Fire destroyed three units of the historic Ghost Ranch Lodge in Tucson Friday afternoon. Officials say it was arson.

Courtesy: Ghost Ranch Lodge

The property was fenced off and there was no electricity or gas service active.

The hotel was famous for its landscaping, including a cactus garden that was recognized as one of the best in the Southwest.

The facility first opened in 1941 and was built by well known Tucson philantrophist Arthur Pack. His vision for the hotel was the Ghost Ranch area near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The hotel attracted guests from the start and included many famous movie stars during its day. During the late 1940's and 1950's, it was considered the best motel in Tucson.

It's location close to Interstate 10 helped it survive when other hotels on the Miracle Mile suffered after the new highway was built.

The current owners closed the hotel and began renovations in 2005. They had initially said some units would be available in 2006, but the construction was delayed and the facility remained closed. It's website promised 93 units after the renovation.

The facility covers eight acres and included shaded pathways, vast lawn areas and sunny patios.

As Tucson firefighters got the blaze in three units under control, a fire was discovered in a fourth unit.

A Tucson Fire spokesperson says two of the four units were seriously damaged with the roof collapsing on one.

She said the fire was set in multiple locations.