By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Less than four years after Old Tucson Studios was taken over by a new company, Pima County will have to start looking for a new tenant.
Read more Future of Spirit Airlines planes right here in southern Arizona
In August 2022, American Heritage Railways, operating as Old Tucson Entertainment, acquired the iconic landmark.
American Heritage Railways had hoped to bring Old Tucson back to its original glory, but it appears it didn’t work out.
Old Tucson Studios closed its doors during the pandemic in 2020, and many had hoped it could again become a destination.
Old Tucson Entertainment signed a five-year lease with the county and was set to pay $60,000 per year for rent and give the county 4% of the annual gross operating revenue.
Origins of Old Tucson, as told by the founder’s wife
The initial lease was slated to end next year, but the company had an option to extend the deal for another decade.
The county said AHR declined to execute the extension and that the current lease ends in April 2027.
“County officials have met with representatives of American Heritage Railways and are actively engaged in discussions about how they can move forward together,” the county said in a release to 13 News.
The county said the Nightfall event and the Yuletide celebration will continue as planned.
Read more Las Vegas police search for suspect after man shot, killed at store
“Old Tucson is currently open, and all tours and other events are continuing as normal,” the county said.“Officials are encouraging visitors and residents to continue exploring all Old Tucson has to offer, from Ghost Tours to Summer Night Markets to studio tours and more.”
The county said its staff will try to focus on the broader public interest in preserving and enhancing Old Tucson.
One of the things that made Old Tucson so attractive to tourists was the fact so many movies were made there beginning in 1939. A fire in 1994 destroyed the old movie sets, filming stopped for the most part, and attendance plummeted.
American Heritage Railways has ties to the movie industry.
The company operates a dozen attractions like Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the Grand Imperial Hotel, and True West Rodeo
Allen Harper, the CEO and Chairman, said at the time that AHR spent the last quarter-century “with historic railways, theme parks, hotels and other tourist attractions.”
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Man accused of lighting ex-girlfriend’s home, car on fire in Surprise
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.