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Where We Work Southwest Superstition Vistas
Superstition Vistas
Superstition Vistas represents an unprecedented opportunity to create a model community for sustainable smart growth in an arid environment. Comprising 275 square miles in northern Pinal County, Arizona, the land is under the single ownership of the State Land Department and stands out as a crown jewel in the state’s trust land portfolio. It lies in the path of metro Phoenix growth, but also borders thousands of acres of public lands, including the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area. Estimates of the area’s total value run into the billions of dollars.
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy-Sonoran Institute Joint Venture has identified Superstition Vistas as one of the most promising long-term, place-based projects for the partnership. The project presents the opportunity to explore innovative urban form patterns, integrate conservation and development and promote sustainability in a key parcel of the emerging Sun Corridor megaregion. As part of its multi-year commitment to the Superstition Vistas effort, the Joint Venture participates on the Superstition Vistas Steering Committee. The partnership also sponsors the sustainability component of the scenario modeling being led by Senior Project Consultant Robert Grow and his team for the area’s comprehensive planning and visioning process.
Read more about Western Lands and Communities – A Joint Venture of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Sonoran Institute.
Read more about the Superstition Vistas Area Planning Project
News & Updates
Open Plan a Popular Idea for Huge Pinal Development
Arizona Republic, September 3, 2009
Public meetings to discuss the future of development on the 275 square mile area known as Superstition Vistas yielded results for East Valley Partnership, Pinal Partnership and the planning consultants to consider when determining a preferred development scenario. Four models for the future community were presented to nearly 300 participants in two public meetings. Each scenario featured a different density and various urban uses.
Stories
A Model for Sustainable Development in Arizona’s Sun Corridor
Emerging concerns about climate change impacts along with changing preferences
for housing options are shaping the debate over growth patterns and sustainability. Climate modeling experts expect Arizona’s Sun Corridor to become hotter, drier, and more prone to extreme weather events. The response will require significantly changing prevalent land use planning and development patterns in the region. Article by Sonoran Institute Executive Director Luther Propst for Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Land Lines magazine