The long talked about development of a Ritz Carlton in Dove Mountain has officially been confirmed by the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. LLC.

The rumor mill among Tucson residents, Tucson Realtors and Tucson Investors and has been the worst-kept secret in Pima County.

When finished, the 850 acre Dove Mountain development will feature Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, a 250 room hotel and spa, and around 350 private residences.

What does this mean for Dove Mountain, and the surrounding Marana and Oro Valley areas?

Marana Chamber of Commerce CEO, Ed Stolmaker, is pleased with the announcement- "From an economic standpoint, it will bring in additional revenue for the town," he said. "It will bring in a different level of hospitality in the area. It's definitely a different level than what we have presently, not only in Marana but also in Tucson."

From the Ritz Cartlon perspective it sounds like they are going all out on their new Dove Mountain property. In the continental United States, "this will be the largest project that combines golf, spa, resort and residences together," said Vivian Deuschl, a Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman.

So when will the New Dove Mountain Ritz Carlton be ready for Tucson Visitors? The Golf courses will be complete January 2009. The hotel will be ready in Fall of 2009. Plans include hosting the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship beginning in February 2009. An exciting prospect for Tucson Visitors and golfers a like.

Adding more prime Tucson Real Estate, homes are expected to sell for $1.5 million to $3 million. Marana and Oro Valley are certainly growing and with this sort of development, will continue to attract great additions to the area.