1974-1983

The town of Oro Valley, all of 1,200 people in a 2.5-square-mile rectangle of land, was incorporated April 15, 1974.  Its initial meetings were held in a 2-room rented apartment at 9040 N. Oracle, today the home of Toscana Studio and Gallery.

The newborn Oro Valley government had little money and plenty of internal disagreement. As dissension eased, the town began to find its footing, and the community and its environs began to grow.

Oro Valley 1974-1983: A Visual Timeline

Two crucial events stood out in that 10-year period.

The Sheraton Resort, now El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, opened its doors as Tucson’s first great resort in 1982. The resort was “fast-tracked” through permitting and inspection processes by the very small town staff and volunteers. When it opened, town government began to collect much-needed tax revenue to provide government services and facilities.

Soon thereafter, after years of tension over the fate of land east of Oracle Road, the state of Arizona opened Catalina State Park to the public in 1983. The park's creation was closely tied to Oro Valley’s eventual annexation and development of Rancho Vistoso.

Capturing History: A Journey Through Town of Oro Valley's Rich Heritage in Photographs and Historical Documents

clicktoview.png

 

In This Decade

  • Arizona Supreme Court rules to approve Oro Valley incorporation, Jan. 28, 1974. Oro Valley incorporated: 4/15/1974. First town council meeting April 23.
  • L.W. Cross Middle School opens, 1974.
  • Coronado K-8 School opens in Catalina, 1976.
  • Pima County approves land exchanges to protect Catalina State Park, and to allow development of Rancho Vistoso, 1977.
  • Golder Ranch Fire District created by a public vote, 1977. It originally served residents north of Tangerine Road.
  • Sheraton Resort, now El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, opens as greater Tucson's first major resort, 1982.
  • After lengthy efforts to first develop, then preserve, the land, Catalina State Park opens to the public, May 25, 1983.
  • El Conquistador Country Club opens, 1983
Back to top