The investment group which purchased Biosphere 2 and it’s surrounding property back in 2007 has recently donated ownership of Biosphere 2 to the University of Arizona, which took official ownership at the beginning of July. The UA has operated the facility since CDO Ranching & Development purchased the property, but now gains full ownership of the structure. An additional 1,658 acres sits surrounding the Biosphere 2 facility which could be the site of future development. With annual visitor traffic of approximately 65,000 people there is already a built-in means for garnering traffic that far north up towards Oracle. Situated in Pinal County, the developers do have approved plans for roughly 1,550 homes, 200 acres of commercial space, and a hotel. That plan still leaves 40% of the land as open space. When conditions improve in the local Tucson economy it won’t be surprising to see new development spring up in the area surrounding Biosphere 2. Particularly if the Town of Oro Valley ends up completing a talked about purchase of Arroyo Grande up to the Pinal County border, it’s likely development becomes even more attractive for the landholders up the road.
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