Tonto Apache Tribal Chair Calvin Johnson recently announced plans for a new mixed-use development on tribal land across from the Payson Event Center on SR 87.
The site is adjacent to the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino.
In a presentation to the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Johnson said plans for the expansion have been in development for years and the project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and more than $89M in economic impact.
Planned components include a health center, an 80-room hotel, a grocery store, a gas station/convenience store, office space and a “family fun center” with water features, a movie theatre and bowling lanes.
The Tribe will partner with Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University on the health center. The grocery store brand has not been finalized as the Tribe is still in negotiations with both Vons and Food City.
The Tribe is currently installing electrical wiring for an RV park element.
Asked during the presentation if the new development would include a housing component, Johnson said that possibility is still in development.
According to Johnson, construction is expected to begin in the next six months and take approximately two years to complete. (Source)
