County approves purchase of Wells Fargo-era downtown building for new main library

Pima County voted June 3 to buy the former Wells Fargo building and adjoining parcels in downtown Tucson as the county’s proposed new main library site and to begin the due‑diligence and renovation planning.

Chair Rex Scott moved the measure; the board approved the purchase 4–1. Supervisor Steve Christie cast the lone no vote, saying he favored preserving the building on the private market rather than taking it off the tax rolls.

Nut graf: Supporters and county staff argued the purchase is more cost‑effective than renovating the county’s current downtown library building and would preserve a landmark property while allowing modernization of library services in a single, accessible downtown location.

County administration presented cost estimates that combined the purchase price and expected tenant improvements: a reported purchase offer in the low‑to‑mid millions and a multi‑million renovation budget. Administrator Jan Lesher and project staff said a Phase I environmental assessment and additional inspections will be completed during the due‑diligence period; if they identify deal‑breaking conditions the county can decline to close escrow.

The county said the Wells Fargo parcel offers several operational advantages: a contiguous footprint that spans three adjacent buildings, a 219‑space parking garage directly available to the site, and frontage desirable for a modern downtown library. Facilities and project staff described opportunities to reconfigure floors and program spaces for children’s services, community meeting rooms, and potential after‑hours access models discussed by supervisors.

Supervisor Steve Christie expressed concern about removing the asset from the tax rolls and questioned the wisdom of converting a privately owned historic building to county ownership when private developers have repurposed other downtown banks successfully. Supporters said the county’s ownership would preserve the building and enable a civic‑oriented, publicly accessible use downtown.

The board also asked county staff to coordinate with the City of Tucson and other downtown stakeholders about a broader plaza and master plan for the adjacent public space. Staff indicated the city had expressed interest in leading a visioning process for the plaza and the county will participate.

Ending: The board approved the purchase and authorized the county to complete Phase I environmental review and other due diligence prior to closing. Staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and a schedule for renovations and community engagement around the new downtown library plan.