Julian Drew Block, formerly Block 256 is the most historically complete block in contemporary downtown Tucson. Consistent landmark in Downtown Tucson Arizona for 145 years Julian Drew Building: earliest designed auto dealership to remain standing.
Military Establishment
Tucson goes from village to town with Federal Townsite Act. City leaders engaged in application process to receive two square miles of land to establish the town of Tucson. The military property was subdivided and platted as Blocks 256 — 261.
Block 256 (Julian Drew Block’s original name).
Arrival of Southern Pacific Railroad causes main downtown business district to expand eastward.
(March 30): Julian Drew Building construction begins:
W. E. Drew: a downtown businessman;
W.A. Julian: arrived to Tucson in 1899 with ties to San Diego. Businessman: plumbing, heating & roofing. One term Mayor of Tucson: 1928-29;
No expense spared, “At the time… purchase price was considered record breaking for a business property.” $16K land purchase and $16K building value;
First for Tucson & most innovative using architectural design to promote product;
Materials produced or processed locally are prominent elements of building: desert granite (aka quarried granite) and “Old Gold” pressed brick supplied by Tucson Pressed Brick Company;
Construction of innovative commercial structure (JDB) establishes presence. First auto dealership (& plumbing establishment of W.A. Julian in carriage house);
Lewis Hotel planned for second floor. Deeply tied to Southern Pacific railroad;
Established southern edge of downtown Tucson business district.
First year of listing in directory;
Main tenant: Tucson Willys-Overland Company.
1952: Lewis Hotel (run by Arthur Lewis from San Diego);
Caters to Southern Pacific Employees & their families;
History stipulates it was also built in response to Tucson’s growth as a health resort; though didn’t pan out as such.
Main tenant:
Studebaker Motor Car Company.
CJ Velasco service station becomes Pronto Service Station.
Pronto Service Station becomes Bowen-Maxwell Inc. Auto Dealers.
Maytag occupies.
Closed and boarded up.
Purchased by Presidio Associates Ltd.;
Building undergoes four month $75K refurbishing project done by Eglin Architects & American Shelter Corp.
The Tiberon Apartments (The Flats) was built in 1963.
The Carriage House (located between the JD building and The Tiberon) have been utilized as artist spaces.
