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Local Artists lose building to Downtown Links Project - KVOA Tucson News

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TUCSON (KVOA) - As part of the long-range Regional Transportation Authority Plan, construction continues on the Downtown Links Project.

More than $76 million is being provided through the RTA for the project which Pima County voters approved in 2006 through a half-cent transportation sales tax. The city told News 4 Tucson this project is much needed for Tucson roads.

Unfortunately, that means local artists have to move out of the Citizens Warehouse.

The Citizens Warehouse is home to more than 25 artists. They do not live there, but it is a place they can express themselves.

But now, they have to pack up and move out.

"They can use the lot next door and dig and do whatever they want but we should be able to stay in the building," said local artist David Aguirre.

The Citizens Warehouse is owned by Arizona Department of Transportation and leased by the City of Tucson. The original lease expired for the artists in June.

"We have been working with the artist's management company… to allow them to stay until construction physically starts," the city said in a statement. "Tenants were provided an additional 60 days to stay in the building."

The Downtown Links Project includes the area of where the Citizens Warehouse is.

As of right now, there are no plans to tear down the building.

So why do the artists need to move out? The city said for safety reasons.

"They say it may be unsafe," said Aguirre. "We think maybe it will be fine."

A representative with the Tucson Department of Transportation said, this phase includes a four-lane road, improved drainage, bike lanes, multi-use paths, new bridges, public art and a grade-separated bridge to carry the railroad over the roadway.

The project offers an alternate route around the downtown core to Interstate 10 and provides enhancements, benefits and connections for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

The city said the project team and the contractor are still in contract negotiations.

The goal is to be completed with that process and begin construction in August.

"We think what is going to happen is the building is just going to be empty for a year or more," said Aguirre.

Construction will take about three years to complete. A public meeting on Downtown Links Project will be held next week.

For more information, downtownlinks.info.

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Local Artists lose building to Downtown Links Project - KVOA Tucson News
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