Steve Sertich – Project Manager | Tucson, AZ
L to R: Melquisedec Garcia, Frederick “Sunny” Barry, Pastor Arnold Real, Dillon Jones, Grant Radcliffe, Matt Rees, Hung Nguyen, Erik Aguilar, Amari Frank, Rudy Martinez, Chris Tzoras, Brandon Farnham, Jacob Frodsham, Kajetan Ciborowski, Guillermo Robles, Nate Burnside, Mat Merriman
The Tucson House, as seen from its south side.
Tucson House’s main electrical room.
Over the past few years, the City of Tucson, AZ, has been working on a renovation plan for the historic Tucson House. Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest (CECM) is proud to have been selected as the electrical subcontractor for this project, working alongside owner and general contractor Gorman & Company.
Tucson House is a modern residential high-rise built in 1963. Standing 195 feet tall, with 17 floors, the 376,760-square-foot building was—at the time—the city’s tallest building. It was also the most luxurious, designed by Chicago developers and located along Tucson’s “Miracle Mile,” which was a popular stop for travelers driving across the country. The building is now owned by Gorman & Company Property Management and serves as public housing, supported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding for low-income housing improvements in the Tucson area through the program known as Thrive in the 05.
As part of its renovation, the city will upgrade over 400 of the building’s units into 358 modern, affordable apartment homes for adults aged 55 and older. The complex will feature upgraded systems, new community and amenity spaces, and enhanced outdoor areas. The project began in January 2026 and is set to take 30 months, completing one floor at a time.
This multi-million dollar project is led by Project Manager Steve Sertich, Project Manager Adrian Vasquez, and Foreman Mathew Merriman. The CECM team is delivering a comprehensive electrical scope that includes a 4,000‑amp, 480‑volt service, a 500‑kW natural gas generator, and all new building electrical systems. Additional work includes new fire alarm and Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement (ERRCE) systems, tele‑data cabling and devices throughout the building, and upgraded site lighting for walkways and parking lots.
CECM is excited to work alongside the City of Tucson and Gorman & Company to help bring this project to completion.
This renovation is an investment in Tucson’s community, preserving a local landmark while improving residents’ quality of life. Commonwealth is proud to support a project that blends historic preservation with modern upgrades, ensuring Tucson House can serve the city for generations to come.
