University of Arizona Main Library was one of the last major building of the Tucson’s mid-century Modern movement.  The building was designed by the architectural firm of Friedman & Jobusch in 1972 and constructed by M.M. Sundt Construction Co. (Tucson Daily Citizen, Spring Start for UA library, December 25, 1972). State funding cycles caused significant delays in the construction timeline.  By the time building was completed the total cost was $12.1M and the building sat empty for a year with no funding approved by Arizona State Legislature for furnishings.  Once fully funded the library opened in 1977.  The use of precast exposed aggregate concrete and poured-in-place concrete created allowed for an exposed structural systems.  The building includes concrete coffered ceiling.  The University of Arizona Library marked the end of Tucson’s monumental civic brutalist buildings.

(Written by Demion Clinco, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation)