TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The former Carson Middle School campus on the Eastside is being demolished after Tucson Unified School District closed the school in 2013.
The school opened in September 1967 and was named after Charles A. Carson, a former TUSD administrator.
According to Pima County Assessor records, KB Home Tucson purchased the property at 7777 E. Stella Road for $4,337,725.
TUSD told KGUN 9 the property had been held originally with the intention of renovating it and reopening the school.
In 2017, an assessment by an architect estimated the cost of renovations at $7 million, according to TUSD.
The property was approved for sale by TUSD voters in 2014 and was offered for sale in 2023.
TUSD said neighbors within 300 feet of the property were notified about the pending sale and had the opportunity to provide comments before the contract was approved by the school board during a public hearing.
City of Tucson records show KB Home is the applicant on the demolition permit for the project. The permit lists RCD Demolition as the contractor and describes the project as a 99-lot Flexible Lot Development with single-family detached homes planned for the site.
Permit records also include a “Confirmation of Notice of Demolition” signed by TUSD in April of 2026.
KB Home tells KGUN 9 that the former Carson Middle School site will be redeveloped into Reserves at Carson Corner, a community featuring 99 single-family, detached homes. The single-story homes will range from about 850 to 1,760 square feet, though the company did not announce a price range.
Demolition of the former school buildings is expected to wrap up within the next 30 days. Grading and underground utility work will begin immediately afterward, KB Home tells KGUN 9.
Model home construction is expected to begin this winter, with models opening next spring. The first homes are expected to be delivered in late summer 2026.
While the former Carson Middle School buildings will be demolished, KB Home said it plans to honor the school's history by incorporating elements of it into the community's design and common areas.
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Athena Kehoe is a reporter for KGUN 9, she joined the KGUN 9 team in July of 2024 after graduating from Arizona State University. Share your story ideas with Athena by emailing athena.kehoe@kgun9.com or by connecting on X/Twitter.
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