Mission Palms Apartments, Tucson, Az.
Against the desolate backdrop of suburban Tucson lie 30 acres of crisp green lawns marked with citrus and magnolia trees that provide shade for this one-time ranch for the stars turned multifamily community.
Text and photography by Joshua Ayers
Against the desolate backdrop of suburban Tucson lie 30 acres of crisp green lawns marked with citrus and magnolia trees that provide shade for this one-time ranch for the stars turned multifamily community. Mission Palms is truly an oasis. According to Senior Community Manager, Carmen Calvillo—and to historical documents she provided—the now-JIK Properties community was once a vacation destination for actor Clark Gable, renowned pianist Liberace and other celebrities who frequented the ranch for weeks and months at a time. The current property includes two pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse, a putting green, a one-mile walking trail and as much citrus as one can manage to collect. In addition to year-round good weather, residents are also given a complimentary membership to a local gym. Mission Palms’ residents are loyal. Calvillo says that throughout the recession, resident retention has remained very high—something she attributes directly to the curb appeal of the community, as well as offering favorable pricing compared with other communities in the area. Mission Palms Apartments and JIK Properties are part of the Kislak Organization.
Location: Tucson, AZ
Owner: JIK Properties (part of the Kislak Organization)
Year Built: 1977
Senior Community Manager:
Carmen Calvillo
Features/Amenities: Two pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, putting green, walking trail
Occupancy: 98 percent leased
Number of Units: 360 apartments; units range from 754 to 1,309 sq. ft.
Rent range: $729 (one bedroom) to $1,019 (townhouse)
Resident Retention Tools:
Complimentary membership to
local gym; up to 5 percent employer discount on rent
