Within a six-month timeframe, MRWI completed this adaptive reuse renovation in May of 2014 as a build-to-suit corporate headquarters for Mister Car Wash, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing car wash owner-operator. Capitalizing on numerous economic incentives, this investment transformed a long dormant, half-demolished neighborhood eyesore into 25,350 square feet of Class A office space in Tucson’s hottest new commercial corridor, the downtown “Core”. Mister Car Wash plans to draw on the area’s dynamic energy and amenities to continue to attract top talent to its growing company. Originally built in 1952, the three-story steel and brick building was redesigned by Rob Paulus Architects to feature a modern, open office environment complete with breakout rooms, a training space, a workout area with showers, and a sizable lounge that spills out to a shaded, landscaped entry courtyard. The integrity of the existing structure is brought to the forefront with exposed brick walls and open steel trusses that contrast with vibrant modern colors, materials, and floor coverings on the interior. A new entry canopy and courtyard at the east façade continues the structural grid of the building to the outside, creating a welcoming shaded oasis for the office users and the neighborhood.
The building is strategically located seven blocks from the University of Arizona, three blocks from downtown Tucson and just two blocks from Tucson’s modern streetcar system which connects the University with downtown.