Tombstone Tactical has relocated to the old western thrift building in Metrocenter, offering a new resident of one of the valley’s most distinctive architectural pieces.
- The building is on the west side of Interstate 17 between Dunlop Avenue and Peoria Avenue.
Current news: Brian and Candice Smith, who own Tombstone, a gun shop, bought the building in December 2020 after their previous tenant, Soper Salad, closed the shop.
- Tombstone Tactical’s original Phoenix location is still next to the old bank building, but Smith wanted to expand, says Brian Axios.
- The store opened in April in the former bank building.
- Smith says the old building will serve as a warehouse and call center, and plans to host training there as well.
Between the lines: He says that both buildings from the important domain were almost lost. The City of Phoenix told Tombstone Tactical, Soper Salad, and Hustler Hollywood a few years ago that they would all have to find new locations to make way for a light rail line that would run from Interstate 17 to Metrocenter.
- Phoenix wanted to convert the old Western thrift building into an open-air station where people can access the light rail platform, but eventually changed its plans, Smith says.
- Soper Salad went out of business when Tombstone Tactical outgrew its original building.
- “We absolutely loved the design of the building. But it was a perfect tsunami,” Smith tells Axios. “It just made sense.”
Designation: Smith uncovered the exterior of the old bank vault that had been covered.
- Smith said he plans to put up a plaque to let the public know it is the original Western Savings Branch vault.
Tombstone Tactical’s 1st place opened in Chino Valley in 2010 and Smith opened its Metrocenter store in 2014.
Zoom out: MetroCenter Mall closed in 2020, but the property is being redeveloped into a mixed-use development with apartments, retail space, restaurants and other amenities.
Flashback: Opened in 1974, the Western Savings Building was designed by architect Wenceslao Sarmiento.
- The distinctive building consists of arches adorning the outside of its circular structure, with vertical ribs rising from the roof and narrowing into cones.
- Sarmiento also designed the iconic Phoenix Financial Center complex at Central Avenue and Osborne Road.
- Smith said the Western Savings branch moved in 1980 and, to his knowledge, Super Salad has been the only occupant of the building since then.
My thought bubble: I grew up in North Phoenix and spent most of my youth in the Metrocenter, so the distinctive Western Thrift buildings will always hold a place in my heart. I’m happy to see someone new.
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