, and multipurpose community rooms
Outdoor play areas, walking trails, and community gardens
On-site partnerships with El Rio Health, La Frontera, and United Way of Tucson for healthcare, mental wellness, and workforce development
Sustainability & Innovation
Ochoa Commons demonstrates climate-responsive urban design through:
Solar energy harvesting and shaded parking structures
Rainwater collection and bioswale irrigation systems
Cross-ventilated layouts for natural light and airflow
Low-carbon wood framing and recyclable façade materials
Economic & Social Impact
Beyond providing housing, Ochoa Commons functions as a social infrastructure hub—offering workforce training, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurship support. Partnerships with Pima Community College, Primavera Works, and local small business programs ensure that residents have access to economic mobility and long-term stability.
Timeline & Financing
Construction begins in 2025, with completion and resident move-in expected by July 2027. The $48.8 million development is funded through a blend of tax-exempt loans, state housing trust funds, and private equity, anchored by a permanent loan from Bank of America.
The Future of Tucson Housing
Ochoa Commons is more than a housing project—it’s a movement toward equitable urban regeneration. By blending sustainability, culture, and affordability, Misión Mezquite is creating a model for inclusive, community-driven development that will serve Tucson families for generations.