By: Joe Ferguson | Staff Writer | Arizona Daily Star
The City of Tucson finally got a closer look at what HSL Properties wants to build in place of the colorful yet dated buildings of La Placita Village.
The developer offered up preliminary conceptual designs to the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission that feature retaining several historic structures while building a new six-story apartment building.
Jonathan Mabry, the city’s historic preservation officer, said the plans will protect three existing buildings in the iconic development at 110 S. Church Ave. The remaining buildings will be torn down to make room for the new development.
Each of the three buildings is eligible for listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Office.
They include the Samaniego House, the Flin Building, and the Stables, all that date from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and are surviving remnants of Tucson’s downtown barrio.
Omar Mireles, the president of HSL Properties, said the designs were simply conceptual, and his company has plans for ground-floor retailers that allow for public access to the historic structures.
Mireles said he hoped to break ground next year on the project, but acknowledged the company has a long road ahead regarding the development process.
All current tenants were told to vacate the property by the end of July.
Plans submitted to the city do not include any changes to La Placita’s parking garage.
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