Tucson's future thinkers are paving the way for new life to be breathed into an old building. Students from the University of Arizona's W.A. Franke Honors College are participating in the "Problems to Possibilities" program, a county-backed initiative that challenges them to devise real-world solutions for revitalizing the historic Roy Place building in Downtown Tucson, as reported by Pima County. The team-up with Pima County Economic Development is not just an academic exercise, it's a hands-on approach to urban development powered by fresh, young minds.
In September and October, these students were asked to completely rethink the unused space. They were graced with insights from Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi on the building’s potential and the complexities behind revitalizing such a structure, as per Pima County. After a thorough tour to intimately acquaint themselves with Roy Place's bones—its layout, assets, and storied architecture—students put their heads together, gauging how best to inject new energy into the old edifice.
According to Pima County's news release, the showcase was a hit, with each group managing to showcase truly unique possibilities for Roy Place.
