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Curley School Artisan Lofts

We worked with the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA), a non-profit organization whose vision is to preserve and enrich the environment, culture and economy of the Sonoran Desert. This project was the adaptive reuse of Ajo’s historic school campus into affordable live/work units for artists. The main building is a Spanish Colonial Revival structure built in 1919 and added onto in 1926-28.  The three story building includes a 40,000 square foot exposed basement.  The classrooms were converted into 20 live/work rental units ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom units.  The public areas of the building including a lobby, offices, auditorium and library, were restored and are now used by the residents and the surrounding community.

The second building, built in 1937, is a 10,000 square foot one-story wood frame structure.  This was converted to 10 live/work rental units. Additional aspects of the project includes re-designing the landscaping, off-street parking and recreational areas to improve the site and accessibility for the residents.  Special challenges of the project include the refurbishing of many original wood doors and windows, compliance with Arizona Department of Housing standards, historic standards of the U.S. Department of the Interior and oversight by the State Historic Preservation Office.

If you would like more information about ISDA and the Curley School Artisan Lofts, please visit www.isdanet.org and www.curleyshool.com

Awards: Southwest Contractors Best of 07’, Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission & Economic Development Awards; Sonoran Institute, Building From the Best ‘07 - Rehabilitation; Arizona Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2008 and winner of the 2008 National Historic Preservation Award.