Tucson’s Hotel Congress in first phase of renovation plan

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TUCSON, Arizona (AP) – Tucson’s iconic Hotel Convention is undergoing a makeover that staff say has been more than a century in the making.

The historic property, which was closed throughout July, is slated to reopen on August 12 after the first phase of a $ 750,000 renovation, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Todd Haney, general manager, said the new enhancements include expanding the outdoor space that normally hosts concerts. The room will have retractable canopy with a commercial fogging system.

David Slutes, the hotel’s entertainment director, said they want to have more concerts over the summer months. But when it’s cooler, the canopy isn’t up.

“That’s really the goal of expanding usage,” said Slutes. “We still want concerts under the stars, because that’s the best.”

Inside, the 204 square meter Copper Hall will serve as a jazz music lounge and tasting room with local wines.

The hotel is investing more than $ 100,000, and Rio Nuevo, the tax hike financial district, is contributing $ 600,000, according to Haney.

“After a pandemic, we adjust everything we do to the availability of our resources,” said Haney.

The 102-year-old cast iron pipes of the hotel, which was built in 1919, also need renovation. The pipeline replacement has been in the works for three years, Haney said. The hotel has done patchwork repairs over the years.

“We cannot continue doing business with a 102-year-old sanitary infrastructure,” said Haney.

The Tucson landmark has weathered multiple events over the decades. In 1934 the hotel caught fire. The fire eventually led to the notorious bank robber John Dillinger, who hid there with his gang.

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