KEVIN KLAUS

Shown in its demolition stage, the Main Gate Square project at the corner of Park Avenue and Second Street is being prepared for construction of a new and larger complex for the university-area community. Restaurants such as Mama's Pizza, Taco Bron and Park Avenue Cafˇ were located in the now-demolished plaza.

Wednesday September 5, 2001

Construction of 5-level building scheduled for completion in 2002

Recent demolition of the buildings on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Second Street have begun the third phase of the Main Gate Square project, sponsored by the university-area Marshall Foundation.

In order to provide a new and larger complex for the university-area community, the Marshall Foundation has begun construction of a five-story building - scheduled for completion in December 2002 - on the newly vacant lot at the intersection.

A movie theater on the same block is tentatively scheduled for completion in summer 2003.

"This is a continuation of providing for students of a world-class university," said Tom Warne, a project consultant for the Marshall Foundation.

Restaurants such as Mama's Pizza, Taco Bron and Park Avenue Cafˇ were formerly located in the now-demolished plaza.

Warne said the new complex will include at least three floors of university offices as well as retail spaces.

However, Mercy Valencia of the University Space Management office said that although no formal decision has been made regarding expansion, space management officials and the foundation have agreed in principle to allocate the space to University of Arizona employees.

"The Marshall Foundation offered to lease available office space to the university," she said. "But we have nothing as of yet. It's in progress."

Half of the first floor will be used for the Arizona Bookstore, which is currently located at 815 N. Park Ave., while the rest of the area has been designated as retail space.

Warne said he could not comment on the status of new businesses scheduled to move into the complex.

Those businesses currently located on the north side of University Boulevard, such as University Drug Co., 943 E. University Blvd., are currently negotiating with the foundation about moving into the complex.

The owner of University Drug said he was not allowed to comment on the store's leasing agreements with the foundation.

"The Marshall Foundation has worked with the west University neighborhood, administration, city of Tucson staff and elected officials," Warne said about the foundation's attempt to support local business already located on University Boulevard.

Warne said the complex will be constructed with a design similar to those of the Arizona State Museum and the Douglass building on the UA campus. The design will act as a tribute to the style preferences of the late Louise Marshall, founder of the foundation.

The Marshall Foundation currently owns all the land on the north and south sides of University Boulevard with the exceptions of Frog and Firkin, No Anchovies, Landmark Clothing and Shoes and Chen's Cafˇ.