The old Pima County Courthouse was constructed in 1929 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was designed by Roy Place, arguably the most accomplished architect in Tucson’s history, and has been described as the best example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in Arizona. It sits at the very heart of downtown within the footprint of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson and represents the birthplace of government and civic life in the valley. The restoration of this compelling work makes major contributions to downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and Pima County’s inventory of fine buildings.

Poster Mirto McDonald is proud to have led design efforts for this multi-phase re-purposing of the Courthouse as a tourism center for Southern Arizona, anchored by the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor’s Center, the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, office suites for Visit Tucson and Pima County Attractions and Tourism, the restored historic Dillinger Courtroom, and other spaces available to the public such as an auditorium and conference rooms. Completed exterior improvements include preservation of the building’s iconic mosaic tiled dome, restoration of the building’s original 1929 paint colors, and rehabilitation of clay tile roofing, historic copper gutters, and historic light fixtures. The rehabilitation features contemporary interiors that have been inserted into the historic shell, and collaboration with Ralph Appelbaum Associates for the design of exhibits and galleries.

PROJECT INFO

Location : Tucson Arizona

Year of Completion : 2020

Size : 78,000 square feet

Cost : $18.6M (Construction) and $7.7M (Exhibits)

Photography : Logan Havens