Designing with nature, honoring the past, practicing environmental sensitivity: these are the guiding principals behind Saguaro Ranch, an upscale residential community currently under development 15 miles north of downtown Tucson, Arizona. As the project unfolds in phases over the next several years, Saguaro Ranch’s commitment to an extensive conservation plan – from its pre-building phase of environmental and historical surveys to its architecture – will be evident. Of the project’s approximately 1,035 acres of land, 80 percent will remain as undisturbed, natural open space. In addition, the community’s comprehensive network of pedestrian, bridle and Neighborhoood Electric Vehicle (NEV) trails will minimize the use of motorized vehicles and their noise and emissions.

Saguaro Ranch developers are taking great pains to ensure the site’s origins are preserved, especially since part of the site is believed to have been a hunting and gathering ground for prehistoric peoples. The sites will be preserved in place. (Residents and visitors will not know the location of the archaeological sites.)

Builders will employ the techniques, design motifs and materials that reflect the architectural heritage of the region, including Sonoran and Old Arizona Territorial Ranch House. The community’s Horse Ranch will emulate a 100-year old Arizona working ranch. To reduce the environmental and visual impacts of development and to preserve views, homes and buildings will be understated and low to the ground. Their colors will echo the desert palette. For authenticity, materials such as adobe, plaster, stucco, masonry, rammed earth, rusted metal, distressed wood and native rock will be used to create the residences, shared buildings, fences and walls. An assortment of energy conservation and “green building” methods will be employed. Roads, paths and trails winding in and around the community will follow the contours of the land and preserve the site’s natural washes. Vegetation and any endangered plant and wildlife species are continually surveyed to minimize potential impacts from this environmentally friendly community.

Transportation and recreation will merge at Saguaro Ranch, and both will be environment-friendly. The use of NEVS (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) – not to mention, horses, bicycles and footpaths – will be encouraged as the means of getting around the Ranch.

NEVS are small, two- to four- passenger vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries and an electric motor. Traveling at low speeds, they can go up to 30 miles on a charge. NEV charging stations will be strategically placed along NEV paths. Designed for use in a city environment as a solution to gas-fueled vehicular pollution, they are ideal for traveling short distances anywhere, and are as economical as they are ecologically sound. The project’s network of trails tailored for NEVS and the above modes of transport are certain to inspire residents and their guests to explore nature at its unspoiled best.