The event center sits on one side of the main drag into Payson. The casino sits on the other side. But the Tonto Apache Tribe has more ambitious plans on the drawing board. Thanks to a computer model laying out a future tourist economy on the threshold of rapid growth, the tribe is leaning towards an entertainment complex.
Nothing is set in stone, but under consideration are a swim center, bowling alley, movie theater, medical complex and light industry.
Before anything is finalized, business and financial partners need to sign on to the project.
“The tribe has some partners identified and some we are still working on the agreement,” Eric Trevan, president of the tribe’s developer, a Local Solutions, told the Payson Roundup. “We run multiple scenarios based on the market data and other options by potential partners.”
Trevan’s a Local Solutions provides data analytics for the development side of the project. The company has also worked with tribes across the U.S.
“We know that based on our data there seems to be increased demand for this,” he said.
“In the Tonto Apache’s area, some indicators have aligned to create great economic impacts in the region,” said Trevan, including the completion of the C.C. Cragin pipeline. The project will provide enough water for Payson to double its population.
Since the end of the pandemic, visitation to the region has gone up as has demand for new housing. On weekends, it can take as long as 90 minutes to get into Payson. If the tribe can offer activities for the crowds, this keeps dollars local.
“Without going into economic analysis, why are so many coming up in the summer?” Trevan told the Roundup. “That is demand. Think of those things they are leaving town for or not doing because it doesn’t exist.. We’re preparing now for people to enjoy various aspects of life you don’t want to drive an hour and a half to enjoy. So, we have these conversations now.
As for costs and funding, Trevan has no specific partners yet, but talks continue. He believes the tribe’s development will keep visitors in the Payson area which will benefit all in Payson.
“The Tonto Apache have been very progressive,” he said. “It is always fun to get to Payson and try all the different restaurants and you have a charging station. The tribe is doing some amazing things,” he said.
