The ground was broken Thursday for a retail project in Tucson, which will include three additional stores at Houghton Town Center near Houghton and Old Vail Roads.

Ryan Companies US is the owner, developer and general contractor of the retail project and is partnered with Diamond Ventures to add the three new retail stores.

The additions will include 56,000 square feet of retail space at the center.

The tenants of the upcoming stores, which will be located next door to each other east of the Walmart Super Center, include Ross Dress for Less, T.J. Maxx and Petco.

The project will be completed this fall.

“Our team is eager to further enhance the amenities at Houghton Town Center and look forward to continued growth in Tucson,” said John Strittmatter, chairman/southwest, Ryan Companies US, Inc.