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 Project Background: The Riverfront Master Development Agreement approved by the Yuma City Council on November 17, 2004, represents the fulfillment of a pledge that the Yuma Town Council made back on June, 17, 1902 when it passed a resolution which stated that "...the water front on the Colorado River is very valuable and is most desireable to the town and should always remain open for the use of the public..."
For over 100 years it has been the dream of the Yuma community to reconnect with the Colorado River and bring a bustling commercial vitality once again to the Yuma Crossing. That day is nearing.
As with all of the Heritage Area projects, success of these efforts is based on a growing partnership between the public and private sectors. The development plans are sensitive to the important historic resources in the Yuma Crossing National Historic Landmark. The Heritage Area is working closely with the National Park Service. Arizona State Parks, the City of Yuma, and the private developer to make the Yuma Crossing once again a bustling and vibrant commercial hub.
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$80 million worth of private investment
First Stage
- A 150-room business conference center , built, operated, and maintained by the private developer.
- 18,000 sq. ft. business conference center, built, operated, and maintained by the private developer.
- 39,00 sq. ft. of retail and second floor office space at the corner of 1st and Main Street.
- 40-80 for-sale residential units with Fitness Center and Pool, overlooking the Yuma Main Canal and Yuma Crossing State Historic Park
Later Stages
- A 50,000 sq. ft. new Federal Courthouse
- A 32, 000 sq. ft. two-level office building overlooking the Yuma Main Canal and Yuma Crossing State Historic Park.
- A 60-room "Boutique" hotel and 5,200 sq. ft. restaurant at 4th Avenue and 1st Street.
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A greatly expanded "Gateway Park", extending all the way to the Ocean to Ocean Bridge is being designed...
...construction has been underway since 2004.
 For the last decade, the beach at the end of Madison Avenue has continued to grow in popularity. Throngs of people enjoy the shade and cool of the Colorado River each weekend, despite the lack of adequate parking, restrooms, picnic ramadas, lighting, and handicapped access. A greatly expanded "Gateway Park", extending all the way to the Ocean to Ocean Bridge, is now under design. Improved access, lighting and parking at the riverside will be achieved by extending Gila Street all the way to the river. Restrooms and picnic ramadas will be built, along with a new beach.
A $1 million grant from the State of Arizona's SLIF Fund, along with City road funds and other federal and state grants have made the expansion of this park possible. Gateway Park will also tell the story of the Yuma Crossing in its many forms: from the traditional crossing by the Quechan Indian tribe, to 49ers seeking California gold and today's crossing of the Yuma Syphon and Interstate 8. national Park Service funds will be used to tell our history - for the benefit of our children as well as tourists. Gateway Park will be the central link between the Riverfront District along the Colorado River and downtown Yuma's four other historic districts. It includes a three-story interpretive tower, multiple interpretive displays throughout the park, barrier free access to the river, multi-use trails, picnic ramadas, and a defined beach area.
Phase 1 will be under construction in 2005-2006 at a cost of $2.8 million.
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A sound public-private partnership is one in which both the City of Yuma and the Developer are able to secure a good financial return on their own investments, while revitalizing the downtown riverfront. The agreement is founded on the following principles:
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The Project must result in a net financial benefit to the City: It is estimated that, even factoring in the incentives offered, the City will generate a positive net return of $11.8 million new net tax and lease revenues within the first fifteen-years of the agreement. The net revenues for the City over 20 years are projected at $24.4 million. |
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There must be accountability for the Developer: The agreement sets forth a rigorous performance schedule, which, for example, required the developer to complete the hotel/conference center within 36 months of the effective date of the agreement. The developer forfeits the right to undertake the development if he does not meed the timetables. This, the agreement promotes an aggressive development schedule. |
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The City invests primarily in its own long-term asset. At the end of the lease term, the City will take back ownership of the land and improvements upon which the riverfront hotel/conference center, and other improvements, are located. (Only the 2-acre residential portion will be sold to the developer - at fair market value with no incentives whatsoever.) |
Riverfront Sketch
Riverfront Sketch
Riverfront Sketch
Residential Sketch
Residential Sketch
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