Pima County Shifts Main Library to Iconic Wells Fargo Building Across the Street

Pima County is set to acquire the Wells Fargo building Downtown to serve as the new main branch of its Public Library system, following a vote by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. This decision aims to relocate the library from the deteriorating Joel D. Valdez Main Library, just across the street.

The existing library facility at 101 N. Stone Ave. has suffered significant wear and tear, prompting officials to seek a more viable solution. Extensive repairs to the current facility are estimated to cost between $72 million and $86 million, making the move more economical. The Wells Fargo building, built in 1957, offers a more cost-effective option with a projected cost of $6.2 million for the purchase and an additional $24 million for renovations.

City officials expressed the importance of maintaining “critical library services” in the Downtown area. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero emphasized the library’s role as a community hub, providing access to resources such as internet, computers, and books. Current attendance at the Main Library has dropped to less than half of pre-pandemic levels, raising questions about the necessity of the 90,000-square-foot space.

The Wells Fargo building, located at 150 N. Stone Ave., has been vacant since 2022. Originally the main office of the Southern Arizona Bank and Trust Co., the structure was acquired by Wells Fargo in 1975. The building’s future owner is First Interstate Bank of Arizona.

Supervisor Andrés Cano, who voted in favor of the acquisition, remarked that the new space would provide a modern and inspiring venue for community engagement. He pointed out that this strategic move ensures library services remain in the heart of Downtown Tucson.

However, Supervisor Steve Christy opposed the purchase, raising concerns that the historic building might suffer the same fate as the existing Main Library, which has become a gathering place for the homeless. He suggested utilizing another county-owned building that officials claimed did not meet layout requirements.

The proposed acquisition also includes two nearby properties and a parking garage associated with the former bank branch. County officials noted that the library’s role has evolved beyond lending books, now focusing more on social services. Main Library manager Linde Furman highlighted an increase in visitors requiring support since the pandemic, citing issues such as homelessness and food insecurity.

Supervisor Matt Heinz envisioned the new library as a vibrant gathering spot for families and children, expanding the role of the library in the community. He noted that a modern library should serve a broader purpose than merely housing books. This acquisition follows a previous agreement, established in 2003, which transferred library operations from city to county control.

The impending move offers the city a chance to reimagine its Stone Avenue location, with Mayor Romero and City Manager Tim Thomure anticipating fruitful discussions on plans for the now-vacant Main Library property. “This property has tremendous potential,” said Thomure, indicating a vision for extensive community engagement in the redevelopment plans.