The Pima Community College West Campus is a 304.47 acre site in west Tucson, Arizona on the eastern edge of the Tucson Mountains range. The campus was constructed between 1968 and 1970 with nine original primary buildings. The primary character defining features of the Pima Community College West Campus is the bold exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete multi-story buildings developed in a semi-symmetrical layout to create series of interconnected and intersecting axes. The arrangement of the buildings and multi-level terraces and walkways form a dramatic and bold series of linked courtyards and covered breezeways. Large window walls create a strong interior relationship with the exterior.  The massive buildings are carefully sited on the topography of the desert valley and respond to the environment. There have been some modifications to the original building, changes that were anticipated, that have impacted but not significantly damaged the historic design integrity. During and after construction it was recognized nationally and locally for its innovative design.  The campus was featured in Architectural Record, volume 156, McGraw-Hill, 1974, noting the “educational program and desert site influence design.”  and the architects receive a Honor Award, for the Texas Society of Architects in 1973. 

(Written by Demion Clinco, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation)

In use (last updated on August 20, 2018).