Poster Mirto McDonald was instrumental in the process of rezoning the property and preserving the Benedictine Monastery as a Historic Landmark in the beginning stage of this multiphase project. The comprehensive adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the 1940’s Historic Benedictine Monastery, designed by Roy Place, required expert knowledge of the existing structure and character-defining features along with a creative vision to realize a new use for the building with respectful intention. The goal was to create a holistic project that would seamlessly integrate the responsive yet distinctly new residential buildings with the central historic Monastery within a thoughtful and contextually driven site design.
The Historic Benedictine Monastery Renovation sought to preserve primary spaces such as the main entry and corridors, keeping original flooring and arches intact. Secondary spaces, originally serving as modest living spaces for nuns, were carefully modified into 37 new apartment units as well as resident amenity spaces including a multi-purpose room, fitness center, mail/package room, and large covered roof deck with bar and game room. The historic chapel received an infrastructure upgrade only, with any touch to the interior awaiting a future tenant. A new sunken courtyard provides additional outdoor space and direct accessible access into the basement level, adding to the weaving of exterior space already exhibited in the existing buildings configuration around two modestly improved courtyards. The sensitive architectural approach to the renovation celebrates the Historic Benedictine Monastery as an important centerpiece not just to the project, but to the neighborhood and greater Tucson.
The Benedictine Monastery Apartments is the new construction portion of the project comprised of two mid-rise buildings with 255 apartment units, 3 ground-level commercial spaces, a 2-level low-profile parking structure, and 50 private garages. The apartments include a mix of 1 and 2-bedroom units with private balconies or patios, and 53 two-level lofts. The primary structure is concrete, which is exposed in the ceiling spaces throughout corridors and in the unit living and bedroom spaces. The new buildings are thoughtfully situated on the site, tucking around, but holding back from, the Monastery in a manner that is reverent and complimentary. The commercial spaces facing Country Club Road further merge the project with the rest of the urban fabric, allowing everyone - not just residents - the opportunity to experience the site. Special attention to the programming and contextual landscape design within exterior spaces created between the Monastery and the new buildings fosters a connective flow between old and new. These new courtyard-like outdoor spaces include a common green, pool with spa and water feature, and multiple shade/privacy ramadas for gathering, lounging, or cooking. A focus on material, light, shade, and experience further unifies the buildings and site to enhance the unique history and story of this place.
PROJECT INFO
Location : Tucson, AZ
Year Complete : 2022
Size : 255 New Construction Apartments, 37 Apartments in the Historic Benedictine Monastery
Cost : $66,000,000
Photographer : Logan Havens
AWARDS
2023 CoStar Impact Awards Redevelopment of the year for Tucson.