In your recent article, you neglected to mention that the exquisite mural (by local artist Jessica Gonzales) on the Scott-facing side of the building was destroyed in the process. This mural was erected in May 2016 as part of the Tucson Mural Program. What is disturbing is that the destruction of the mural occurred only 1.5 years into a 3-year contract with the City. To quote the City of Tucson, on their Mural Program website, the purpose of the murals is to "build and strengthen the culture of the city." The premature removal of this work of art will have the opposite effect on the culture and morale of the city. Did the City allow this? What's worse? The decision was not shared with the artist until after the fact. This story wreaks of backdoor political deals and special interest. Please acknowledge what has been destroyed in this so called revelation. Opinions and politics aside, contracts are contracts.
Sarah Van Mantgem
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
