UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

When constructed in 1889, Old Main was the University of Arizona’s first and only building on the new campus. Since then, it has become the iconic symbol of the University, as well as the fulcrum of the University campus site plan. It is situated at the center of the University of Arizona’s two main organizing malls, the historic west campus mall and the more contemporary east campus mall. In 2013, it was fitting that the University sought to rehabilitate Old Main to become the functional public hub of the campus by making the building home to the Executive Offices of the President, Admissions, Enrollment, and public seminar and meeting spaces.

Poster Mirto McDonald had the privilege of leading the design efforts for this once in a lifetime comprehensive rehabilitation. Our approach was to bring the exterior, verandas, building shell, and interior central cruciform hallways of Old Main back to their original grandeur. At the more remote interior spaces, we placed 21st century university functions, including upgrades to current safety and accessibility codes and best practices for energy conservation, lighting, and electronics, within the 19th century shell - like a ship in a bottle.

Location : Tucson, Arizona

Year of Completion : 2014

Size : 25,000 SF

Cost : $3,200,000

LEED: Silver (oldest building in Arizona certified LEED)