After recent successes with Tohono Plaza and its other projects, the EDA purchased a modest adobe building complex in Tubac, Arizona. They desired to further promote the interests of the O’odham Nation’s cultural assets to surrounding communities. The facility is located on Otero street in Tubac on the east side of the Santa Cruz River, adjacent a small cantina. The EDA chose WLFA Associates for the same reasons as for the Plaza, including our familiarity with adobe.

The previous owner, an ironsmith, left many examples of his work, artifacts and ingenuity. We chose to preserve a large open-roofed over canopy supported by homemade inverted steel bowstring trusses. Along with an attractive surrounding stone wall, the structure was integrated by an organizing courtyard to be part of the small complex of restored adobe structures. The design program for the building was to create an attractive and inviting venue in the heart of Tubac to display and market native American fine art, crafts and jewelry; display O’odham history and tradition; and provide comfort and accommodation for visitors. Contractor:  Five Starr Construction, Nogales, Arizona/

copyright 2009 - 2011 WLFA & Assoc. LLC
this page updated 8/4/11