Plans are moving ahead for the structural transformation of one of Tucson’s most iconic buildings.
Located at 72 East Congress Street, the structure is most known as being the home to the Indian Village Trading Center. For several decades that business – with a curio, jewelry, pawn shop, and crafts display – attracted visitors from across the Southwest.
Identified by its neon Taos Indian hoop dancer sign at the corner of the structure, the store also featured rugs, furniture, and both Native American and Western clothing.
The Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District has now finalized its $1.5 million purchase of the building, announcing plans to renovate and repurpose it as a restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue.
It is expected that the updating work on the 7,100 square-foot structure may cost as much as $5.5 million to complete.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure was originally built in 1897 and served as the home to several retailers before becoming the Indian Village Trading Center.
It features an 18-foot tall first floor and mezzanine ceiling, cast-iron storefront facade, and basement walls of lime mortar.
By Garry Boulard
