Asarco Headquarters

The Asarco (American Smelting and Refining Co.) Tucson Headquarters at 1150 North 7th Avenue, was designed by the architectural firm of Cain Nelson & Ware and built by contractors W.F. Connelly in 1964. The structural concrete post and beam system of the building is extruded beyond the interior form to become a detail of the exterior design. Large horizontal cast-in-place concrete slabs project beyond the walls and angle at 45 degrees to create shades system.  The building utilized copper decorative panels, both a regional material and Asarco’s main product. The combination of local a material palette and an environmental response become typical of concrete buildings in Tucson. (Written by Demion Clinco, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation)