Completion of Multi-Level Parking Garage Signifies Milestone in $65M Downtown Tucson Improvement Project

Construction of a new multi-level parking structure on the east side of the Tucson Convention Center located in Tucson, Arizona, was recently completed—a significant milestone in the $65-million downtown improvement project. Sundt Construction, Inc. and its partner, Concord General Contracting, completed the structure a week ahead of the expected completion. Swaim Associates served as the architect on the project.

The new vertical-precast concrete parking structure adds 392 parking spaces for the convention center, on what used to be a single lot.; the project also included site improvements. Inside the TCC, the joint-venture is wrapping up renovating and expanding the main ballroom, south exhibition hall, adding meeting rooms, restrooms and lobbies. The project team will also add another parking structure with 524 spaces. The upgrades will support conventions of many sizes, and technology upgrades to the 50-year-old building will support in-person, virtual or hybrid events. The project’s schedule accelerated during the pandemic, while the facility had been closed for events.

Sundt+Concord is also restoring the historic plaza on the TCC campus to its original state. Initially constructed in two stages in 1971 and 1973, it is the only Garrett Eckbo-designed civic landscape in Arizona. New trees, irrigation and restored bricks are part of the enhancements. The entire improvement project is scheduled for completion in January 2022 before the annual Gem and Mineral Show.