The chapel, completed in 1986, serves as a tribute to Soleri’s late wife, who succumbed to the disease. Despite its significance, recent discussions about relocating the chapel have stirred concerns among the local community.

The Soleri Chapel: A Work of Art

The chapel is a masterpiece comprising 10 ceiling panels, a wall sculpture, decorative bells, and a stained glass window. Originally designed as a public chapel, it has become a symbol of Soleri’s artistic prowess and a memorial to his personal loss. However, the building housing the chapel has undergone a transformation into office space, rendering it inaccessible to the public.

Shifting Elements to the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

In response to the limitations posed by the current location, the University of Arizona initially decided to relocate some elements of the chapel to a new meditation room in the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. This move aimed to ensure the preservation and accessibility of Soleri’s work.

The University’s Change of Plans

Despite initial plans, the University of Arizona has recently announced a pause on the project, citing the need for further discussions. The decision to halt the relocation indefinitely comes after considering the concerns raised by the community. The university acknowledges the importance of the public’s feedback and expresses a commitment to working with preservationists in the coming months.

Preservation Challenges and Stakeholder Collaboration

Demion Clinco, the Executive Director of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, welcomes the university’s decision. He emphasizes the potential risks associated with dismantling the chapel, including the loss of its national register eligibility and the possibility of damages. Clinco expresses hope for a collaborative stakeholder process that preserves the chapel’s integrity, spatial configurations, architectural intent, and donor intent while ensuring public accessibility.

Future Collaborative Stakeholder Process

The university’s commitment to engaging with preservationists and stakeholders signals a new approach to finding a suitable location for Soleri’s works. The collaborative stakeholder process aims to address concerns and explore alternatives, with the goal of making informed recommendations. Clinco, optimistic about being part of these stakeholder meetings, envisions a transparent and inclusive process that honors the chapel’s significance.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Preservation and Public Accessibility

As the University of Arizona navigates the complex task of determining the best placement for Soleri’s works, the community awaits the outcome of the collaborative stakeholder process. Balancing preservation with public accessibility remains a key challenge, and the university’s commitment to a thoughtful and inclusive decision-making process is crucial. The future of the Soleri chapel hangs in the balance, with hopes that its artistic and historical value will be safeguarded for generations to come.