by Charles Spillar on Nov.06, 2009, under Tucson Art, arts
Former Zee’s Warehouse SOLD at Auction!
The former Zee’s Warehouse located at 1 E. Toole Ave. (Stone/E. Toole) was auctioned off the morning of November 6 by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The former occupant Zee was forced out in late 2007 due to safety issues at the historic building.
For several years the City of Tucson has made gestures to help save the historic warehouse district by trading ADOT for city owned property which would have included 1 E. Toole. Anyone knowing anything about the arts district in Tucson knows the City talks more about preserving the arts district than actually doing any positive action. With the present economic situation they perhaps have an excuse for not implementing their Master Plan created by the city over 5 years ago.
At this mornings auction there were three bidders. The starting price was $165,000 and the final selling price was $252,000 offered by Patricia Schwabe of Peach Properties. Peach Properties has a good reputation for supporting the arts district and owns several art related properties in the area.
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November 6th, 2009 on 12:29 pm
We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
November 6th, 2009 on 10:17 pm
Dinnerware Artspace, one of the casualties of the arrival of Mr. An to Congress Street, will be moving in as the primary tenant of 1 E. Congress. David Aguirre will undoubtedly do just as he has done many times–activate the space by bringing in lots of art and activity.
This is the best solution for 1 E. Toole. Schwabe has a proven track record of renovating distressed downtown buildings with character, and Aguirre has a proven track record of attracting people to his downtown art spaces.
An alternative outcome could have been the purchase by a developer who would just sit on the property waiting for the courthouse to get built across the street, and the building suffering demolition by neglect.
November 7th, 2009 on 9:18 am
If only “artists” would pay their own way in life.
November 7th, 2009 on 9:52 am
If only artists determined the value of their own efforts, I ‘m sure they would pay “their own way”. The reality is though, that that vaunted “marketplace” determines price; and price and value are not related in capitalist economic systems.
America has pretty low standards and minimal interest when it comes to art. We’re far more likely to have a velvet painting of Elvis in our house that we bought for $19.99 than anything a more objective viewer might call art.
November 8th, 2009 on 1:15 pm
The problem is the “artist” seeks to determine what his “art” is worth – not the …gasp…marketplace. How much is a crucifix in a jar of urine worth?
November 19th, 2009 on 11:51 pm
A Tucson apartment owner would love to promote an artist community. Low rent, a place to display your work, and more. Please go to the website above and give me your feedback.
Thanks,
November 19th, 2009 on 11:53 pm
http://artatavalon.blogspot.com/2009/11/want-to-create-community-for-local.html