Before we start...

Much of the land surrounding the University’s West Main Gate was purchased by Louise Marshall beginning in 1901 A savvy entrepreneur, business woman and one-time faculty member at the University of Arizona, Louise had a vision for the development of this area that continues to benefit the University and local community.

Continue   

In 1930, Mrs. Marshall formed an asset based foundation for the express purpose of helping those less fortunate in the community. Since 1930, solely through the management of its real estate assets, Marshall Foundation gives away 5% of its net worth every year to over 250 nonprofits in Pima County and to the University of Arizona.

  Back Continue   

Mrs. Marshall died in 1956, leaving all of her assets to a volunteer Board of Directors. To date, Marshall Foundation has invested $69 million in a twenty-year redevelopment of what is now known as Main Gate Square.

  Back Continue   

Would you like to start our walking tour?

Yes, tell me where to go. No, show me the photos.
 

Celebrating our rich history and support of the Tucson community...

 
Begin your journey
  • NOW
    THEN

    Geronimo Hotel – Euclid and University Looking South

    The Geronimo Hotel was built in 1930 with retail on the bottom floor. The building was condemned in 1980, redeveloped in the 1980’s and was acquired by the Marshall Foundation in 1994. The original sign for the Geronimo Hotel hangs in the Auld Dubliner Pub.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    Zuni Court and Geronimo Plaza

    Built in 1919, the Zuni Court is reported to be the first motor lodge in Tucson. The original casitas were condemned in the 1980’s, but over the years have been home to student housing and redeveloped for their current use as office and retail space. The property was acquired by the Marshall Foundation in 1994.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    North Side of University

    Louise Marshall built Tucson’s first suburban shopping center in 1922. In the 1980’s an arcade was added to the building to provide shade, but it blocked access to the storefronts and was later removed. Today, the Marshall Foundation creates shade through the use of awnings and plantings.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    South Side of University – Mid-Block

    The South side of University has always had multiple property owners, resulting in unique facades that attract small businesses based on its urban character. This project was redeveloped by the Franklin Partners in the 1970’s.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    South Side of University

    Redeveloped in 1975, this section of University Blvd. has some older original buildings built in 1951. (Currently Posner’s Art Store and Espresso Art). Posner’s Art Store has been in business for more than 100 years and relocated to Main Gate Square in 2012. The buildings on this side of this street were purchased by the Marshall Foundation in 1980.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    Interior of University Drug / Wilko

    University Drug was the corner, anchor tenant for Louise Marshall’s first shopping center built in 1922. The store was owned by Mrs. Marshall and managed by Leo McDonald. Mrs. Marshall was such a successful business woman that her projects were often copied, including a drugstore that later located in the Geronimo Hotel called Martin’s Drugs.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    University and Park Southwest Corner

    This project was redeveloped in the 1970’s and the developers added retail space on the second floor. This was at the time non-traditional, but very successful. This space has been home to many restaurants and retail shops frequented by UA students and faculty for years.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    Northwest Corner of Park and University

    This building was the first suburban shopping center in Tucson and was built by Louise Marshall in 1922. Over the years, the Marshall Foundation added a variety of facades to the building. In the early 1990’s there was a redevelopment of the area between Euclid and Park and North to 2nd St. The contractors attempted to remove the facade to restore the building to the original look, but the building became unstable and could not be preserved. The current structure has been rebuilt to honor Louise’s original vision.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    Streetcar at University and Park

    In 1903 Louise Marshall bought shares of Streetcar Railway stock because as an asthma sufferer, the horse and buggies stirred up too much dust for her. She also had a vision that the University should be connected to the downtown business district by streetcar. This connection between the two areas ran until 1940. The Sun Link modern streetcar that currently runs today launched in 2014 and its 3.9 mile route connects five of Tucson’s most unique districts.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    University and Tyndall Looking North

    In the 1960s, West of Tyndall was comprised of individual commercial buildings and residences. Over time this area was redeveloped to meet the needs of the University area. In the 1980’s the Marshall Foundation placed a façade on the East building to modernize the look. The building to the West once housed the Center for Creative Photography which is now located on the UA campus.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    North Side of University at Tyndall

    This photo shows the 1960’s stucco façade, which was placed over the original brick construction to modernize the look. Numerous iconic retailers have been located in this building including Kiva Indian Trading Post and Carters Jewelry Store.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  
  • NOW
    THEN

    Tyndall and University Looking East

    In the 1970’s during the redevelopment of the area between Park and Tyndall, a long-time service station was demolished. The original station from the 1920’s shown here, was called Varsity Service Station and later was re-named Pope’s Garage. Louise Marshall leased these stations to the Texas Oil Company.

    Move the bar over the photo to view now and then versions of Main Gate Square locations

    See full version  See map  

Before we start...

Much of the land surrounding the University’s West Main Gate was purchased by Louise Marshall beginning in 1901 A savvy entrepreneur, business woman and one-time faculty member at the University of Arizona, Louise had a vision for the development of this area that continues to benefit the University and local community. In 1930, Mrs. Marshall formed an asset based foundation for the express purpose of helping those less fortunate in the community.

Since 1930, solely through the management of its real estate assets, Marshall Foundation gives away 5% of its net worth every year to over 250 nonprofits in Pima County and to the University of Arizona. Mrs. Marshall died in 1956, leaving all of her assets to a volunteer Board of Directors. To date, Marshall Foundation has invested $69 million in a twenty-year redevelopment of what is now known as Main Gate Square.

Begin your journey