Rio Nuevo is considering two new downtown projects: a state-of-the-art golf simulator at the Broadmoor Sporting Club and a U.K.-style pub, Cornish Pasty, as part of its ongoing effort to revitalize Tucson’s southside blocks.

At the board's Sept. 23 meeting, members heard presentations from the entrepreneurs behind both ventures.

Nate Ares, founder of Ares Collective Restaurant Group, Prep & Pastry, and Commoner & Co., presented his latest venture: a state-of-the-art golf simulator.

The Broadmoor Sporting Club, planned for the southside block of Broadway Boulevard, is designed to resemble a country club.

Ares said the original plan was to build a bowling alley, but after looking at trends, he decided a golf simulator would be more successful, projecting about $6 million in annual revenue.

“I just felt like this route hasn’t been done,” he said. “It’s going to be really, really exciting to do this concept.”

Broadmoor Sporting Club would also have other simulators, like ski ball and soccer, making the space family-friendly.

“I wanted to take that model and turn it into a fun, inviting and family-friendly,” he said.

The business and construction plans are already in place, but Ares said limited parking is delaying the project. The current design allows for only about 100 spaces.

Ares proposed partnering with neighboring businesses to expand parking, offering to pay for the use of their extra spaces. He also said he hopes to attract retail businesses to this southside block.

“We want to help turn this whole block into something special,” he said.

The plan is to break ground in October and open in March, but Ares said construction must begin by the end of December to stay on track.

“This project has been very eye-opening and fun,” he said. “We’re excited to be close to the finish line and get this thing going.”

The parking lot expansion is estimated at $480,000, with Ares asking Rio Nuevo to cover half, or $240,000. Rio Nuevo is considering a motion to approve the project contingent on certain construction milestones being completed by a set date.

“We want to see that project activated,” said Chairman Fletcher McCusker. “Our job is to incentivize economic development."

He noted that while the board often overcommits to projects and spends the tax revenue it receives from the state, about 90% of businesses in the district are locally owned.

Rio Nuevo report about $3.8 million to invest in local businesses this year and is considering funding a state-of-the-art sporting club and a U.K.-style pub as part of its ongoing effort to boost economic development in downtown Tucson. The group has roughly $8 million in commitments for the coming year and has received $1.5 million through the Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Fund.

The board also heard about plans for a new pub-style restaurant, Cornish Pasty, from Leslie Gustafson, Zach Fenton, and Dean Thomas.

Cornish Pasty was founded in 2005 by Thomas, with multiple locations across Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Nevada.

Now Thomas wants to expand the business into Tucson, moving into the space at 72 E. Congress St., formerly occupied by Indian Village Trading Post.

“We find buildings with a lot of charm and bring that back,” Thomas said.

When Rio Nuevo purchased the historic building, the group offered Fenton, owner of real estate investment company ZFI Holdings, the chance to transform the building to include a bar, restaurant, and live entertainment.

“We are significantly over budget,” Fenton said.

The building’s historic status has led to unexpected costs that have come up, causing delays and additional renovations.

“We had a contractor…walk off the job because of how overwhelmed he felt with it,” he said.

The group asked the board for $375,000 to help cover hard costs.

The board is set to vote on the two ventures at an upcoming meeting.

Arilynn Hyatt is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at arilynndhyatt@arizona.edu.

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