990 East Seventeenth represents the re-adaptation of an existing repair shop building into 4,292 square feet of modern professional office building. Taking advantage of the efficient metal building structure for open space and expanses of glazing, a unique office space and north facing courtyard is created to serve a small scale design-oriented user.

The transformation begins with the exterior skin. In place of the existing standard metal building panel, a new skin of lightweight aluminum panels form a rain screen over a heavily insulated wall system. A new “cool roof” encloses the building with south facing shaded monitor skylights at each of the four bays along with an energy efficient roof insulation system. Each of the original roll-up doors along the north facade are replaced by glazing with operable components to provide ventilation and views to the landscaped courtyard and mountains beyond. Additional apertures slip along the base at the northeast corner of the building to expose hints of structure and activity inside. Along the south facade, a thin strip window runs high along the length of the building to maximize the natural lighting possibilities within the interior.

Inside, an undulating wood slat ceiling creates an organic flowing space providing spatial interest and acoustic relief.  A shared restroom core frees up interior space for each tenant to create a plan to suit their needs.

Lush desert landscaping and hardscape enliven the outdoor spaces throughout the site to create a virtual oasis with plant color, including several raised garden beds constructed of reclaimed material.

The building plays off its neighbors including other award winning projects by Rob Paulus Architects: to the north, the re-adaptation of the Ice House and Cold Storage Building into the successful Ice House Lofts, and to the east the popular Barrio Metalico residential development. This third project will complete the block with complementary design and a common sensitivity to smart urban development. The proximity to downtown, the University, and central Tucson offer an advantageous central location.

location
Tucson, Arizona

client/owner
R+R 17th Street LLC

contractor
Mega Trend Inc

area
4,292 sf

completion date
December 2008