Plans to replace a longtime Tucson music venue with an apartment complex have been called off.
A plan to close The Rock, a concert venue south of the University of Arizona campus at 136 N. Park Ave. has been called off. But the owner is still looking for a buyer.
California-based Ascent Property Co. was planning a five-story apartment complex at the site of The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave., and the adjacent TUSD parking lot.
The pending escrow was terminated Dec. 19.
Representatives from Ascent Property did not respond to requests for comment about the decision.
Kent Van Stelle, who has owned The Rock for 28 years, said he is still interested in selling the property, especially if someone wanted to keep it as a music venue.
“My era there is over,” he said. “I love the music; I love the bands I love the fans — most of all — and I would love for someone to keep it going.”
The reason why the sale was called off was not given, Van Stelle said.
“There was a lot of talk about possibilities and for whatever reason, they backed out,” he said. “As of right now, there’s no deal.”
For the time being, musicians are still being booked.
“We are open for business,” Van Stelle said. “We’re still looking for shows, still looking for customers.”
A memorial outside The rock was created and has been maintained by fans of Lil Peep, who died there in 2017.
When the apartment plans were announced, the mother of a musician who died of an overdose at The Rock generated more than 30,000 signatures to keep it open.
“The Rock, a beloved music venue in Tucson, holds a special place in not just the city's music history, but also in my heart,” Liza Womack wrote in an online petition about her son, rapper Lil Peep, whose real name was Gustav Ahr. “Tragically, my son was set to play at The Rock when he passed away on his tour bus right outside in 2017.”
A memorial outside The Rock was created and has been maintained by Lil Peep’s fans.
“The proposal to tear down The Rock and replace it with yet another apartment building signifies a loss of cultural heritage and community spirit,” Womack wrote. “The memorial, in particular, stands not only as a tribute to my son's memory but also as an enduring symbol of how music brings people together, transcending boundaries and touching souls.”
In an email to the Star, Womack said she is hopeful The Rock will remain a place for musicians.
“So many smaller music venues nationwide are disappearing and struggling to stay afloat,” she said. “I have received many messages from residents of Tucson expressing concern and sorrow if it were to be demolished or somehow closed down.”
Van Stelle said he hopes the renewed attention piques someone’s interest in preserving the venue.
“I’d be very happy if someone is willing to save The Rock,” he said. “And I’m very thankful to the fans that have voiced their opinion.”
